In karate tournaments organized by the Japan Karate Association and other traditional karate organizations, jiyu kumite (free sparring) is conducted using the shobu ippon system. The phenomenal degree of success of the Japanese team at the 2024 Funakoshi Gichin Cup 16th Karate World Championship Tournament indicates that karateka in Japan are doing something differently from those elsewhere when engaging in tournament shobu ippon kumite . In this slender volume, an experienced instructor and tournament judge analyzes that difference and makes suggestions as to how to achieve tournament success by emulating the Japanese approach.