Understanding the Principles of Kumite

Control - the ability to strike any given area with the desired amount of force needed for
              the situation.

Self Control - never losing one's temper or attacking out of spite. Never being malicious at
                      any time.

Distance - understanding when to strike based on the distance to the target.

Timing - understanding the rhythm and sync of your opponent's movements and attacks.

Focus - not throwing or wasting techniques to just throw them but rather hitting the
            intended target.

Kime - Warrior spirit...true concentration, no mind of thought and proper Ki-ya!
           This is martial arts!

Sen Sen No Sen / Sen No Sen / Go No Sen - The Foundation of Effective Kumite

Understanding that these principles drive the mere essence of Kumite will also make the student a very strong self defense expert through their practice, study and application. The principles as outlined below are very hard to grasp unless you train them whenever given a chance. At Budokan Dojo we teach these principles along with the application of proper technique when studying the purpose and seeking the perfection of one's Kumite ability. To grasp them as defined here is a brief explanation of each one:

Sen Sen no Sen (Superior initiatory)
In this situation both you and your opponent are ready and willing to attack. Your attack must be made first in a spilt second between the time your opponent mentally commits to the attack and the moment he begins his actual movement. His commitment to attack will prevent him responding with a defense.

Sen or Sen no Sen (Initiatory)
In Sen or Sen no Sen you and your opponent begin to move simultaneously. Your awareness of his intention to attack allows you to attack just slightly faster, making your strike just before his. Also called Deai or Deashi.

Go No Sen (Initiatory of defense)
You must remain calm and watch your opponent very carefully. Your block should be an automatic response to his attack and you should attack him before he is able to recover from his initial movement.