Free Sparring Methods |
Free sparring requires the use of safety equipment and unlike Set Sparring the techniques are limited. ITF free sparring is semi-contact continuous and techniques may only be executed above the belt. Sweeping and grappling techniques are not allowed. The participants wear padded gloves, padded foot guards, a gum shield, head guard and a groin protector. Shin and forearm protection is optional.
The term continuous (as opposed to point stop) refers to the fact that the participants spar without stopping until the Instructor calls an end. It is perhaps easier to understand the reference if the point system is understood. In most styles of Karate-Do the sparring is point-stop. In this system the sparring stops as soon as a blow is landed and the participants acknowledge the technique and then begin again. This supports the one blow, one victory philosophy.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each system and at Impact we practice both; however we emphasise the traditional ITF system. Point-stop helps to build a swift attack and encourages the student to execute techniques with speed and accuracy however the student is in danger of becoming conditioned to only hit once and also to expect the fight to stop if they are hit. The dangers of this type of conditioning are obvious in a real situation where the fight will more than likely not stop after the first blow is landed.
Semi Free Sparring
This is essentially free sparring but here the Instructor will impose certain restrictions such as leg techniques only or hand techniques only. This is used where the Instructor wishes the students to work on a particular area of their training. If a student favours their right side for example the Instructor may specify left hand side attacks only, forcing the student to work with their weak side.
