sparing for fun

[nogard1980]

I plan to start sparing here in a few months with friends and family. My brother in law for one is excited about it and can't wait for me to get my gear (he doesn't know any martial arts). I would like to spar with anyone who is willing, do you guys think its a good idea to spar with people even though they don't know any martial arts? I know with him its going to look like a bar fight cause we are both pritty crazey and find this kinda male bonding fun and hilarious. Should I hold back when I spar or go all out?

[dkm]

I didn't know there were hill-billies in Maryland

[nogard1980]

not sure how you got hillbilly outa that but............ok. . I don't see anything wrong with putting on some pads and going at it. Christ, I thought that was a part of training (sparing)........now this is considered being a hillbilly...........damn thats confusing. sparing = hillbilly or spaing = someone putting skills learned to test......I guess thats the question.

[Nutz]

Yes. Sparring against the untrained can be a good thing. Everyone has something to offer, even absence of skill is something in of itself. If you spar with boxers you get used to that sort of environment. Same for Kickboxing, Grappling, etc. In order to get a sense of a streetfight, without actually getting into one, is to fight those that don't have any real MA experience. That's when you get that raw energy thrown at you. You do however need to be very careful that you don't go too fast as injuries can be sustained VERY quickly (when working with people with no expereice). They often don't know when to slow down or stop and continue full-bore until someone gets hurt, falls, etc.

[dkm]

Originally posted by nogard1980
not sure how you got hillbilly outa that but............ok. . I don't see anything wrong with putting on some pads and going at it. Christ, I thought that was a part of training (sparing)........now this is considered being a hillbilly...........damn thats confusing. sparing = hillbilly or spaing = someone putting skills learned to test......I guess thats the question.

I was kidding. Have fun. be sure to tape it so you can sell it to producers of bumfights or something like that.

[hashpuppet]

I'd suggest fully padding your bodies if you're unexperienced and maybe mouthpieces if its gonna be serious.

[falcon3624]

The only problem I have found bad about sparring against the unexperienced is that when they start to loose they take it to heart and it often ends up in a fist fight. It probably better just to stick to sparring people in class where it is understood that you are doing it to better your abilities and not just show someone you can kick their ass.

[Benjamin Dover]

This sounds like fun. I'll I'd like to get in there and spar too. Fresh meat for the grinder. Pads, no pads, light hitting, all out... I don't care. I wanna kick the crap out of you guys.

[greyfox13]

well, as a martial artist you do have an advantage so i would suggsest to not take it too hard, but dont take it easy either

[MrPoopy]

Martial arts experience or not, the prospect of beating up a brother in law is always good.

[greyfox13]

too true

[falcon3624]

Originally posted by Benjamin Dover
This sounds like fun. I'll I'd like to get in there and spar too. Fresh meat for the grinder. Pads, no pads, light hitting, all out... I don't care. I wanna kick the crap out of you guys.

LOL. Who do you want first?

[osopardo]

There is an aspect to non-legitimate martial arts training which is sometimes absent from legit training. And that is the notion that if someone beats you or proves to be better than you it is a personal failure. Ego becomes very much a part of it. You beat a guy in a pick-up game of basketball or beat him at cards and he can laugh it off 'coz it's just a game. Beat him in fighting arts and he takes it to heart, becomes angry or resentful, 'coz fighting is what males do to protect their families. You just proved him to be not totally fit as a husband or father. The psychology of fighting is very deeply rooted.
In the training hall you meet so many advanced students who obviously know more or are more fit than you (not to mention the skill level of the instructors) that your ego learns to adjust to not being the best. (there is the promise that you'll be that good sonmeday). Non trainers don't have the benefit of that humbling / inspiring experience. Be very clear about the other persons state of mind and self-worth. Keep it very light-hearted and non-competitive or you risk losing a friendship.

[osopardo]

Man, I'm smart!

[WildWest.]

Originally Posted by osopardo

There is an aspect to non-legitimate martial arts training which is sometimes absent from legit training. And that is the notion that if someone beats you or proves to be better than you it is a personal failure. Ego becomes very much a part of it. You beat a guy in a pick-up game of basketball or beat him at cards and he can laugh it off 'coz it's just a game. Beat him in fighting arts and he takes it to heart, becomes angry or resentful, 'coz fighting is what males do to protect their families. You just proved him to be not totally fit as a husband or father. The psychology of fighting is very deeply rooted.
In the training hall you meet so many advanced students who obviously know more or are more fit than you (not to mention the skill level of the instructors) that your ego learns to adjust to not being the best. (there is the promise that you'll be that good sonmeday). Non trainers don't have the benefit of that humbling / inspiring experience. Be very clear about the other persons state of mind and self-worth. Keep it very light-hearted and non-competitive or you risk losing a friendship.

This is a very good reply to the original post and was something along the lines of what I would have said (probably written better by Osopardo however!). You should be very proud

I believe you should spar the inexperienced, but yes you will have to deal with hurt pride afterwards.