Why do you study martial arts? For the competition (sparring)? Or for self defense? Believe it or not, martial-arts sparring is NOT a good method for preparing for real, honest-to-goodness self defense.
Of course, those who spar will disagree with me.
Sparring Distance
I wish we could get two videos to examine side by side. In one video, we'd have examples of martial arts sparring. In other other video, we'd examine real fights.
First, we'd turn off the sound, and just examine the movements. And you and I would start by examining the distance of the fighters.
I think you'd see that those who spar go back to their "safer distance" after their "sequence." They retreat ot the edge of their competitor's kicking range.
Have you noticed this sparring phenomenon?
In a real fight, your attacker will most likely rush you. Maybe try to tackle you to the ground. Maybe hit and kick you and continue to force the close range.
You may even have to deal with berserker rage. (And how would you hand a barrage of kicks, hits, and grapple attempts -- all of that close range stuff?)
The Sparring Versus Real Self-Defense Experiments
We could talk about a lot of other differences between sparring and "real" self defense, but instead, why don't you try an experiment or three:
1) While sparring with someone, suddenly scream a wild banshee yell as you speed attack. Rush the person.
2) Pick a vulnerable target, like the groin. Make all of your attacks to the groin. How does your practice partner react?
3) In the middle of close sparring, suddenly go into a boxer's clinch. Wrap your arms (and your legs?) around your opponent. Keep hitting.
How does your opponent react, when you add just a little more realism? How would the sparring session change, if one or two of the sparring rules were ... "relaxed."
If you think it's unfair to add realism, you aren't being ... realistic. For example, from time to time, hide a rubber training knife on your person. Pull out the knife and use it in the middle of the sparring session. Surprise attack.
Now, that's getting closer to reality.
Interested in Developing Your Mental Conditioning In the Martial Arts? Read my new, Free ebooklet: Street Fighting: Ready for Anyone and Anything.
Here's another martial-arts article that might interest you.... Martial Arts Solo Training
Source: www.ezinearticles.com
