What is sparring?

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘sparring’ in martial arts? Some people have the idea that sparring is about a zero-sum fight where the goal is to ensure your opponent is defeated at all costs, or a match to display one’s brute strength. 

However, this is a misconception. Sparring in martial arts is about the mastery of oneself, training our mental and physical health, applying proper techniques and thinking under pressure. All of which are beneficial and transferable to our daily lives. 

What kind of sparring is there in taekwondo?

In taekwondo, sparring takes a few forms. At the lower belt levels, sparring is typically non-contact or light-contact and serves to demonstrate proper offensive and defensive techniques learned in class. In this instance, sparring is about applying techniques in a controlled environment.

Another form of sparring in taekwondo is point-based sparring, where fighters score points for techniques that land on their opponent’s head or torso within a two-minute round. Each target area carries a different point value. For instance, a kick or strike to the chest constitutes one point, while a kick or strike to the head constitutes two points.

Lastly, there is competitive sparring, where participants compete in three successive two-minute rounds. The winner is determined based on a scoring system.

What to expect when sparring in class? 

At GK Taekwondo, sparring classes are supervised by qualified black belt instructors who ensure that training is intense but safe. Students will start sparring from green belt onwards, with students easing into sparring lessons. Non-contact sparring and light sparring is common at the initial stage to help students think under pressure and overcome the fear of sparring. 

Besides this, sparring classes often involve footwork drills and technique practice. Students get to train with different partners and spar at an intensity that is comfortable for both. Safety is also further ensured with students being mandated to wear protective equipment such as head gear, chest protector, arm and shin guards.

Kickstart your child’s taekwondo journey today! 

Try a trial class at any of our 2 outlets – Hougang Midtown and Woodleigh Mall. 

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Reference: Taekwondo sparring rules in Singapore, activesgcircle.gov.sg/learn/taekwondo/rules-of-taekwondo