Kumite
/ˈkuː.mɪ.teɪ/noun
A karate practice or competition involving partnered combat, sparring, or controlled fighting.
Did you know?In Japanese martial-arts terminology, kumite contrasts with kata: kata preserves formal solo patterns, while kumite tests those principles against a living opponent.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Japanese
Japanese
組む (kumu)
“To join, combine, interlock, or grapple with another.”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
手 (te)
“Hand; by extension, a technique, method, or movement.”
Early Modern Japanese
Japanese
組手 (kumite)
“A partnered exchange or technique involving joined or interlocking hands; the compound combines kum- “join” with te “hand.””
20th Century
Japanese
空手組手 (karate kumite)
“The partnered combat component of karate training, distinguished from solo forms such as kata.”
Modern English
English
kumite
“A Japanese martial-arts loanword meaning karate sparring or competition fighting.”
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