There
are two forms of kumite (sparring) purely for the training of kihon
(fundamentals), these are: Gohon Kumite—Five step sparring; and Kihon Ippon
Kumite—Fundamental one step sparring.
The
purpose is ‘KIHON’:
While both of these training drills practice the additional aspect of timing
and maai (distancing), the focal point is to ‘maintain and employ
perfected/classical kihon form’ whilst doing so. For this reason, I have always
highly recommended that karateka do not consider Gohon and Kihon Ippon Kumite
as ‘kumite’ but, rather, as ‘partner kihon’. In this way, the underpinning
purposes of these partner drills can be achieved and not diminished in any way.
Gohon
Kumite and Kihon Ippon Kumite WONT TEACH YOU HOW TO FIGHT:
Common sense shows that doing these drills, just like doing solo kata training,
will not teach you how to fight in isolation. That has never been the objective
of these drills/routines; rather, their point is to teach/ingrain and further
develop optimal body actions (which, in turn, become functional via ‘specific freestyle
training’: uchikomi, jiyu-kumite, oyo-kumite, impact training etcetera). As a
whole, Gohon Kumite and Kihon Kumite are training methods—which contribute
towards overall effectiveness of karate technique—by strictly practicing the
pure/classical fundamental techniques with a training partner.
Training
these drills as MATCHES: This is, of course, fine, and is done
here in Japan (with Kihon Ippon Kumite); nevertheless, one will not be
successful if one turns Gohon and Kihon Ippon Kumite into some form of
‘restricted fight’. As stressed above, doing so, will inevitably compromise
kihon—which immediately renders these drills useless. Returning to the point of
matches with Kihon Ippon Kumite, in relation to the aforementioned point, the
‘winner’ be the karateka whom demonstrates superior kihon; thus, again
elucidating the point of Fundamental ‘Kumite’.
Training
this way doesn’t EXPRESS EMOTIONS; rather CONTOLS THEM: One
of the big factors between the top level karateka here in Japan—and those
around the world—is the difference of emotional expression in training. The
Budo Karate Way is ‘poker-faced’. No grizzly expressions—like on the covers of
cheesy martial arts magazines and depicted in far-fetched martial arts movies;
no ‘post win’ high fives and dancing—as is often seen in sports karate events.
Quite simply, no emotional expression. Practicing karate in this way, the
proper way, means that far greater internal-control will be achieved. Relating
this point, specifically to Gohon Kumite and Kihon Ippon Kumite, we can see
some essential mind-body connections. This is especially the case due: to these
drills requiring ‘to move the body in very strict ways’. Getting ‘stuck-in’
(forcing and rushing techniques) is an easy way to see poor control of the body
and mind. To recapitulate and summarize in a slightly different way, in order
to be successful, one needs to be in a very calm state to move correctly—without
any technical short-cuts nor superfluous actions; furthermore, to also have
‘strict control over emotions’ (to not ‘over excite’ and, consequently, turn
the drill into a quasi-freestyle exercise with one’s training partner). In this
way, we can readily see how SHIN-GI-TAI is trained in fundamental kumite and
Karate-Do in general.
The
most important person in Gohon Kumite and Kihon Ippon Kumite:
Besides exact kihon, and having the emotional control required to do so, never
forget that “...THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN ALL FORMS OF YAKUSOKU-KUMITE
(Pre-arranged Sparring) IS ALWAYS THE DESIGNATED ATTACKER”. There are multiple
reasons for this, however, the most critical is “...that always making/using
correct maai for one’s attacks must become second nature”. There is no
exception to this rule. Second only, to this point, is the need to offer
stimuli for one’s training partner to respond. Put another way, an out of
distance technique requires no defensive response; thus, if an ukewaza
(reception technique) is employed, it is inherently an error.
CONCLUSION: Kihon, kata and all of the different
forms of kumite training collectively work together to optimally develop the
defensive and offensive capacities of karateka; however, the objective of each
drill must be fully understood and followed in physical practice. Failure to do
so will waste training time; moreover, groove bad habits. When practicing Gohon
Kumite and Kihon Ippon Kumite think about how much they imitate/resemble a real
fight. When one does so, it is evident that they do not, nor can, prepare one
for jiyu-kumite nor self-defence. Irrespective of this, they are excellent building
blocks—when understood and trained correctly—that greatly contribute towards
solidifying the foundational skills which (in harmonious combination with
kihon, kata, and the other forms of kumite) result in an ever-improving
freestyle capacity.
©
André Bertel. Oita-City, Japan (2017).
PS –
You may have noted that I have not mentioned Jiyu Ippon Kumite: this was
intentional. I will write an article about it in the near future. 押忍, André.
