Sparring:Part 2:No-Contact Sparring

When learning the art of  sparring or free-fighting, it is important for students to spar at least once with no contact or mere touch contact.

Some styles never spar or  have contact; however, I believe that sparring is a useful training tool for our style of martial arts.

No-contact sparring has both its advantages and disadvantages.  the main asset  is that it teaches control- the control one needs for protection of both themselves and their sparring partner. No-contact sparring   helps develop depth-perception, speed, more versatile body movement, and peripheral vision.  It assists in recognition of  targets. It   will sharpen both  attack and defense skills.  For those who have never sparred before and are apprehensive about doing so, it is critical for those individuals to spar someone who has both good control,as well as  the patience to teach.

With no-contact sparring one has more time to attempt combinations.  Unfortunately, these sparring partners rarely practice their blocking skills.  the reality that they will not be hit offers a false sense of security when they advance to contact sparring.  Some sparrers develop an invincible feeling because they have never been hit, and thus, have not experienced the sensation of getting punch or kicked.

Overall, no-contact sparring is an essential gateway to becoming an efficient contact fighter where kicks and punches are used.