We’ve all heard of the three R’s, right? Well, karate has something similar. The Three K’s. What are they? Simple:
Kihon (Basics), Kata ( Forms), Kumite ( Sparring)
When practiced together, the above will help to create a more rounded martial artist. They will teach how to do the basic movements (kihon), how to put movements together (kata) and how to use the techniques in “real life” situations (kumite).
Once you have learned the Kihon sets, it’s time to start learning the Jiyu Ippon Sets (semi-free, one-attack sparring).
As with Kihon, there are 5 sets to master. The major difference between these and the Kihon sets is that they are conducted from the Jiyu Dachi (free standing) position. The sets begin with quite simple moves. For example, Set 1 Jodan is an Oi Zuki attack to the head, countered by side-stepping away from the blow, defending Shuto Uke, and countering with Chudan Zuki (it’s not really possible to describe in words - you need to be in the Dojo to see it demonstrated). Set 5, however, involves much more complex defences, including jumping-kicks, and take-downs.
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Kihon Kumite is the application of fully controlled, formalised attacks and defences.
There are several Kihon sets to learn. All the sets (like basics) are derived from Shotokan Kata. As you advance in your training, with each grade you learn a new set. Each set introduces a variation of attack and defence.
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When you see two boxers fighting in the ring, they are sparring with each other. Each tries to score a point by landing a blow to the target area of their opponent, and the winner will be the one who has the most points by the end of the match.
Of course, boxing matches also sometimes end when one of the protagonists is knocked out, or when the match is stopped by the referee because one of them has been seriously hurt. This may be because (a) some of the artistry of boxing has been lost, and become subservient to the pressures of commercialism, or (b) because the boxers aren’t very good at boxing, just fighting.
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