Overview — Combination Line Work (Renraku-waza)
Combination training is our bridge between basics and application. The class lines up; on the instructor’s
call
“Osu!”, the set begins and you flow through the named sequence one technique at a time
until the combination is complete. Pause, reset stance, wait for the next “Osu!”, then repeat with
clean
rhythm and intent.
Example call: Zenshinshite jōdan → Renzuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Mawashi-geri
chūdan → Ushiro-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan.
At the end of the set, on the instructor’s command to turn, the class gives a sharp kiai, pivots, and
awaits the next sequence.
- Clarity first: hear the call, visualise the set, then move on the class “Osu!”.
- One count, one action: place the stance, then deliver the technique—no rushing, no extras.
- Reset & pause: finish, settle the posture, eyes front; await the next “Osu!”.
- Turn & kiai: on the instructor’s turn command, pivot crisply; give one decisive kiai.
Combination Training — What We’re Looking For
This is line-work with purpose: accuracy, rhythm, and intent. We move from “what comes next” to how it lands—stance integrity, hip timing, breath, and guard recovery between strikes and kicks.
Execution & Flow
- Start on the call: class “Osu!” → first technique without delay.
- Sequencing: one technique per beat; no extra steps or hands.
- Stances: place the foot, load the hips, then deliver the shot.
- Breath & kime: light breath through the set; finish with focus.
- Guard discipline: hands return to a usable guard after each action.
Class Mechanics
- Calls: instructor names the set once; listen hard, visualise fast.
- Pace: steady on first run, sharper on repeats; same quality.
- Turn: on command, pivot together; single kiai; reset.
- New set: instructor calls a fresh combination; await “Osu!”.
- Safety: awareness of spacing; control height, line and power.
Assessment Notes (when combinations are tested)
- Clean lines under pace; no drift in embusen; finish where you started.
- Consistent stance height and foot placement across the whole set.
- Hip and shoulder timing appropriate to each technique; no arm-only strikes.
- Composure: clear “Osu!”, sharp kiai, professional reset between repetitions.
Belt Syllabus
8 Kyu - Yellow Belt Combinations
Maegeri chudan → Tobikomizuki jodan
Don’t change guard — front kick to the body → snap punch to the head.
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Tobikomizuki jodan
Don’t change guard — one-step front kick to the body → snap punch to the head.
Maegeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Change guard — front kick to the body → reverse punch to the body.
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Don’t change guard — one-step front kick to the body → reverse punch to the body.
7 Kyu - Orange Belt - Orange Tab
Maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front kick (body) → roundhouse kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
One-step front kick (body) → roundhouse (body) → reverse punch (body).
6 Kyu - Green Belt - Green Tab
Maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front kick (body) → side kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
One-step front kick (body) → side kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
5 Kyu - Blue Belt - Blue Tab
Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step side (body) → back kick (body) → back-fist (head).
4 Kyu - Purple Belt - Purple Tab
Maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front kick (body) → snap punch to head with body angle → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Gyakuzuki chudan → Mawashigeri chudan
One-step front (body) → snap punch head with angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
Maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front (body) → side (body) → back (body) → reverse punch (body).
3 Kyu - 1st Brown Belt - 1st Red Tab
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step front (body) → roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → back-fist (head).
Maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Gyakuzuki chudan → Mawashigeri chudan
Front (body) → snap punch head with angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step front (body) → side (body) → back (body) → back-fist (head).
2 Kyu - 2nd Brown Belt - 2nd Red Tab
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Mawashigeri jodan
One-step front (body) → snap punch head with angle → roundhouse (head).
Maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front (body) → side (body) → back (body) → reverse punch (body).
Zenshinshite jodan → Renzuki chudan → Surikomi maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → one-step front (body) → roundhouse (body) → reverse punch (body).
1 Kyu - 3rd Brown Belt - Black Tab
Zenshinshite jodan → Renzuki chudan → Maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → front kick (body) → roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi jodan → Renzuki chudan → Surikomi maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → one-step front (body) → roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → back-fist (head).
Zenshinshite jodan → Renzuki chudan → Maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Gyakuzuki chudan → Mawashigeri chudan
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → front kick (body) → snap punch to head with body angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
1st Dan - Black Belt
Zenshinshitte Jodan → Renzuki Chudan → Mawashigeri Chudan → Ushirogeri Chudan → Gyakuzuki Chudan.
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Zenshinshitte Jodan → Renzuki Chudan → Surikomi Maegeri Chudan → Nagashizuki Jodan → Gyakuzuki Chudan → Mawashigeri Chudan.
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → one-step front (body) → snap punch to head with body angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
Surikomi Jodan → Renzuki Chudan → Maegeri Chudan → Sokuto Chudan → Ushirogeri Chudan → Uraken Jodan.
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → front kick (body) → snap punch to head with body angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
8 Kyu - Yellow Belt Combinations
Maegeri chudan → Tobikomizuki jodan
Don’t change guard — front kick to the body → snap punch to the head.
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Tobikomizuki jodan
Don’t change guard — one-step front kick to the body → snap punch to the head.
Maegeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Change guard — front kick to the body → reverse punch to the body.
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Don’t change guard — one-step front kick to the body → reverse punch to the body.
7 Kyu - Orange Belt - Orange Tab
Maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front kick (body) → roundhouse kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
One-step front kick (body) → roundhouse (body) → reverse punch (body).
6 Kyu - Green Belt - Green Tab
Maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front kick (body) → side kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
One-step front kick (body) → side kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
5 Kyu - Blue Belt - Blue Tab
Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step side (body) → back kick (body) → back-fist (head).
5 Kyu - Blue Belt - Blue Tab
Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step side (body) → back kick (body) → back-fist (head).
4 Kyu - Purple Belt - Purple Tab
Maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front kick (body) → snap punch to head with body angle → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Gyakuzuki chudan → Mawashigeri chudan
One-step front (body) → snap punch head with angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
Maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front (body) → side (body) → back (body) → reverse punch (body).
3 Kyu - 1st Brown Belt - 1st Red Tab
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step front (body) → roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → back-fist (head).
Maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Gyakuzuki chudan → Mawashigeri chudan
Front (body) → snap punch head with angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step front (body) → side (body) → back (body) → back-fist (head).
2 Kyu - 2nd Brown Belt - 2nd Red Tab
Surikomi maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Mawashigeri jodan
One-step front (body) → snap punch head with angle → roundhouse (head).
Maegeri chudan → Sokuto chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Front (body) → side (body) → back (body) → reverse punch (body).
Zenshinshite jodan → Renzuki chudan → Surikomi maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → one-step front (body) → roundhouse (body) → reverse punch (body).
1 Kyu - 3rd Brown Belt - Black Tab
Zenshinshite jodan → Renzuki chudan → Maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Gyakuzuki chudan
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → front kick (body) → roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Surikomi jodan → Renzuki chudan → Surikomi maegeri chudan → Mawashigeri chudan → Ushirogeri chudan → Uraken jodan
One-step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → one-step front (body) → roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → back-fist (head).
Zenshinshite jodan → Renzuki chudan → Maegeri chudan → Nagashizuki jodan → Gyakuzuki chudan → Mawashigeri chudan
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → front kick (body) → snap punch to head with body angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
1st Dan - Black Belt
Zenshinshitte Jodan → Renzuki Chudan → Mawashigeri Chudan → Ushirogeri Chudan → Gyakuzuki Chudan.
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body) → back kick (body) → reverse punch (body).
Zenshinshitte Jodan → Renzuki Chudan → Surikomi Maegeri Chudan → Nagashizuki Jodan → Gyakuzuki Chudan → Mawashigeri Chudan.
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → one-step front (body) → snap punch to head with body angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
Surikomi Jodan → Renzuki Chudan → Maegeri Chudan → Sokuto Chudan → Ushirogeri Chudan → Uraken Jodan.
Step straight punch (head) → reverse punch (body) → front kick (body) → snap punch to head with body angle → reverse punch (body) → roundhouse (body).
Readiness & Process — Combinations
- Confirm with your instructor which combination sets are required for your grade.
- Ensure your SKF licence/insurance is current (bring it on the day).
- Drill the sets in line-work: hear the call → class “Osu!” → execute one technique per beat until the set finishes.
- Practise stance placement → hip timing → guard recovery between actions; add pace only after you’re tidy.
- Attend pre-grading checks to polish rhythm, breath, and turning/kiai protocol.
- Grading day: arrive early, warm up, present clean gi & correct belt; spacing awareness and crisp resets are part of the mark.
- Results & feedback: we’ll agree next targets (tempo control, stance consistency, or set expansion as needed).
FAQs
What’s different about combination grading?
Do I need to memorise long lists?
How should I practise at home?
Will I be turned or re-set between runs?
Do I need sparring kit for combinations?
What are common reasons for lost marks?
Downloads
Competition Routines (Kumite)
In kumite, most people fall back on one or two favourite routines when the pressure is on.
That’s normal — but it also makes you predictable.
Below is a list of simple, competition-friendly combinations you can use at SKF and
SKGB events.
A good goal is to memorise at least 10. Drill them on both sides, then learn to
switch the finish (change level, change target, or change the last technique) so your
opponent
can’t read your pattern.
Keep it controlled, clean, and within the rules — the aim is to stay moving forward, keep your opponent on the
back foot, and create clear scoring moments.
How to stop becoming predictable
- Learn the combo, then build two “finishes” for it (body or head / punch or kick).
- Change rhythm: fast–fast–pause, or fast–pause–fast.
- Change line: step slightly outside, then finish straight.
- Always recover guard and distance after the third technique.
30 Simple 3-Move Kumite Combinations
-
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Jab to head → front kick to body → reverse punch to body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan
Jab to head → reverse punch to body → jab to head -
Oi-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Stepping punch body → front kick body → reverse punch body -
Oi-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan
Stepping punch head → reverse punch body → front kick body -
Nagashi-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Slipping punch head → front kick body → reverse punch body -
Nagashi-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan
Slipping punch head → reverse punch body → jab head -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Jab head → roundhouse body → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki chūdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan
Jab body → roundhouse body → jab head -
Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Reverse punch body → roundhouse body → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Kizami-zuki jodan
Jab head → front kick body → jab head -
Kizami-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki jodan
Jab body → front kick body → reverse punch head -
Oi-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Stepping punch body → light front kick head → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Jab head → reverse punch head → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Ura-mawashi-geri jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Jab head → light hook kick head → reverse punch body -
Mae-geri chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Front kick body → jab head → reverse punch body -
Mawashi-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan
Roundhouse body → reverse punch body → jab head -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Double jab head → reverse punch body -
Oi-zuki chūdan → Oi-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan
Double stepping punch body → front kick body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan
Jab head → reverse punch body → front kick body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan
Jab head → reverse punch body → roundhouse body -
Mae-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan
Front kick body → reverse punch body → jab head -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan
Jab head → front kick body → roundhouse body -
Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri chūdan
Reverse punch body → jab head → front kick body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Nagashi-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Jab head → slipping punch head → reverse punch body -
Oi-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan
Stepping punch head → reverse punch body → roundhouse body -
Kizami-zuki chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan
Jab body → reverse punch body → front kick body -
Mae-geri chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Double front kick body → reverse punch body -
Mawashi-geri chūdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Double roundhouse body → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri chūdan
Jab head → reverse punch head → front kick body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri jōdan (light) → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Jab head → light front kick head → reverse punch body -
Oi-zuki chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan
Stepping punch body → reverse punch body → front kick body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Jab head → double reverse punch body -
Mae-geri chūdan → Kizami-zuki chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Front kick body → jab body → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Mawashi-geri jōdan (light) → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Jab head → light roundhouse head → reverse punch body -
Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Reverse punch body → front kick body → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Kizami-zuki chūdan
Jab head → reverse punch body → jab body -
Oi-zuki chūdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan
Stepping punch body → front kick body → roundhouse body -
Kizami-zuki chūdan → Gyaku-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri chūdan
Jab body → reverse punch head → front kick body -
Mawashi-geri chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Roundhouse body → jab head → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Mae-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki jōdan
Jab head → front kick body → reverse punch head -
Gyaku-zuki chūdan → Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Reverse punch body → jab head → reverse punch body -
Kizami-zuki jōdan → Gyaku-zuki jōdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan
Jab head → reverse punch head → roundhouse body -
Mae-geri chūdan → Mawashi-geri chūdan → Gyaku-zuki chūdan
Front kick body → roundhouse body → reverse punch body
Tip: pick 10 routines, drill them on both sides, and practise “same start / different finish” so your opponent can’t time your third technique.