100-man kumite


The 100-man kumite is an extreme test of physical and mental endurance in Kyokushin karate. Kumite is a form of sparring, one of the three main sections of karate training, and involves simulated combat against an opponent. The 100-man kumite consists of 100 rounds of kumite, each between one-and-a-half and two minutes in length. Normally, the karate practitioner undergoing the test will have to face similarly or higher-ranked opponents, and may face the same opponent more than once in the course of the test. Each opponent faced will be fresh and not fatigued or injured. Each of the rounds are done under test conditions, where either of the fighters are allowed to deliver knock out blows.
The challenge was devised by Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin and the first person to complete the test. He completed the 100-man kumite three times over three consecutive days. The second man to complete the test was Steve Arneil in 1965. In July 2004, a woman named Naomi Ali completed the 100-man kumite. Today it is considered a normal grading requirement to go through 20 to 40 rounds of Kumite when attempting Dan grades.

Rules and requirements for 100-man Kumite

  • Typically conducted under IKO rules
  • An official adjudicator must be present
  • Rounds must be a minimum of 1 and ½ minutes to 2 minutes each
  • Minimum fighting time based on 1 and ½ minutes rounds would equal 150 minutes total
  • The challenger must clearly win a minimum of 50% of the fights
  • The fighting must be spirited and challenging
  • Opponents must be similarly or higher-ranked opponents
  • Typically over 20 different fighters are gathered
  • No excessive breaks from fighting
  • Medical care should be on standby
  • The next fighter must be fresh and ready
  • The challenger must have had adequate opportunity between rounds for hydration

List of 100-man kumites

  1. Masutatsu Oyama
  2. Steve Arneil
  3. Tadashi Nakamura
  4. Shigeru Oyama
  5. Loek Hollander
  6. John Jarvis
  7. Howard Collins
  8. Miyuki Miura
  9. Shokei Matsui
  10. Ademir da Costa
  11. Keiji Sampei
  12. Akira Masuda
  13. Kenji Yamaki
  14. Marius Schoeman
  15. Francisco Filho
  16. Hajime Kazumi
  17. Klaus Rex
  18. Zbigniew Koszela
  19. Naomi Ali née Woods
  20. Víctor Flores
  21. Juan Manuel Gallego
  22. César Rufo Silvestre
  23. Arthur Hovhannisyan
  24. Pouya Salehi
  25. Emmanuel Beaufils
  26. Judd Reid
  27. Tariel Nikoleishvili
  28. Abdullah Tarsha
  29. Takuma Kouketsu
  30. Daniel Sanchez
  31. Junior Robert McInnes
  32. Cem Senol

Other

The 100-man kumite challenge has gained popularity amongst various martial art communities with other fighting styles attempting their own equivalents to this challenge. Similar rules, conditions and requirements should be followed.
  • Paddy Doyle - Guinness World Record holder for Fastest 100 Man Kumite-Karate
  • Kelly Leo - Not officially recognised by IKO, not Kyokushin, completed 100-man kumite for a charity cause, conditions not as strict.
  • Mikio Ueda - Officially sanctioned by IKO Kyokushin.