Kihon Gohon Kumite or 5 Step Sparring is one of the first Kumite exercise practiced in Shotokan Karate. Although developed for the learning of the first techniques and the coordination of the movements, it remains very interesting to practice whatever the rank. The practice of this Kumite is fundamental for any Karateka.
Sparring teaches students how to utilise the basic elements of Karate (i.e. kicks, punches and blocks) for self-defense. Gohon Kumite's goal is to work on both the physical aspect (mi-gamae) and the mind (ki-gamae).
The opponent will attack in succession with five attacks, well spaced, while the defender will have to counterattack only at the end of the five parades. At the end of the execution the parts will be reversed.
Gohon Kumite Jodan
Drill performed by Kurihara Kzuaki and Ryosuke Shimizu
Gohon Kumite Chudan
Drill performed by Kurihara Kzuaki and Ryosuke Shimizu
Points of attention
- Combative Attitude (Yakusoku Kumite)
- Alignment with respect to the central axis
- Speed of travel
- Attacker control (downtime) between each attack
- Defender control in relation to effective blocking
