Sparring?

[NinjaMaster]

I see almost everyone does sparring in one form or another but some talk about things with multiple attackers and unusual scenarios like fighting on roof tops. Is this part of Karate or are the instructors making this up. If its made up should they be teaching this or is this progress?

[DokterVet]

Defending from a variety of situations, such as multiple attackers, is a big part of karate. Look at the katas!

[Grunt]

NM, I used to shoot IPSC competatively ("combat" handgun shooting) and we were always putting together scenarios in order to test skills. We'd start with our hands in a bucket of water (simulating washing your car) and then draw your weapon and engage targets. We'd kick open doors and dive behind a couch before shooting targets. We'd practice shooting with our weak hand in case our strong hand was disabled. Yes, some of the things we did were a bit unrealistic and you might never find those situations in the "real world." But, we were pushing ourselves as much as our minds would allow in order to grow and learn and think outside of the box.

 

So, if an instructor wants you to learn how to fight from a roof top, well, let him teach you. You might never find yourself on a roof top but you might find yourself on a ramp which is at a steep angle. A steady diet of unusual circumstances might not be healthy, but an occasional dose would probably do all of us some good.

 

Grunt