Free
Sparring
Free sparring comprises kicks and punches to the upper body excluding
the back and back of head. Hand, feet and head protectors are
worn together with shin guards, groin and mouth guards. Two rows
are formed with students facing an opponent. At the command "attention"
students stand to attention and at "bow" bow to their opponent,
then students are asked to take a fighting stance, to touch gloves
and start sparring. In free sparring you can use any hand or foot
combination you wish but only light contact is made and the use
of knees, elbows, fingers to the eyes etc. are obviously not allowed.
Each round of sparring lasts for 3-5 minutes with a minute between
rounds. At the end of each round opponents thank each other and
shake hands. Then one side of the line moves down to the next
opponent or the instructor changes opponents around. Generally,
everyone gets to fight everyone else, there is no grading of opponents,
although the more skilled will take care against a lesser grade.
The object being to practise moves and combinations, not win.
In competitions, grades up to blue belt practise point-stop sparring,
where after a point is scored the fight is topped and restarted.
Sparring requires a good level of fitness and endurance; during
long sessions of sparring we sometimes do exercises, such as sit-ups,
as a respite between rounds.
Variations of free sparring are
sometimes practiced, you may be asked to use only foot techniques
for attack and the next round only hand techniques, or your opponent
may be asked to use their feet and you your hands. Another variation
is to use your right or left side only. By these methods you learn
your strengths and weaknesses and can adapt your training to suit.
Sparring Rules
Headguards, shinguards, handpads. footpads,
gumshields & groin guard must be worn.
Always inform your instructor of any injuries you may have.
Sparring is forbidden unless a qualified instructor
is present.
Sparring equipment is for touch contact only-
it is not a licence to use full force.
Exercise extra control if you weigh more than
your opponent.
You should have at least six months training
experience before you are allowed to spar unless otherwise stated
by your instructor.
Inform your opponent politely if they are using
excess force. If this fails, inform your instructor.
Yellow cards will be given out for excessive
contact and an accumulation will result with missing sparring
involvement.
