Sanbon means "three steps". Kumite means "the meeting of hands". Sanbon kumite is often referred to as "three-step sparring".

Sanbon kumite is a pre-arranged sparring drill where the attacker steps forward and attacks and the defender steps backward and blocks. This is repeated three times. Every attack will vary, so will the block. After the last attack the defender blocks and additionally counter-attacks.

The main purpose of sanbon kumite is to help you develop a sense of the right distance, timing, and target as well as deliver good strong varying techniques while on the move.

You are required to practice both left and right sides and defense and attack sides.