SPARRING
There
are 5 basic types of sparring practised at the school, these are
3 step, 2 step, 1 step, semi-free and free sparring. The first
three are generally only practised in preparation for a grading
as they form part of the syllabus, semi-free is often used as
a warm up to free sparring, but free sparring is by far the most
practised. Only students of yellow belt or above are permitted
to free spar.
3
Step Sparring
3-step
sparring is a set pattern of attack and defence movements. The
attacker always steps forward in walking stance with a mid section
obverse punch, which is repeated 3 times, the defender blocks
and finishes with a counter attack. E.g. Defender; right leg back,
walking stance, middle inner forearm block to inside, three times.
Counter, right hand reverse punch.
2
Step Sparring
Again a set pattern of attack and defence, only with a little
more advanced techniques. E.g. Attack: High punch, front kick.
Defence: Right leg back, walking stance, rising block. Left leg
back, walking stance, 'x' fist pressing block. Counter: Twin vertical
punch.
1
Step Sparring
The only set moves in this type of sparring are that the attacker
always steps forward with a single middle punch, first with the
right hand, then the left. The defender can use any block or attack
he wishes against the right hand punch, but it must be repeated
in a mirror form against the left-hand punch. Self-defence moves
can be used, with care, i.e. kicks to the legs, take downs, sweeps,
knees, elbows etc.
Semi-Free
Sparring
Often used as a warm up to free sparring and consists of an attack
with 3 kicks, the defender blocks these kicks and counter attacks
after the third with a hand technique. Any kicks and appropriate
blocks can be used.
Free
Sparring
This is the type of sparring most practised at the school and 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.
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.
