"Kumite", and its true meaning and intention, is misunderstood by most Occidentals studying karate today.  Americans take kumite to mean fighting or sparring with a winner and loser.  This is not the true meaning.  Kumite literally means "crossing of hands" or "deciding hand".  It is a restricted form of training whereby the practitioner can, in conjunction with a "partner" (not an opponent), practice karate techniques, which are derived from Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do.