Sparring or fighting classes can be scary for new students, or for students who are not comfortable with the idea of getting hit and hitting others. However, this is an important aspect of all martial arts. This is a combative sport, though it also has applications in self defense and self awareness. Sparring is also a way to practice basic elements like balance and self control. It takes everything you learn in the martial arts and forces you to apply it in a fast-paced yet controlled environment. It is important to take a few things into account in order to get the most out of your sparring classes.
Know The Rules
Every class will have set rules and procedures. There will be strikes that you are allowed to use, and some techniques that are not allowed. Techniques that are too dangerous are not permitted. The same goes for targets. For example, while punches and kicks to the body are allowed, strikes to the kidneys or knees will not be. Every school will have their own rules, so it is important to know what they are. This will keep you and your sparring partner safe.
Aside from allowed strikes and targets, there will also be rules about what qualifies as a legitimate technique. Some schools will keep track of this through point sparring, which allows points for good techniques to the allowed targets. Other schools are more laid back with this, and will allow individual students to keep track of their own score. Some classes do not use a point system at all, and will focus more on the overall match.
Also expect to see some sort of procedure at the beginning and end of each match. This is a way for the participants to express their mutual respect for one another. It can be as simple as shaking hands. Some schools are more elaborate. Respect is a very important aspect of the martial arts, and it is vital to follow whatever procedures are used.
Understand Various Levels of Contact
There are different amounts of contact used for sparring. While each school will have their own variations, generally speaking there is no contact, semi contact, and full contact. Knowing what one you are comfortable with is essential.
No contact is just what it sounds like, no strikes will touch you or your opponent. This is also referred to as “clicker.” It requires both individuals to use excellent control by stopping their techniques within inches of the body. Usually participants will rely on combinations in order to create a clear opening. A loud “kiai” is issued when a student gets an unobstructed strike to an intended target. No contact sparring is a great way for students to work on techniques and combinations. It is also perfect for people who are nervous about sparring and fighting, as it will help them become more comfortable with the activity.
Semi contact sparring requires safety gear. In this type of sparring, a controlled amount of contact is made to allowable bodily targets. The amount of gear required will depend on specific schools, since each will likely have their own rules. The minimum may include gloves and shin pads, while full gear includes head, face, shin and instep, hand, forearm, chest, and mouth protection. This protection will prevent you from being bruised and injured, but you will still feel the strikes when they make contact.
Full contact does not use any gear, though hand wraps and mouth guards are often allowed. Strikes are issued directly to the body. Full contact is usually reserved for experienced practitioners, since excellent control is required. Since there is nothing protecting you from the blows of your opponent, this is often seen as the most dangerous form of sparring.
Advocate for Yourself
If the person you are matched with is going too hard or too fast, say so. There is nothing dishonorable about ensuring your safety. This is especially true for students who are new to martial arts. Do not be afraid to communicate with your sparring partner, or to talk with a Sensei about it. Sometimes people get carried away and do not realize how fast or strong they are sparring, and simply need a polite reminder. The same goes for parents of children who are sparring. If you feel your child is being bullied in the sparring matches, say so to the Sensei running the class.
Sparring is a great workout and an excellent way to practice your martial arts techniques. Be sure to know the rules, understand what kind of contact will be used, and to advocate for yourself. This will ensure that you have a fun learning experience during your sparring class.
J. Lee Phelan - Hello Readers! My name is J Lee and I currently reside in New York. I'm a freelance writer and artist, which is exactly what I wanted ...
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