Sparring with a purpose

[MasterPain]

Often when sparring, we just play the game. While this is fun, and does develop skill in a general manner, it is advantageous to have a more specific goal in mind. I'll give an overview and let everyone add their own ideas. Here are some things I work on a lot.

HELPING THE NOOBS

Give ample opportunity to use drills from earlier in class. Watch for bad habits and point them out: with words , then with fists. Gently. Ease them into things. Provide a challenge and a learning experience. Keep in mind that they have not had years to learn control, so be prepared to get hit HARD.

MY (INSERT PROBLEM AREA) IS AWFUL

My boxing is awful. So, on occasion, I focus on standing in the pocket and punching. Sure, my top game is good on the ground, but what if someone has great takedown defense? A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link.

PASS VS. SWEEP

Or whatever.This is basically technique drills with resistance and aliveness.When one of you accomplishes your goal, reset.

SURVIVAL

This is shugyo. (I look forward to the article, GS) Have someone better than you turn up the heat. It should be safe, but enough pressure to be intimidating. It's easy to be winning, but our true spirit shines when losing. Face each training partner in their best area. Big fish in a small pond? Run sprints until exhaustion first or spar 2 on 1. It is good to know your limitations.

DICTATING RANGE

Pick the range you want to fight at and make it happen.

DECIMATE THE WEAK

The flipside of survival. Try to overwhelm your partner. Put them on the ropes, tap them a lot. Doing this often is rude and detrimental to the development of lower ranks. But on occasion, it helps them learn to cope with negative situations, as well as cultivating your own "killer instinct." Give fair warning and be safe. And don't do this to anyone who hasn't trained for a few months, or is otherwise not ready.

[bushido_man96]

I like your Survival purpose. Not likely one of the favorites to do, but important, none the less.

Another good one is a "Secret Mission" sparring. Each participant is given a specific technique they need to work and land, and the winner is declared when such person completes their "mission." This could also be extended to include certain strategies or tactics for each person to use, as opposed to a single technique. Combinations could be another variation.