Karate

Kumite (Fighting Training)

Kumite is the training of fighting against one or more opponents. It is divided into different forms:

• Shiai Kumite (Competition) – Here you compete against other karateka to test your skills. For some, the sporting aspect is in the foreground, for others it corresponds less to the original Karate-Dō.
• Kumite (traditional fighting training) – This form is demanding and is taught rather rarely. It is about reacting to unexpected attacks and defending yourself realistically.
• Kihon Kumite (training fight) – Fixed sequences are practiced here. Techniques are clearly announced and repeated several times to learn and consolidate them cleanly.

Kihon (Basics / Basic Training)

Kihon is the basic training in karate. Techniques are repeated over and over again to perform them cleanly, controllably and effectively and to get used to the processes.

At first glance, Kihon seems simple. In reality, however, there is a lot behind it. It is not just about the movement, but about using the whole body correctly – posture, breathing, and tension and relaxation at the right moment.

The word "Kihon" literally means "foundation" or "basis". In practice, however, it is often interpreted differently. Some karateka also understand the interaction of energy ("Ki") and movement.

You can imagine it like this: strength is not only created by muscles, but by the interaction of movement, timing, breathing, motivation and concentration. When everything comes together at the right moment, a technique becomes particularly effective.

That is exactly what is trained in Kihon.

With increasing experience, this training becomes more and more demanding. Small details make a big difference, even if it is hardly visible from the outside. Intensive training challenges the whole body and requires endurance, control and concentration.