Kumite Gata — Wado’s #1 Pairwork explained (+videos)

Kumite Gata are —dare I say— "true" Wado pair techniques.

Kumite Gata are Ohtsuka sensei's Kata applications...

...so you really can't get a better glimpse of Ohtsuka sensei's brain AKA The Core Of Wado.

And as Peter May sensei said: "These are the jewels of our system".

On this page, I'll unravel Kumite Gata 1 completely. Henka Waza included. 

Before we move on to the techniques though, let's study the matrix first:

Kumite gata are originally a series of 36 techniques. 

The number 36 is not a coincidence. It's the result of the following sum: 2 x 3 x 2 x 3 = 36

• 2: Ai-Gamae, Gyaku-Gamae
• 3: Gedan, Chudan, Jodan
• 2: Uchi zeme, Soto zeme
• 3: Go no sen, Sen no sen, Sen sen no sen

Shall we go ahead to check each element, one at a time?

Even if you do not have the capacity to explain by word — you can FEEL the difference when you practise. And the difference between Kihon Kumite and Kumite Gata is HUGE. 

The 2 biggest differences are...

This is the one. The most important one from the series.

Like Kihon Kumite 1, it's the most fundamental one of the series. It doesn't necessarily contain all techniques or principles on the surface, but the message is clear. This is how Kumite Gata works.

Start from Hanmi chudan gamae. To clarify:

Hanmi, literally half body, which means that your hip has to point diagonally to the side (say 45 degrees).

Chudan refers to the middle section of your body. This is the part of the body between your hipbone and the base of your collar bone.

Kamae means posture. Formally you should write chudan gamae, because Chudan preceeds Kamae. This has to do with rules of grammer and pronounciation.

For example: Keri Waza and Mawashi Geri.

Ukemi attacks with Tobikomizuki. You defend with Nagashi Uke and attack using Nakadaka Ipponken at the same time.

Do this, while moving left and twisting to the right (Taisabaki details at Henka Waza).

This movement is equal to the second movement of Kihon Kumite #1, with the exception of jodan uke instead of chudan uke

Pull your right shoulder a little more (or at least that feeling) compared to chudan uke. Connect the three movements and let them use each other positively.

Follow up with another Nakadaka Ipponken, and control him behind his elbow. 

The second punch for example. Make it powerful and sharp using your shoulder (prepare it during the first movement).

Deliver the second punch before Ukemi can recover from the first punch. At the same time, jam the front leg to prevent a kick with the front leg (or at least make that more difficult to do).

Note that your right leg and left leg must move with the body. Rougly at the same time. 

So don't step left-right. Instead, strike as if doing basic Tobikomi-Nagashizuki making your legs follow your body movement.

Finally, apply pressure to his right arm for Kuzushi, and strike his body with Nakadaka Ipponken.

The function of this movement is Kuzushi, breaking the posture.

The key to success is to do Kuzushi from your strong line (Seichusen) and attack his weak line. 

To match your body movement and have correct timing, do this:

1. Bring your right arm pretty much straight up to stick to his arm.
2. Then move your body in.

Note that I explained "apply pressure" instead of "push him arm".  Because you should push with your body, not push by extending your arm. Position first, then move.

Next to "Omote Waza", the regular techniques, there is also "Ura" (reverse/hidden) and "Henka" (variation).

And any technique has variations...

Look at the formal series as a template. They're the groundwork layed out for you to work with. 

Of course you shouldn't start doing variations just for the fun of it, since you risk huge devation from the principle. Don't practise or introduce Henka Waza too early, but not too late either.

Henka Waza is to study and understand the techniques in more depth.

Take this variation of KG1 for example:

Instead of moving back to the inside, move to the outside of the opponent and pin your opponent. Use your shin to apply Kuzushi and position your body correctly.

Let's compare the lower body movement of the official KG1 and the one you use in this variation.

But before you do...

Instead of looking at the surface, I recommend you to look at the fundamentals such as alignment and positioning.

And if you're in the game a bit longer, watch for nuances caused by length of limbs and individual height for example.

So now that you're prepped, let's study this variation move by move

Move into Migi Hanmi Chudan Gamae.

Be sure to move forward, or backward. Even sideways if necessary.

Having Sente (initiative) and Zanshin (awareness) is key (and it prevents you from falling into the pre-arranged trap).

In short: you don't want to be a robot. Don't take stance, close the distance in fixed steps and then attack.

As Ishikawa Sensei said: "Take your time".

Your opponent (Ukemi) attacks with Jodan Tobikomizuki — entering deeply.

Move to the left and twist your body to the right ending up in Seishan Dachi. In one word:  Taisabaki.

Taisabaki creates stability, speed, sharpness and thereby power. Use that to defend with Jodan Nagashi Uke effectively.

At the same time, counterattack with Nakadaka Ipponken.

Without stopping, grab Ukemi's wrist and place your left hand behind his elbow.

Do this, by NOT taking stance "in the previous picture". 

In fact: let your right leg move by pulling your right hip.

This Henka Waza should be one flow with a peak of Kime happening when you strike with Ipponken.

Finally, pin your opponent using body positioning. Connecting your shin and apply Kuzushi.

At the same time, control him by twisting his wrist while applying force with your left hand.

And about your left hand...

Place in slightly diagonally below the shoulder. Then move up and down in a round movement - as if going over a hill.

This is similar to Kumite Gata 4

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