A kumite is a contest or match in which two competitors spar by means of a free exchange of punches, kicks, blocks, and counter moves. The object is to score three points against your opponent.

A point is scored when one fighter gets a fully focused technique into one of the target areas of his opponent. The legal target areas are head, face, chest, and abdomen. No contact whatsoever is allowed to the head or face, light contact is allowed to the body. Illegal target areas include back of head, neck, throat, back, arms, legs, knees, and elbows.

Sparring Rules:

· No contact whatsoever to the head or face is allowed.

For a technique to score a point, it must have good form, proper attitude from the fighter, control, focus, alertness, good timing, and proper distance. There must also be a demonstration of commitment, which continues after the technique has landed and should show the fighter maintaining concentration and awareness of the opponent’s ability to counter-attack.

A kumite is an exciting opportunity to utilize all of the learned skills and techniques against and opponent in a competitive atmosphere and can be a great learning experience in itself. But with the experience also comes the risk of injury during a match. That is why it is so important that each and every technique show proper focus and control. Anyone whom jeopardizes their own safety or the safety of their competitor by making excessive contact, or using uncontrolled or dangerous techniques will be immediately disqualified.