Every karate class should have fitness, focus and fun. When it comes to fun, look no further than sparring. When sparring, a student learns to move, think and react to an opponent.
The basic rules of sparring are:
- Hands up, elbows down.
- Move to not be hit.
- Keep your centerline mostly sideways.
- Combinations when on offense and defense.
In sparring, a player works to practice their skills on a moving opponent, so safety is important. Each student is required to invest in sparring safety equipment (helmet, gloves, boots and mouthguard). Students are also monitored on degree of force, skill level and size of opponent.
Sparring coaches supervise practice and mock matches by demonstrating proper movement, sensible tactics, and correcting mistakes. Students develop skill and confidence by working in matches, practicing proper skills, and watching other players’ tactics.
Students find themselves asking: How do I handle a larger opponent, or a faster or more aggressive opponent? Is my opponent better with their hands or feet?
And these sparring skills can be used in real-life situations if a student is attacked and forced to defend themselves.
Submitted by Olympic Karate
