Teaching Kumite
ONE-ON-ONE FOR THE FIRST TIME
The principles used when teaching kata one-on-one for the first time also work well when teaching almost any part of the curriculum. There are, however, a few additional notes I would add when working with someone on kumite.
For this example, we will use Kyu Kumite as the model.
When introducing Kyu Kumite, I strongly recommend having the student practice the attack side-by-side with you, using an “invisible opponent,” at least three times.
Always have the student practice the attack first. Moving forward is easier than moving backward. Attacking is also usually easier for a new student to understand than defending. Yes, I would have the student attack you three times before switching roles and working on the defense.
Depending on the student’s comfort level, you have two good options.
You can walk through the defense side-by-side first.
Or, after they have practiced attacking you, you can go directly into you attacking them.
If you choose the second option, make sure the first round is done slowly. Remember, blocking is naturally harder than punching, and backing up is naturally harder than moving forward. By having them defend, you are asking them to do both at the same time.
Stop and repeat as many times as needed for the student’s comfort. Unless the class instructor has directly asked you to cover more, accomplishing more than Kyu Kumite #1 is never necessary. There will be plenty of time for more later.
For someone learning Kyu Kumite for the first time, never go further than #3.
This is not because #4 and #5 are unimportant. It is because #1 through #3 already give the student plenty to process. At this stage, the student is learning how to move with another person, how to judge distance, how to stay balanced while stepping backward, how to block with control, and how to respond without freezing. That is a lot.
Even if the student seems to “get it” quickly, that does not mean the material has settled into their body yet. A new student may be able to copy the movements in the moment, but they still need repetition before the movements become comfortable and reliable.
Kyu Kumite #4 and #5 are also very different from the first three exercises. They involve more kicking, which creates a new set of challenges. Kicks change the student’s balance, timing, distance, and comfort level. They also require a higher level of control and comfort from both partners.
Because of the number of kicks involved, the student must be comfortable with the person they are working with. That comfort does not usually happen in the first few minutes of learning kumite. It develops over time. The more time a student spends working through #1, #2, and #3, the more they begin to trust the process, trust their own movement, and trust their partner.
That trust matters.
A student who is nervous, off-balance, or unsure of the person in front of them will not learn well. They may become tense, hesitant, or overwhelmed. They may start to think of kumite as something they need to survive rather than something they are being taught to understand.
Kyu Kumite #1 through #3 are usually practiced for several months before continuing to #4 and #5. Those first three exercises build the foundation: rhythm, timing, distance, balance, confidence, control, and trust. Once those ideas are stronger, #4 and #5 will make much more sense.
Going too far too soon often creates confusion. It can also make the student feel rushed or unsafe. Our goal is not to overwhelm them. Our goal is to give them a successful first experience, build confidence, and leave them ready for the next lesson.
There will be plenty of time for more later.
Marcus Traynor