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The 100-man kumite (Japanese: hyakunin kumite) is an extreme test of physical and mental endurance in Kyokushin karate.[1] 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 (depending on the number of opponents available to participate). 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.[1] The second man to complete the test was Steve Arneil in 1965.[1] In July 2004, a woman named Naomi Ali completed the 100-man kumite.[1] Today it is considered a normal grading requirement to go through 20 to 40 rounds of Kumite when attempting Dan grades.