Types of Sparring
At my gym I try to break sparring down into subsets so that my students are able to learn and apply what they are learning, which I believe is the goal of all instructors. These are a break down of some of the different sparring methods I use:
1. One Step Sparring- Very similar to two man drills, one person throws a technique while the other defends, switching back and forth between rounds. More controlled but allows one person the delivery system and the other the blocking and evading system.
2. Light Sparring- Usually done with MMA or fingerless Kenpo gloves, kicks and punches to the body are heavier with pulled or controlled contact to the face and head. Clinch and pummel is also trained during this as well as grips and throws that are harder to pull off while wearing boxing gloves.
3. Heavy Sparring- Done with 16 oz boxing gloves, shin guards, and head gear. Harder shots all around including the face and head area. Clinch with knees is encouraged but generally not at full force. Sometimes a chest protector is good for this to be able to bury the knees in a little more, but even those do not provide that much. I always encourage my guys to go hard and experiment, but even this type of sparring is not fighting and you should not be trying to knock your training partner out.
4. San Shou Sparring- Same as 3 with throws, sweeps, and takedowns thrown in.
I try to teach clinch, pummeling, and throws/takedowns seperatly but also integrate them into the stand up sparring. Often I will have them train these with gloves on just to get used to throwing with them on, as is done in competitive san shou. Please feel free to add to or comment on these sparring methods.
"The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero projects his fear onto his opponent while the coward runs. 'Fear'. It's the same thing, but it's what you do with it that matters". -Cus D'Amato