Kumite
Kumite, pronounced Koom-ee-tay, means sparring. It’s also the name of the competition Van-Damme trains for and fights in in the movie Bloodsport, which I’m sure most people my age has seen atleast 3 or 4 dozen times.
For the last 3 months I’ve been studying Kyokushin Karate here in Gumi. My master’s real good, and I’m starting to notice differences in my body. I’ve regained most, if not, all my flexibility and coordination which I had back when I was 17 studying Taekwondo. I’m actually in better shape now than I was then, I think.
There are only minor differences in Taekwondo and Karate, which dont’ take much to get used to. Anyways, in a few weeks theres a competition happening in Seoul. A tournament actually. A Kumite if you will. When I told Don I might be participating in a Kumite he was excited to no end.
I’m hesitant however.
Sparring was always my weakest skill when I was studying Taekwondo. I’ve only sparred twice since starting Karate, and only once with the master, and I did Ok, I guess. There is a big difference between sparring in Taekwondo and the Kumite. (Gosh, Don’s got me calling it ‘The Kumite’)
The Kumite is full contact, no pads except on our shins, and crotch. The object is to, basicaly, disable your opponent, either by knocking them down, or hurting them until they can’t go on.
This includes kicks and punches to anywhere on the body except the face. No punches or kicks to the face, but knees are ok. (yes. Knees, to the face.)
My master said I have great power, I’m just not in the greatest shape to take hits, especially to the stomach. My stomach is still jelly and on monday night we practiced uppercuts to the stomach and taking uppercuts to the stomach, and my stomach was sore as fuck. Meanwhile the guy I was uppercutting to the stomach had a fucking six pack since he was also a Muay Thai boxer.
Like I said, I’m hesitant. I think it’ll be a good physical challenge for me. I’ve never challenged myself like that. But at the same time, am I really in a physical condition to compete against other people who are also travelling in from Japan and China for The Kumite (I’ve capitalized The, now)?
So wait, would that make me Frank Dux?.. Or Chong Li? “Break my record, and I’ll break you.”
Don said he’d show up and cheer. Maybe he can be my Ray Jackson. Remember “Okay USA!”? But then he’d have to participate too and then like, nearly die, giving me an even more personal stake in the competition, driving me to do whatever it takes to win despite the US agents who are after because I skipped out on army duty or something. What a great movie that was. Man. All plot.