Teacher Sparring Students

[Ichi_Geki]

Injury to the beginners actually...because alot of beginners can be 'hot' heads

[RichardZ]

I met a Chinese martial art teacher who did not demonstrate any real type of sparring as I sat in as a "guest" (Talked to a few of his students, he didnt-but this not the same guy I spoke with in this thread starter)

At a event, said Chinese guy, old guy, looked out of shape, was able to wipe the ground with two younger dudes.

He was so embarrased and apologetic afterwards, I thought he would have a nervous break down.

[Montana]

I make it a point to spar with ll of my students. In the case of beginners, I prefer to have myself, or another higher student (brown/black belt level) spar with them because in my opinion, there is no more dangerous student than the beginner that doesn't know anything and has no control.

A prime example of this from my own experience is my own very first class as a beginner my sensei wanted to spar with me...I had learned basically nothing at that point and he kept saying "Punch...kick...!"

...soooo...I kicked him hard...right in the groin! No cup!

Well, this guy was 6'4" and around 250lbs of redneck cowboy, and when he hit the floor, I started heading for the door. He told me to stay and that it was his fault, and we became friends after that and got along fine.

Beginners are dangerous, so I or a senior student spar with them first.

[Kuma]

My instructor is in his 50s and can still bang away with the best of them. Granted, we have very small classes, and due to our system kumite is very important so it's definitely out of necessity as well as training. He is definitely good with control, he knows how far to push us, what level we can handle, and when to slow it down a bit.

I feel all instructors should to some degree. Granted, allowances can be made once you get older, but still there should be some physical interaction between teacher and student.

[WireFrame]

Seems odd to me that a teacher wouldn't make more use of sparring as a means to teach.

[Scott Bolinger]

Some time ago I was discussing martial arts with another, and was surprised that he said his teacher does not spar the students.

He said his teacher does not do this because he is concerned he will hurt the students.

He said, the teacher used to spar beginner students only.

What do you think?

no big deal, it's his choice to spar the kids or not. The main thing is if the kids are learning a art or not.

[Nidan Melbourne]

My sensei spars every grade that is eligible for sparring (white belts are the only grade that isn't eligible).

Pressures more advanced ranks but teaches the lower ranks.