Shiai- means contest and refers to the practice of free-fighting.  Shiai is practiced using protective armor, or bogu, to protect the target areas.  Successful strikes are delivered with force and balance to the bogu.  The goal is to score a full point, ippon, which is a technique powerful enough to incapacitate or disable the opponent in a realistic situation without protective gear.

Shiai is a real test of the technical ability of the contestant.  Shiai should be courteous encounters following the rules of good sportsmanship.  One should always try to win in shiai, however the most important goal is to perform to the best of one's ability.  The main purpose is to improve the ability and character of the contestants through a test of endurance, skill and determination.