Sensei Samuel Decker Black Belt 3rd Dan

Kumite (組手) literally translates to "grappling hands" or "meeting hands" in Japanese. In karate, it refers to sparring or practice fighting with a partner**.

It’s the part of training where you apply techniques in a controlled fight or simulated combat situation.

Kumite helps develop timing, distance, speed, and the ability to react to a real opponent.

There are different types of kumite:

Gohon kumite (5-step sparring) – more structured drills.

Jiyu kumite (free sparring) – more open, less restricted sparring like a real fight.

So to sum up:

Kata = solo practice of forms.

Kumite = partner sparring.

Karate = the overall martial art.