We need to have an all-round technique in order to build up the ability to face different kinds of opponents in kumite. Alternate training is an effective way to enhance this ability.

There is a wide variety of alternate training, such as the alternation of active and passive in strategy, the alternation of high frequency and low frequency in rhythm, the alternation of soft and hard in attitude, and many other alternations of kumite techniques.

Alternate training should be well planned, its effectiveness should be regularly monitored, and the period should be adjusted according to the progress made. Taking the ‘Active and Passive’ alternation as an example. Let’s assume in the first month of kumite practices, we adopt the active way of scoring with attacking technique. In the second month, we shift to the passive way with block (or shifting) and counter-attack. After that, we review our progress in both the active and passive strategies, and consider any adjustment of training. Then we repeat the whole process of the alternate training. The period could be shortened if the progress is good; otherwise, lengthen it. After a period of time, we have received specialized training on both the active way of sparring and the passive way of sparring, our ability to score with attacking technique as well as block (or shifting) and counter-attack will be enhanced remarkably.