Sparring vs. Self Defense - - Chief Instructor's Blog October 2009

What is the Difference Between Sparring and Self-Defense?

First off, I will start by saying this is my perspective of the differences as we practice sparring and self-defense training exercises in class to improve our skills.

In general, both the practice of free-form exchange sparring and self-defense exercises provides students an environment to
- gain endurance
- gain coordination
- practice learned techniques and combinations in a free form, dynamic situation
- develop range, targeting, and accuracy
- develop speed and reflexes
- experience the effectiveness of techniques and when the application of those techniques are most effective
- develop strategy
- learn to react instantaneously and not to think of the defense or offense to use, but just to see opening and react.
- focus with an ultimate intent and objective
- develop confidence in techniques and ability to execute strategy without hesitation
- examine strengths and weaknesses in techniques, execution, and strategies

When practicing both exchange-sparring and self-defense, the instructor usually sets or describes:
- Intensity level
- Rules of where can contact and where can not

Some of the other differences in how we practice the two is because the intensity level in exchange-sparing is usually higher; so we tend to wear protective gear, have more restrictive rules of what you can do and where you can target.

From my perspective, the real difference between the practice of self-defense and exchange-sparring is our attitude and mind-set. In exchange sparring, it is interaction of two people where both have the mind-set or should be working on the mind-set to be the aggressor or choosing whether or not to be the aggressor.

In the practice of self-defense, we select who is the aggressor and who is the defender. We, as instructors, dictate one student is the aggressor and one is the defender.

If you have noticed, I have been very specific so far as noting the differences in the practice of the exchange-sparring versus self defense and have not talked explicitly about the application.

From an application perspective, the techniques we use in the practice of self-defense would be used when initially assaulted or attacked. After the initial exchange, combative sparring would be used to end the assault. In advanced class, we do practice a more combative free-style of sparring where we continue until we feel safe – this is unlike the exchange-sparring we practice in the intermediates class where it is more a practice of sparring versus an application.

So, in summary, from a practice perspective the differences in self-defense compared to sparring is the set up and mindset. From an application perspective, self-defense would be used as the initial techniques when assaulted and then combative sparring would take over. Exchange-sparring without the start and stop formalities is in many ways combative free-style sparring limited by the restrictions the instructors impose to keep students safe and protect them from injuries.

Regards,
Kelly

“There is nothing better than free-style sparring in the practice of any combative art. In sparring you should wear suitable protective equipment and go all out. Then you can truly learn the correct timing and distance for the delivery of the kicks, punches, etc.” Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do