Sparring

We do practice sparring, or fighting, at Three Rivers Martial Arts.  Sparring is practice fighting with a partner and allows students to practice both their attacking and defense against another live opponent.  It develops a student's timing and understanding of spacing and distance and knowledge about what is or isn't an effective technique.  Plus, they learn that getting hit isn't the end of the world, that it is something you can fight through.  There are also impressive cardiovascular benefits to sparring.  Sparring pads are not required for new white belt students, but once a student achieves their yellow belt, they should purchase sparring gear.  Students that do not have sparring gear are not to make contact with their partner during sparring.  Students with sparring gear are allowed to make light contact.  It is always important for students to be on guard and protecting themselves during sparring, though, as accidents do happen.  Remember, hands up, chin down, elbows in, eyes on eyes.

Required Sparring Gear

Helmet
Gloves
Boots
Mouthpiece
Cup/Supporter (for teenage or older gentlemen)