Training - Kumite
Kumite (組手) means "sparring", and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. Kumite is the part of karate in which you train against an adversary, using the techniques learnt from the kihon and kata. Kumite can be used to develop particular techniques or skill, or it can be entered into as a competition.
Kumite is used to develop distance, timing and accuracy for use within both competition sparring and self-defense. It is free flowing and only uses the traditional stances as a guide to best practice, with most stances and techniques falling back to what feels most comfortable, and what works best. Unlike kihon and kata, kumite allows students a large amount of freedom and creativity with both their strategy and techniques. However, as kumite is still a training technique and at most a competition the attitude of the karateka should always stay positive and respectful, as the goal is never to injure the opponent, only to create a situation that simulates a fight situation.
Training Equipment
The West Moreton Academy of Martial Arts is a non-contact / light contact club. Whilst we train with the mindset that each single strike should have the power to subdue an opponent, we feel that the time spent not being able to train due to injuries would have more of a negative impact on our training. Training with this level of contact also teaches control, and the ability to deliver a technique with the appropriate force relevant to the situation. It also allows for training between people of different age groups and gender, as injuries as a result of contact are very few and far between.
Because we train with this level of control, sparring equipment used during training consists of approved mitts, groin guard (males) and a mouth guard. However, we do recommend students to purchase shin and instep protectors and a breast protector (females). Other protective equipment is also available for students on request. We do have a supply of mitts available to students, but, due to hygiene issues we request that students purchase their own equipment.