Is a Kumite Fight like a Real Fight?
- Andrew Kent
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
Why do people even ask if Karate is good for self-defense? The natural response should be yes, that’s kind of the whole point of any martial art.
Traditionally, Okinawan Karate was developed and trained for self-defense. When it was brought to Japan, the Japanese focused on using the art as a way to promote spiritual growth.
However, modern times have shaped a different Karate philosophy — sports Karate. This way of thinking is more focused on earning points in a match rather than training for self-defense or bettering oneself spiritually.
There is nothing wrong with studying this type of Karate because you enjoy it. But make no mistake, this style of karate is not for use on the street. In fact, you are training many habits that could prove to be dangerous in a street fight.
For example, sport karate practitioners aim to touch their opponents to score a point rather than devastate them with a powerful attack. Plus, they perform “fancy” techniques to earn points that would be nearly useless and leave them vulnerable in a real fight.
We could go on, but we’ll stop there. Just note that this type of Karate is basically useless on the street and is part of what has made people question the effectiveness of Karate as self-defense in the first place
Can kumite ever be like a real fight? While kumite is a great simulation, it is almost never exactly like a real fight. There are a lot of other emotions (fear, anger, etc.) and sensations involved in a real fight that can’t be replicated in a dojo
The quality of instruction is arguably more important for self-defense than the particular style you decide to study. Virtually any serious sensei who teaches a traditional form of Karate will teach you how to defend yourself well
Khmer Times Phnom Penh: A Karate Teacher from Australia, Andy Kent, Caught a Thief Trying to Run Off with his Laptop. He chased him down and detained him until police could arrive
Oh, and the crowd (lynch mob?) was worried he might break the thief's arm.