BJMA EAST COAST

Back in 2004 I did some work on sparring concepts and wrote this program. For one reason or another it didn’t get much further than my computer so he it is for everyone to try, then let me know how it went.

The purpose of this document is to outline possible teaching episodes for the development of sparring concepts.

 

Techniques performed in isolation (shadow sparring or line type techniques) are good for speed, technique development (proprioception, posture etc), muscle memory development and for providing a safe and supportive environment. They do however not allow for a smooth transition into sparring.

 

Teaching sparring episodes (i.e. two man drills) where both partners engage in meaningful attacking and defensive themes in a controlled environment allow the students to gain skills necessary for sparring such as:- timing, distancing, ways to defend and attack, coping mechanisms for dealing with the close proximity of another person throwing techniques.

 

Phase 1 – 3* 30min sessions

·          Teach technique performed in isolation (i.e. standing still throw a jab)

·          Add foot movements forward and backwards to it.

·          Add speed in technique

·          Use pads to increase power and speed to technique

·          Once the student has 3 or more techniques in their arsenal then begin Phase 2

 

Phase 2 – 3* 30min sessions

·          Teach techniques in groups of 3 in isolation.

·          Use pad work for strength, speed and coordination development.

 

Phase 3 – 3 * 30min sessions

·          Teach hand defensive themes (high cover, front cover etc.)

·          Teach leg defensive themes (checking, trapping etc.)

 

Phase 4 – 3 * 30min sessions

·          Begin Sparring episodes (i.e. trainer throws cross, fighter evades and high cover, fighter then throws front hook onto trainers hand followed by a rear cross and a rear thigh kick. Trainer checks and throws front jab onto fighters hand followed by a rear high roundhouse. Fighter steps back to evade.

 

What This Means

These sparring episodes should start with 2 or 3 techniques from both fighter and trainer and progress over the 3 sessions to around 5 or 6 technique exchanges. This would then be followed by 1 min half speed sparring rounds where the techniques thrown are dictated by the instructor i.e. only hands, only feet, only upper body shots etc. These sparring rounds would then be progressively moving to 3min rounds using all eight weapons as the students become more proficient. Be aware of your student’s abilities both in technique and in maturity before allowing them to progress to the next stage.

 

Next Steps

Go back to your Dojo and trial these ideas for the next three months.

Then we can all come back together to discuss our findings.

Kyoshi Brad