Sparring

Sparring has always been an important part of every form of martial arts, which is a system of codified practices and traditions of training for combat. It is generally considered for exhibitions and tournaments for one particular purpose, that is, to determine the person’s level of skill in particular contexts.

There are two variants of martial arts sparring: the light or medium contact and the full contact sparring. Both of these forms, however, are used in trainings and competitions with certain set of common rules.

In light or medium contact martial arts sparring, a point-based system of light to medium contact sparring in a marked off area of the body is the main focus of interest. However, the competitors engaging in this form of martial arts sparring are required to wear the right martial arts sparring gear, particularly foam padding. There are also certain parts of the body that are prohibited from contact and must be protected by the proper martial arts sparring gear. These body parts include the face and groin. Certain techniques may also prohibited in this martial arts sparring variant, and the points of the match are generally awarded to the competitors on the solid landing of one technique employed.

On the other hand, the full-contact version of martial arts sparring is often pursued by the martial arts practitioners who share the same interest in a realistic unarmed combat. Here, you will notice a lack of the martial arts sparring gear. For example, in Kyokushin, which is a variant of karate, the practitioners fight or engage in martial arts sparring wearing no more than a martial arts sparring gear like a groin guard for protection. What is taken of importance of here is the use of full force in order to disable the opponent, either by knock out or direct submission of defeat.

However, unlike the other forms of fighting, full-contact martial arts sparring has maintained a full variety of permitted attacks and contact zones on the body, excluding a limited number of forbidden techniques like biting, striking of the groin or attacking the eyes. These attacks are forbidden for the reason that such particular areas of the body are unprotected by the proper martial arts sparring gear, as well as for the fact that martial arts sparring was designed to be safe.

Speaking of safety, whether you want to engage in light or medium contact or full contact sparring, it is still highly advised that you wear the proper martial arts sparring gear regardless of your level of expertise. This rule of wearing the right martial arts sparring gear is in fact included in the overall guidelines of every martial arts sparring tournament or exhibition. Martial arts sparring gear is recommended for use especially for the beginners.

Here is what full sparring gear consists of:

Headgear -Hogu or chest protector -Mouthpiece -Fist protector or forearm guard which is optional -Foot protector or shin which is optional -Groin cup for men Consider shopping for top quality martial arts sparring gear online. Note that Tony Blauer sparring gear, kenpo sparring gear, Warrior 1 sparring gear and many other companies offer the proper martial arts sparring gear online.