Kihon ippon kumite is excellent for applying the concept of Ikken Hissatsu (to finish with one blow), whilst in a relatively safe environment. The attacker announces the intended target jodan (upper level (head)) and attacks with an Oi zuki (stepping punch). The defender knows what attack is coming and in the Jodan Oi Zuki attack, the defender could step back and block age uke then counter gyaku zuki (reverse punch). In most Shotokan Dojo the attacks are Jodan Oi zuki (stepping punch to the head), Chudan Oi zuki (stepping punch to the body), Maegeri (front kick), Yoko Geri Kekomi (side thrust kick) and Mawashi Geri (round house kick).
This kumite is excellent for working on ~
1. Distancing
2. Timing
3, Non telegraphed movement
4. Spirit (ikken hissatsu)
5. Reflexes
6. Reading your opponent
7. Speed
In the video tutorial below, we go through the defenses for each of the attacks.
When practicing at home without a partner, try and visualise an actual attack. Practice slowly, work on technique and a smooth transition between the block and counter. When practicing at speed, try and apply the concept of ikken hissatsu and the counter should instantly follow the block, make sure you finish the block completely including a full hikite, but there should be no pause between the block and counter.
The attacks are ~
1 x Oi zuki (stepping punch) Jodan (upper level(head))
1 x Oi zuki (stepping punch) Chudan (middle level(body))
1 x Mae Geri (front kick)
1 x Yoko Geri Kekomi (side thrust kick)
1 x Mawashi Geri (round house kick)
The defense and counter is usually free, but many shotokan karate dojo have pre arranged block and counter sequences, which include a large selection of blocks, counters and tai sabaki ( body movement).
The ‘ikken hissatsu’ (to kill or finish with one blow) is still the attitude to have when attacking and defending. Make sure your counters are devastating, or rather, don’t be content with a counter to someone’s shoulder. Once you have delivered your counter strike, imagine what the effect would have been like, if the counter strike had connected fully.
With kihon ippon kumite, the distance between attacker and defender is set, but with ju ippon kumite (if you practice ju ippon moving), the distance between attacker and defender is continually changing. Because of this, timing is imperative, both on attack and defense.
The time between the attackers attack and defenders counter should be small, the same time, or even before the attack completes.
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