In 返し自由一本組手 (Kaeshi Jiyu Ippon Kumite), from a free kamae and maai, the designated initial attacker makes a random [single] 突き ‘tsuki’, 蹴り‘keri’ or 打ち‘uchi’. The designated defender freely makes their ‘uke’ and counterattacks. From there, the initial attacker defends and counters the opponent's counterattack.
(A) Positive aspects of ‘Kaeshi Jiyu Ippon Kumite’: This drill is very good for training awareness and defensive reactivity when making attacks. Furthermore, it develops physical flow and power transitions between consecutive waza: offensive and defensive.
(B) Negative aspects of ‘Kaeshi Jiyu Ippon Kumite’: If kime is lost in the initial attack, the exercise is invalidated; that is, the initial attack must be a fully decisive blow, not merely a feint. Also, each technique must be full and proper. What do I mean by this? Well, while control is exerted throughout, each technique if not controlled, must have the capacity to cause significant damage. If this is not achieved, go back to Gohon, Kihon Ippon and Jiyu Ippon Kumite (also classical Kaeshi Ippon Kumite), and work them until your skill is up to par.
To summarize, strong and precise Jiyu Ippon Kumite attacks must be sufficiently mastered, before training in Kaeshi Jiyu Ippon Kumite.
Needless to say, this means that the more fundamental forms of Yakusoku Kumite, which underpin Jiyu Ippon, must be strong.
Otherwise, KAESHI JIYU IPPON KUMITE will result in weakening of one’s 基本技 (‘Kihon-waza’/ Fundamental Techniques’).
(C) Examples of 返し自由一本組手:
Here are some concretes examples of Kaeshi Jiyu Ippon Kumite. For simplicity, rather than having a ‘random initial attack’ I’m following the order in standard 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite). Once familiar with this drill, you should attack with any waza with aim of catching your training partner.
The final example is a renzokuwaza from my tournament career, which came directly from this form of kumite training.
Example 1:
“上段” (JOUDAN)
(A) Attack with MIGI JODAN KIZAMI-ZUKI. (B) Defend and counter with HIDARI JODAN SOTONAGASHI-UKE and MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI. And (C) Yori-ashi diagonally rearwards with USHO OSAE-UKE then counter with HIDARI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI.
Example 2:
“中段” (CHUUDAN)
(A) Attack with MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI. (B) Defend and counter with HIDARI SOTO-UKE and MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI. And (C) Yori-ashi diagonally rearwards with MIGI GEDAN-BARAI then counter with HIDARI JODAN GYAKU-ZUKI.
Example 3:
“前蹴り” (MAE-GERI)
(A) Attack with MIGI CHUDAN MAE-GERI KEAGE. (B) Defend and counter with HIDARI GEDAN-BARAI and MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI. And (C) Yori-ashi diagonally rearwards with HIDARI GEDAN-BARAI then counter with a retraction of the lead leg and delivery of MIGI JODAN MAWASHI-GERI.
Example 4:
“横蹴込み” (YOKO-KEKOMI)
(A) Attack with MIGI CHUDAN YOKO-GERI KEKOMI. (B) Defend and counter with HIDARI CHUDAN SOTO-UKE and MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI. And (C) aim to snatch, or at least deflect, the incoming tsuki with MIGI TSUKAMI-UKE then counter with MIGI JODAN URA-MAWASHI-GERI.
Example 5:
“回し蹴り” (MAWASHI-GERI)
(A) Attack with MIGI JODAN MAWASHI-GERI. (B) Defend and counter with HIDARI JODAN UCHI-UKE and MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI. And (C) receive with HIDARI GEDAN-BARAI then counter with MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI.
Example 6:
“後ろ蹴り” (USHIRO-GERI)
(A) Attack with MIGI CHUDAN USHIRO-GERI KEKOMI. (B) Defend and counter by stepping back diagonally with the left lead foot and receiving with MIGI GEDAN-BARAI followed by HIDARI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI. And (C) receive with MIGI GEDAN-BARAI then counter with MIGI URAKEN JODAN YOKOMAWASHI UCHI.
Example 7:
“André Bertel SHIAI-KUMITE NO RENZOKUWAZA"
The following RENZOKU-WAZA I perfected through 返し自由一本組手 and used many times successfully in competition.
Firstly, I'd attack high with a solid JODAN MAWASHI-GERI, which forced the opponent to cover it, or I win by Ippon in that moment. Secondly, seamlessly from my kick I would charge forward immediately, lowering my hands - covering chudan and offering my head as a target. Doing this, I closely analyzed the opponent's response (a skill Asai Sensei really emphasized to me constantly). The position and momentum always resulted in them firing a desperate JODAN-ZUKI, which I'd slip (use head movement to avoid), whilst executing ASHI-BARAI (KUZUSHI) cutting in deep aiming to sweep both legs. As my opponent flew to the ground, I continued analyzing them (to avoid any desperate attempts to kick me), which I'd also slip and finish with OTOSHI-ZUKI or a KERIWAZA. From Kaeshi Jiyu Ippon Kumite, this type of combination became natural for me, and also useful (but adapted) when I was working as a nightclub bouncer.
This was just one of many combinations I mastered from 返し自由一本組手 (Kaeshi Jiyu Ippon Kumite).
To conclude. I recommend prioritizing the development of correct, explosive, strong, adaptable and reliable KIHON. One's karate must be effective against a non-compliant opponent, otherwise, it is useless. This requires not only 'nice movement' but highly effective and functional actions. Nowadays, many instructors move nicely, but that is all.
True Budo Karate is beautiful due to its effectiveness, not merely external performance. When one is truly ready for Kaeshi Jiyu Ippon Kumite, this drill will contribute towards these regards.
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).
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