Sparring

   Almost all martial arts or combat sports have some form of sparring. Sparring is basically using the techniques that you have learnt to fight off a sparring partner in a controlled situation.
    Basically, there are two types of sparring. Semi contact sparring which uses the point system whereby the winner will be determined by the number of points they scored. Examples are Judo, Karate, Taekwondo and Silat.  Each combat sport has their own scoring system and ways to score. 

 

      The winners of full contact sparring however, are determined by the fighters' performances throughout the matches, usually a few rounds with breaks after each. Or it can also be determined by who knock the other guy out first. Examples are Kickboxing, MMA/ Mixed Martial Arts, Sanda, a form of modern Chinese kickboxing and Kyokushin Karate.

              
     
            

     

       In my opinion, sparring is necessary in order to build up instincts, reaction and speed, because no matter how many techniques or combos you know, you will not be able to know how to use them if you have never sparred.The picture on the right says it all. " It doesn't matter how many resources you have, if you don't know how to use them, it will never be enough. "           Sparring however, is not fighting, its working with a partner in a controlled situation. Both of you are exchanging techniques with one another and you both are training each other up. Sparring is like a video game, after each match or competition, you gain experience, much like the experience points in games.