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Kumite

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Kumite or "free sparring", is the means by which the "Karateka" (student of Karate), practices the various techniques that he has learned. It is a means to find out how techniques can be applied in different combat situations. This aspect of Karate is necessary in order for the student to put into practice the actual techniques that he is studying and learning to use. The emphasis is not on fighting. "If Karate is practiced solely as a fighting technique, this is cause for great regret. The fundamental techniques have been developed and perfected through long years of study and practice, but to make any effective use of these techniques, the spiritual aspect of this art of self-defense must be recognized and must play the dominant role." Kumite was developed by Gogen Yamaguchi in 1936 and was adopted by the JKA (Japanese Karate Association) in 1951. With the adoption of free sparring, Karate became a recognized sport. "Deciding who is the winner and who is the loser is not the ultimate objective. Karate-do is a martial art for the development of character through training, so that the "Karateka" can surmount any obstacle, tangible or intangible."


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