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There is no answer to this question. Every jkd school does it different. Go check with the school you want to go to. And, no I don't think you can eye gouge. What purpose would it serve to damage someone's eyes? Trying that is a good way to get your a$$ kicked. Why don't you just go and visit Mousel's
Different JKD schools have different sparring paradigms, but a progressive approach is often used. Players are often started with "jab" sparring in order to introduce good habits and to minimize the chance for injury. More tools and tactics are included as time goes on and the sparring eventually resembles vale tudo. Depending on the players individual goals, the level of contact varies. Different types of "senario" sparring is also employed in many JKD schools to approximate different situations in an effort to make the student more adaptable. Many JKD instructors have experience or are influenced by other arts, so the inclusion of other sparring methods may also find their way into some JKD training (e.g. thai plumming, savate assaut, randori, etc.). Just remember that sparring should be safe, healthy and fun.
Different JKD schools have different sparring paradigms, but a progressive approach is often used. Players are often started with "jab" sparring in order to introduce good habits and to minimize the chance for injury. More tools and tactics are included as time goes on and the sparring eventually resembles vale tudo. Depending on the players individual goals, the level of contact varies. Different types of "senario" sparring is also employed in many JKD schools to approximate different situations in an effort to make the student more adaptable. Many JKD instructors have experience or are influenced by other arts, so the inclusion of other sparring methods may also find their way into some JKD training (e.g. thai plumming, savate assaut, randori, etc.). Just remember that sparring should be safe, healthy and fun.
some tip my friend, look for the school of paul vunak or dan inosanto, i know they spar their all-out! they wear full gear, from face mask to groin protector (not like those in taekwondo) and allowed to poke eyes, hit the neck, kick the knee because they have knee supporter, and even they teach you to just grab the groin when in sparring but not forcefull, you'll know what will happen at least some awareness purpose!
I'm not really sure what your post means in relation to mine, but I have sparred at the Inosanto Academy. Different people spar at different intensities and everyone I came into contact with was a good sport and pretty friendly. I can't speak for all the training sessions since I train there as a guest, but we only would wear boxing gloves, shin pads, mouth guard and cup (i.e. not loads of body armor). I can also say that nobody ever has tried to grab my groin there either.
I'm also a Full Instructor under Vunak and I second that post. I think progressive sparring is a wonderful way to continually add technique and experience as the years go by.
I've done a lot of NHB styled sparring, and I honestly think that too much of it isn't necessarily a good thing. You can still spar vale tudo without extreme contact. As mike said, it depends on the students' goals.
With that said, most of my sparring these days is with martial arts friends whom I trust. Actually have a deal going with a Laotian friend of mine who did Muay Thai for 10 years in Laos. He helps me with my Muay Thai, I help him with his Jiu-jitsu.
i started at warriors way with harley elmore, and i know that he really doesn't care for sparring all that much. and (imho) to some extent, that's a good opponion. i believe that some sparring is good, but you have to remember, there are many different kinds of sparring. hitting the heavy bag, doing thai bag work, all of those are types of sparring. Just last night we were doing sayoc, and throwing chopsticks at eachother(chopsticks serving as knives) and that is a form of sparring. now if you are talking about putting on pads and fighting ( as i assume you are talking about) then that also may not always be the best thing. even with pads, getting hit hurts. i know that was kind of obvious, but let's be real here. what's the point of getting hurt in sparring, and then getting attacked on the street while you are injured? that's not good, but learning the techniques and principles well enough, then defending yourself, while healthy is alot more productive, no?
you just have to think of it that way sometimes
you may have been sparring, just not knew it
But thats my point. Technical ability only has meaning if it directly relates to functionality. Technical ability that does NOT lead to fiunctionality is posing.
But you commit "technical ability" to the same level as the guy who can shuffle cards with one hand, or pick his noes with his feet. It is a sad reflection on a "martial" art that it has allowed the martial element to become of lesser importance. Wha is left is not even a dance.
And don't get snotty or I will set Sammy Franco on you.
Speaking from personal experience, I can say that Harley Elmore is certainly the real deal. Your post may prompt some to seriously question his training methods (in saying he doesn't advocate sparring much), but some background on that:
Harley "grew up" under greats like Terry Gibson and Dan Inosanto. He has made it a personal quest to seek out the very best instructors he can find and train with them all. In every regard, he has suceeded. I began training with him when it was just a group of four of us in a tiny little school/club in Arkansas, and in those days (this is back in like 1992), we sparred way too much. What developed were a lot of tough guys who could take a shot and dish out some punishment, but who in only a select few ways resembled "martial artists." An notable exception to that statement would be Brad Garrison, but that's beside the point. Anyway, Harley's instructional methods have refined over the years to a point where he is now teaching students not only how to be wonderfully effective in nearly every range, but who can also stand on the same floor as any world-class martial artist and look great. He has imparted a huge depth of knowledge to all of his senior people, and based on his dedication, one can only assume it will get better in years to come.
Again, as is the case with so many arguments, don't allow yourself to be hung up on labels. Harley Elmore has found some great ways to train people to achieve a balance of functionality and technical ability. I encourage anyone with some free time to check out his web site at
Speaking from personal experience, I can say that Harley Elmore is certainly the real deal. Your post may prompt some to seriously question his training methods (in saying he doesn't advocate sparring much), but some background on that:
Harley "grew up" under greats like Terry Gibson and Dan Inosanto. He has made it a personal quest to seek out the very best instructors he can find and train with them all. In every regard, he has suceeded. I began training with him when it was just a group of four of us in a tiny little school/club in Arkansas, and in those days (this is back in like 1992), we sparred way too much. What developed were a lot of tough guys who could take a shot and dish out some punishment, but who in only a select few ways resembled "martial artists." An notable exception to that statement would be Brad Garrison, but that's beside the point. Anyway, Harley's instructional methods have refined over the years to a point where he is now teaching students not only how to be wonderfully effective in nearly every range, but who can also stand on the same floor as any world-class martial artist and look great. He has imparted a huge depth of knowledge to all of his senior people, and based on his dedication, one can only assume it will get better in years to come.
Again, as is the case with so many arguments, don't allow yourself to be hung up on labels. Harley Elmore has found some great ways to train people to achieve a balance of functionality and technical ability. I encourage anyone with some free time to check out his web site at
He even has a new forum that is in need of new blood, so let's register and bring it to life. It could certainly use some of the "personality" here.
great to hear you think of highly of him, i do to. he's a great guy
You had to quote Mikes entire post just to say that?
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