kumite

/ ˈkuːmɪˌteɪ /

noun

1. martial arts freestyle sparring or fighting

Word History and Origins

Origin of kumite¹

C20: Japanese, literally: sparring

Example Sentences

Male, Kumite; female, Kumitegor (one 'class,' which I call 'phratry').

From Project Gutenberg

Here the whole tribe is divided into two great classes, Kroki and Kumite.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus smoke and honeysuckle trees belong to the division Kumite, and are akin to the fishhawk stock of men.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Kumite

What does kumite mean?

In martial arts, kumite refers to sparring—free-form fighting between two opponents, typically involving light blows or strikes that don’t actually make contact.

Kumite is most closely associated with karate, and one of the forms of karate practiced as a sport is known as kumite. In kumite karate, two opponents spar against each other with the goal of being awarded points by judges for effective strikes.

The kumite form of competitive karate was first included as an Olympic event in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 (along with the performance form called kata).

Example: In kumite, opponents usually refrain from landing full-force blows out of respect for each other.

Where does kumite come from?

The word kumite is borrowed directly from Japanese, in which it means “sparring.”

Sparring has been a part of martial arts training since ancient times, but the formal nature of kumite evolved as karate and similar martial arts became popular forms of self-defense and, eventually, sports. Kumite karate was first included as an Olympic event in 2021 at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for kumite?

• sparring

What are some words that often get used in discussing kumite?

• karate
• martial arts
• spar
• ippon
• kata

How is kumite used in real life?

Kumite is most closely associated with karate, and kumite karate is an Olympic event.

26th SEAG Update: Jayson Macaalay wins bronze in Karatedo Men's Kumite 60 kg. #LAKASPINAS | via @abscbnsports

— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) November 13, 2011

I didn’t win anything at my dojo’s tournament yesterday. But I think I had the most fun yet. I got to judge, compete, and coach. I did end up 4th in Kumite which was nice. being in a black belt ring makes things much more difficult. So proud of all my students! #Isshinryu #karate

— Rae (@RAERAM14) March 25, 2019

Congratulations to Mapúan athletes who won in the 26th SEA Games! Ronnel Balingit (Bronze, Kumite) & Edgardo Alejan (Silver, Track&Field)

— Mapúa University (@MapuaUniv) December 13, 2011

Try using kumite!

What does the word kumite mean in Japanese?

A. sparring
B. defending
C. karate
D. kicking