Thoughts on Sparring?

[EmrldWepn]

Thought about putting this in the sparring forum, but its really for any and all martial artists, so I left it here.

I was wondering what are peoples opinion about sparring? What do you get out of it and what do you think are the negatives about it?

In my 19 years studying, Ive never liked sparring very much. I also think it's important and has a lot to teach. The biggest thing I get out of it, is watching how people move and how moves are telegraphed. Where I study, sparring is no/light contact so we don't use it to get used to being struck. It's not very realistic to me either (although I don't mind this aspect, as I look at sparring more as a sport) because I wouldn't fight the way I spar. In a real fight, being on the smaller side, I'd try to disable the opponent, where that isn't exactly allowed in sparring.

Thanks for any input!

[jaymac]

I too was not always gung ho about sparring. I like it, but I really enjoy kata and self defense. Then I realized a few years after my training began, what even controlled sparring was doing for me: reaction time. I can't believe how my reaction time to strikes coming in at me has improved because of sparring. Sure, you are probably thinking that "Well yes, under controlled circumstances." No, in real life, I have avoided several punches and strikes thrown at me from non practicing individuals. I work in a busy ER and unfortunately we have to put up with alot of mean individuals under influence of alcohol, narcotics .... I have not been hit square on in any vital area because I got out of the way and was able to get the individual under control and to the ground.

[DWx]

I LOVE sparring!!!! Just getting stuck in and trying to outmaneuvre an opponent is the highlight of a weeks training for me. We have international level students at our club and I love pitting myself against them and trying to see what I can do in response. My reactions have improved greatly and I can judge distancing and timing. Oh and its the only time I get to "beat up" my sister without getting told off.

[a_ninja]

I think that sparring is a very important part of martial arts, but we are really not going to fight like that for real, but it does teach us how to better move and better fight.

[karatekid1975]

I never liked sparring. Even after I got used to getting hit. But yet, I always go all out during self defense. Or at forms, ect. But my instructor now put a different "spin" on sparring. She has these cool drills that, as jaymac mentioned, is to get out of the way, and counter. I'm enjoying it a little more lately.

[obiwansbane]

i love sparring and how much POTENTIAL it has to teach you... but i hate how dulled down its become... I watch old videos of my instructors divisions when he was around 25 and you saw them point sparring at a tournament... They would be able to apply those skills to a real fight.... im just scared that seeing as i've never been in a REAL fight (few scuffles dont count) i will start pulling punches and throwing love tap round house kicks to the side of the head, ending up with me on the ground bleeding....

[bushido_man96]

I have done a few different styles of sparring. I like sparring, and I think it can be beneficial. It makes for a good athletic activity, which can help out by getting one into shape, if it is done often enough.

However, not all sparring is created equal. I think that sparring in a scenario-based training session can be very beneficial, whereas most of the sport-style sparring that goes on doesn't travel down this road.

I also feel that sparring styles should have some level of contact. It can teach rhythm, flow, help with combinations, footwork, and distance. It can be a great training tool. However, I feel that it is important to note to students that sparring and self-defense should not be confused.

[dragonwarrior_keltyr]

I love sparring. I always have liked it but now I also have an appreciation for basics. For me sparring is a chance to test myself against others and I always try to see how I can be better. One thing I like is that at my belt level and up, my Sensei allows a bit more contact. Not full contact but enough to get bruises and know what it's like to be hit.

[EmrldWepn]

Sometiems we do point sparring and sometimes its free sparring. I prefer free sparring so much better because even if one hit gets in, you (or the opponent) is able to keep going and follow up with possibly many more strikes.

Some of the other points people brought up are helpful too and a good/different way that I hadn't thought of. Thanks all!

[marie curie]

I love sparring, as well!

In Seiei Kan Karate, we did point sparring. It was great- I was 11 years old and on day 1 you are allowed and expected to sparr (with black belts only of course). They went at an appropriate speed, and I learned to think on my feet- useful in the real world too- yay! As I got better at getting a feel for the opponent, I had to think less and was able to just respond more, even at higher speeds. I, being a particularly clumsey 11-year-old, found that through my sparring, I was getting more fluid motions in all that I did, as well as faster reflexes... which my mom appreciated since I was now able to catch things once I knocked them over

Now, in Kajukenbo, we do a 3-stage sparring:

1.We do point fighting for 2-mins (so we can if we want to compete)

2.We add leg kicks and knees, allowing for a kickboxing type sparr for 2 mins

3. We do full out MMA for 2 mins (take-downs, elbows, joint locks, etc.)

I actually, with the last one, feel like I'm getting some real fighting down. I practice things that I would actually do in a fight and med-high impact. If nothing else, I think that it has given me the confidence that I would need to fight back if ever attacked for real.