| Kumite is a little know term outside of the marital | | | | all parts of the head except for the front of the |
| arts arena, but to those who stand within the field | | | | face in most cases. There are some that also |
| of the art of fighting, it is a large part of their | | | | cover this area leaving slight spaces to both see |
| reality. To some it may be their greatest | | | | and breath out of. The protective equipment is |
| strength, and to others, their opposite. Taken by | | | | usually made of a foam dipped material and can |
| itself, it means sparring, fighting, or the ability to | | | | come in various colors but generally the all red or |
| engage in unarmed combat within the structure of | | | | all black sparring gear is the most popular. |
| a specific style or system of martial arts. | | | | However there are other colors available almost |
| Throughout the students entire time spent in the | | | | as many as you can imagine. |
| study of a karate or kung fu system, the art of | | | | It is important to take note of the color of gear |
| kumite is continually being practiced and improved | | | | you wear as often when competing in karate |
| upon and the method by which your skills are | | | | tournaments your opponent may have the same |
| judged by your peers. | | | | color of uniform as your gear. This makes it |
| There are rules that are to be followed and | | | | difficult for those scoring the tournament to see |
| adhered to in regards to the practicing of this | | | | your points as it may blend in with the |
| method, and to not do so could injury oneself or | | | | adversaries karate uniform. |
| a fellow student. Until the last few decades, there | | | | With the use of the protective gear it is possible |
| was little or no protection available for oneself | | | | to ensure the safety of the combatants as well |
| when doing these combative maneuvers. | | | | as having the ability to perfect the techniques of |
| However within the last 20 years there has been | | | | both parties. To ensure proper execution the |
| an influx of various types of protective | | | | actions must be repeated over and over again |
| equipment. Foremost among them has been the | | | | until the movement becomes almost automatic |
| use of sparring gear or protective equipment as it | | | | whether it is reacting to a punch or kick or |
| is commonly called. | | | | initiating one. The sparring gear makes this |
| This sparring gear is used to cover the hands, up | | | | constant repetition possible. |
| to and above the wrist, and the entire foot up to | | | | So whether you choose to engage in the fighting |
| the ankle, with the exception of the bottom of | | | | aspect of the martial arts which is instrumental in |
| the foot which is left bare. The bottom of the | | | | learning the actual effectiveness of the martial art |
| foot is left bear to help prevent slipping when | | | | techniques or you simply want to learn the forms |
| executing the various moves with the combative | | | | of the martial art. The sparring gear will be an |
| aspect of martial arts. | | | | indispensable part of your equipment and help |
| The head guard which is perhaps the most | | | | ensure many years of continued practice without |
| important part of the sparring equipment covers | | | | sustaining undo injuries. |