two man drills and fighting sets

this question goes out to all the experienced mantis fighters out there,my question is this is it a good idea to first learn two man fighting drills and two man forms before learning to spar or are they just a waist of time? or should they both be integrated together at the same time for maximum benefit? thanks to all in advance

[on-jer]

Two man drills are a exceptional way to build timing, hone reflexes and develope higher level fighting skills. These drills are the next link from the foundation of postures, moving steps and forms to eventual free-fighting (San-sho)

Those who skip this step end up sparing using basic linear punches and kicks - which look nothing like the forms/foundation. The trick is to do the two man drill with realism. Two men doing these drills well should look like a real fight.

[Young Mantis]

Many schools begin sparring with students very early, some even on the first day. At our school however, students do not begin to spar until they have reached the Intermediate level. It is our belief that students still in Basic level do not yet have enough techniques and understanding of the theories to spar with the Praying Mantis Style.

Prior to sparring, students learn two person exercises starting with the arm conditioning, hook-grab-punch exercise, and bung-choi exercise. Basic level students also start practicing some Sahn Sao (“Assorted Hands”). These drills are defensive in nature meaning the opponent initiates contact. The first several drills begin with the opponent grabbing the student’s wrist. We start with techniques that do not require closing of distance and the opponent is already within striking range. From there we move on to defending against punches or strikes from both left and right hands that start from a distance. This allows the student to develop judgement of distance and recognition of left or right attack. Sahn Sao practice is very important because it develops timing, distance, sensitivity, and most importantly reflex. Sahn Sao practice is essential to learning how to correctly and effectively fight with the PM style.

The 2 Man forms are really like an extension of the the two man drills. The forms however teach us how many of the techniques can be linked together. They teach continuous body movement as well as all the aspects gained during sahn sao practice. Also each form in the NPM style emphasizes a different fighting aspect or technique. The 2 man sets help the student to understand the flavor of the entire form by having an opponent throughout the entire form.

Hope you have understood my comments. Good luck with your training.

YM