Tag Archives: kumite
Video: Bunkai Kumite Bassai
Bunkai Kumite shows the hidden techniques within a kata. Movements that include unarmed techniques of strikes (goho) and locks (juho) as well as weapons application of the bo and katana (bukiho) are revealed. By its nature Bunkai kumite includes at least two players where one is the offensive player and one the defensive player. In team competition there are usually three players working together to show the inner workings of the kata. The offensive player(s) attacks the defensive player(s) with the kata movements in mind and the defensive player(s) uses the movements within the kata to determine an appropriate defensive response. The role of offense and defense may rotate between players so long as the movements of the kata are explored in sequence. Bunkai kumite is typically learned at the time when the underlying kata is well known and understood. The application of the Bunkai elevates the learning of the kata to a higher level and requires a more fluid understanding of the kata. In this respect Bunkai is typically practiced by intermediate to advanced students, however, the benefit of bunkai training can be obtained at any level with the proper instruction and guidance of a seasoned Sensei.
An example of Bunkai Kumite from the 2017 World Koshiki Tournament held in London, Ontario is shown below. Performing Bassai Bunkai is Shihan Andrew Riley, Kyoshi Nick King and Shihan Scott Chaffey. The trio won the gold medal for Bunkai. It was a great demonstration loved by the crowd.
Video: Renshu Ni Kumite
Renshu Kumite Ni is the second of two prearranged sequences (yakusoku randori kumite) developed by Hanshi Masayuki Kukan Hisataka to assist karatedo students to refine their favorite techniques into effective sequences utilizing both offensive and defensive strategies.
In fact, the two renshu kumite were created by Hanshi Hisataka in 1963, shortly after his arrival in New York, and stemmed from his observations after teaching classes of non-Japnese for the first time. He observed that, in general, western sports favored lateral motion over angular motion, and thus one of the prime aims of the renshu kumite ni is to emphasize angular motion.
An unique feature of the renshu kumite ni is that it was the first kumite created for the purpose of developing basic techniques used in competition. Prior to that time. kumite was the application of techniques from kata and the sankakutobi kumite. However, such application techniques were extremely intricate and more valuable in the development of real fighting strategies for life and death situations, as well as total physical, mental, and technical development. Renshu kumite ni (literally meaning kumite “practice”) is a scientifically developed fighting training method that can also serve as preparation for the higher level application kumite.
Renshu kumite ni emphasizes techniques of the rear hand and foot, as opposed to renshu kumite ichi, which emphasizes front hand and foot attacks. In addition, renshu kumite ni also emphasizes the succeeding step (tsugi ashi) and 45 degree angular motion. In effect, this implies escaping to the opponent’s blind spot and aids in deflecting the force of a direct attack. In this way, counterattacks are achieved in a circular motion. Accordingly, what commences as linear motion becomes angular motion, and finally, circular motion.
To practice renshu kumite ni, the karateka should bear in mind the intended target, the optimum technique, the manner of delivering that technique, the distance required to effectively deliver that technique, the timing required, and how to recover from the delivery. In this way, the karateka transcends mere technique and utilizes the three minds (mittsu no kokoro) of zenshin, tsushin and zanshin.
Video: Renshu Ichi Kumite
Both Renshu Kumite Ichi and Renshu Kumite Ni were developed by So Shihan Masayuki Hisataka in 1963 shortly after his arrival in New York and stemmed from his observation and teaching classes of non-Japanese for the first time. He observed that, in general, western sports favored lateral motion over angular motion and thus one of the prime aims of the Renshu Kumite Ni is to emphasize angular motion. The Renshu Kumite(s) contain most of the basic techniques and principles of Karatedo. Renshu Kumite Ichi emphasizes the use of the front hand and is recommended for 10th and 9th kyu students while Renshu Kumite Ni teaches the use of the back hand, and is recommended for 8th and 7th kyu students.
