6 Martial Arts Sparring Secrets

Here at Stapleton Family Karate we want you sparring your best! So we have put together a list of the best 6 sparring secrets. Here they are:

1. Always control the distance – when you are paired off, you bow to the instructor and then your partner.  As soon as that is done, most people get on guard.  Get on guard – and then take another huge step back.  You do this so there is too much distance between you and your partner, in case he has a speed advantage or likes to launch blitzing, surprising attacks to people.
2. Make him fight your fight – Many people are good at certain techniques or ranges.  Shorter fighters like to get inside and bang on you, then exit out the side.  Taller fighters like to keep you at long range.  Wrestlers and grapplers want to close the gap, grab you and get you on your back.  Quickly determine what it is they want to do – and don’t let them do it.  If they want to kick you, get too close to kick.  If they are punchers, tie them up and clinch them or keep them out on the end of your kicking range.  By keeping him from his strengths – and catering to yours – you gain the advantage.
3. Always leave a calling card –  A good example of this is: many martial artists initiate an attack, score or clash with their opponent, and then simply back straight up on the same angle they attacked, without doing a thing to keep their opponent from chasing them.  A better technique is to exit towards the side, throwing a defensive kick or backfist as you leave.  This covers your escape and keeps your opponent reacting to you.
4. Never charge an oncoming train – In the martial arts, no matter who you are sparring with or what size they are, it is almost always a bad idea in the martial arts to attack them head-on.  Always be looking to take an angle when attacking, even if it is only an inch or so off to the left or right.  Even a slight angle change can alter the power, speed and perception of your attack and the reaction of your opponent.
5. Be the firstest with the mostest – In the martial arts – and many other life situations – when in doubt, attack.  Many people never launch their attacks or try their techniques because they are afraid they won’t work or they are too far away.  You will never know unless you try – so go for it.  Remember, while you are sitting there, thinking about what martial arts technique you are going to do, your opponent may take that opportunity to attack.  Don’t hesitate – just go.
6. Don’t be a One Tool Mechanic – Can you imagine trying to work on a car – with one wrench and nothing else?  No screwdrivers, sockets, different size wrenches, power tools, nothing?  That is what happens when you spar using only your favorite martial arts technique or just one punch over and over and over again.  Remember that you have two hands, two feet and a ton of combinations that  can be created with them.  You won’t develop any skills unless you try new things to see how they work.

Follow these six keys and your martial arts skills will develop to a Black Belt level and beyond. For more information contact us at (.    )