Advanced Kumite

Advanced Kumite is intended for only the most experienced and well-conditioned students and black belt-level practitioners. Advanced Kumite is full contact, with protective gear for the head, face, hands, and feet. A chest and groin protector are also recommended.

Advanced Kumite is designed to train its participants for the most realistic and self-defense oriented experience possible.

  • Most techniques are permitted, including kicks to the head, body, and legs.

  • Knees and elbows are permitted to the body, but not to the head.

  • Punches are permitted to the body, head, and face (with face protectors worn).

  • No strikes are permitted to the back of the head.

  • Throws, sweeps, holds, and trips are all permitted.

  • In the event that a participant is knocked or thrown down, but no grappling is perused, the official will pause the round and restart the fighters standing in the center of the ring.

Grappling is permitted, but to only achieve a dominant position: Mount or Side Control.

  • Guard, Half Guard, Back, or any other positions are not counted as dominant for this exercise.

  • If a dominant position is held for 20 seconds, the round is ended.

  • Techniques like Arm Bars, Shoulder Locks, Chokes, or other Pins may end the round and are permitted for this exercise.

  • Strikes may only be thrown if one or both opponents are standing.

Clinching is permitted, but only if followed up by a throw or sweep within 10 seconds.

  • In the event no throw or sweep is perused within 10 seconds, the official will pause the round and restart the fighters standing in the center of the ring.

If a round has not ended after 3 minutes, the judge will make a decision based on which competitor had better technique, control of the ring, and respect/sportsmanship during the match.