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osopardo · 07-11-2007, 05:44 PM

Basic concepts - in case your instructor doesn't mention it;

Sparring is "friendly fighting". Don't try to prove how much better you are than your opponent. When you spar it's kinda like dancing - go only just slightly faster and harder than your opponent. You're supposed to be practicing, not actually fighting.

Sparring is an opportunity to try moves you're not yet fully comfortable with in a situation where your risk is diminished, so try a lot of those crazy weird spinning, jumping kicks and other stuff that could get you killed in a real fight. Eventually, you'll get good at one or two of them and might just be able to use it someday to surprise an opponent.

Sparring is not chess or checkers. You're supposed to take the other guy's turn! Too often I see beginners "taking turns" when they spar "You hit me, now I hit you, then you hit me..." watch other beginners and you'll see what I mean. Then watch how a couple of blackbelts spar.

When your opponent attacks DO NOT step backwards or jump halfway across the room to avoid getting hit! That effectively puts you out of range to counter. The correct evasive technique is to step to the side and slightly forward, out of the path of his attack and in close range to counter-attack. Same thing for certain kicks: The roundhouse is the most common kick (especially in TKD). If you see one coming try stepping in and blocking it at your opponent's thigh, where there's less force and counter with a punch to the chest.

Wear ALL your protective gear. Then wear your friend's gear on top of that.
Pads and head gear and chest protectors may seem to be unnecessary and cumbersome, you might think they restrict your movements too much, you might think you could spar better or be faster or more agile without it. Too bad! Wear ALL your gear and get accustomed to it. You'll be glad later on.

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07-11-2007, 05:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
osopardo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Hurricane Alley Posts: 170,033 Posts: 1,915	Basic concepts - in case your instructor doesn't mention it; Sparring is "friendly fighting". Don't try to prove how much better you are than your opponent. When you spar it's kinda like dancing - go only just slightly faster and harder than your opponent. You're supposed to be practicing, not actually fighting. Sparring is an opportunity to try moves you're not yet fully comfortable with in a situation where your risk is diminished, so try a lot of those crazy weird spinning, jumping kicks and other stuff that could get you killed in a real fight. Eventually, you'll get good at one or two of them and might just be able to use it someday to surprise an opponent. Sparring is not chess or checkers. You're supposed to take the other guy's turn! Too often I see beginners "taking turns" when they spar "You hit me, now I hit you, then you hit me..." watch other beginners and you'll see what I mean. Then watch how a couple of blackbelts spar. When your opponent attacks DO NOT step backwards or jump halfway across the room to avoid getting hit! That effectively puts you out of range to counter. The correct evasive technique is to step to the side and slightly forward, out of the path of his attack and in close range to counter-attack. Same thing for certain kicks: The roundhouse is the most common kick (especially in TKD). If you see one coming try stepping in and blocking it at your opponent's thigh, where there's less force and counter with a punch to the chest. Wear ALL your protective gear. Then wear your friend's gear on top of that. Pads and head gear and chest protectors may seem to be unnecessary and cumbersome, you might think they restrict your movements too much, you might think you could spar better or be faster or more agile without it. Too bad! Wear ALL your gear and get accustomed to it. You'll be glad later on. . __________________ Le Bear Extraordinaire! *Mike Brewer's 2008 Athleticon Challenge!!!* Pushups Completed: 5 1/2 Situps Completed: Does using my hands count?