Specificity
Karate is both a sport and an art with three categories of discipline.
A)
Kumite (combat) is done against one or several persons and is divided into three distinct categories.
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Shai kumite (competitive or sportive combat) is to test one's skills and compete with other karateka. For many people, this is no longer true karate-do (the way of karate).
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Kumite (traditional combat) is very difficult and is rarely taught and practiced. It is the ability to fight against one or more opponents without warning or unexpected manner.
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Kihon kumite (training combat) is the training of techniques announced aloud to execute them. One technique is repeated x times before moving on to the next one.
B)
Kihon (vibration of energy) is a traditional training during which repetitive movements of various degrees of difficulty are executed.
Kihon is also called basic training, which can be easily misunderstood. The techniques learned during Kihon training are based on basic movements that can be found everywhere in karate. However, the difficulty increases as the karateka becomes more experienced, although ordinary spectators may not necessarily see a difference.
C)
Katas are a simulation of fights against several people with finished gestures. In different dojos, there are many ways to train katas, depending on the teacher who teaches them. Here are two examples:
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Competitive-type katas are much more focused on visual execution (beautiful, clean, and clear movements).
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Traditional-type katas are much more focused on the real usefulness of the movements (strength, understanding of techniques, mastery of breathing and body).
However, one does not prevent the other, on the contrary, a karateka aims to perfection of his katas in all areas is highly commendable.