Kumite Is a very important aspect of Shotokan Karate, this page is designed in showing attacking and defending movements taught to students in everyday Karate lessons.

Modern day Karate consists of Competition Karate and Combat Karate the videos below show the later form (Combat Karate).

Practicing Combat Karate a karate-ka (Student) learns three vital skills, 'Timing', 'Distance' and 'Kime'.

Timing is a very important factor, the karate-ka learns to attack or counter attack his opponent at the precise moment which would have the most devastating effect.

Distance, this can be confused with Timing, although it has similar attributes, distance is mostly used before an attack or counter attack, thus giving the karate-ka the optimum distance for the best attack or counter attack.

Lastly Kime which is the most important factor, this is taught to a karate-ka from a beginner level. At the precise moment of an attack, block etc.. the karate-ka tenses his Hara (Stomach) muscles, thus giving the karate-ka the kime (focus) needed for devastating attack or counter attack.

Below you will see Sensei Jason K. Ashcroft performing some advanced counter attacks using all three factors mentioned above.

Don't forget to check out our YouTube Video Page - HERE - Where you will find other WSKO Videos - Tutorial Videos and General Karate / Martial Art Videos