Sparring
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:14 am
This is a bit BTDT I admit but in the last few weeks there has been a lot of BTDT discussion anyway so I don't think I can be blamed for following in that trend.
Since the only way to get good at something is by doing it why is sparring not a greater part of traditional Chinese Martial Arts practice?
From a technical standpoint most MMA hobbyists aren't technically as clean as many traditional stylists. When people see MMA guys launching haymakers they are inclined to comment about apps they could use to defend against such a wide and wild swing. Yet, I would wager that in a real combat situation it would not prove to be so easy.
Surely this has something to do with the way that MMA students train? MMA guys learn things and are made to apply them. There and then. It might not be finessed orthodox boxing or superb boxing, their takedown's might not be olympic level or their ground game Gracie league but they are made to apply and by applying their fighting sense and ability improves.
So why don't we see this approach more widely adopted amongst Kung fu stylists? Why are Kung fu classes still, by and large, heavily skewed towards conditioning, forms and compliant applications?
Since the only way to get good at something is by doing it why is sparring not a greater part of traditional Chinese Martial Arts practice?
From a technical standpoint most MMA hobbyists aren't technically as clean as many traditional stylists. When people see MMA guys launching haymakers they are inclined to comment about apps they could use to defend against such a wide and wild swing. Yet, I would wager that in a real combat situation it would not prove to be so easy.
Surely this has something to do with the way that MMA students train? MMA guys learn things and are made to apply them. There and then. It might not be finessed orthodox boxing or superb boxing, their takedown's might not be olympic level or their ground game Gracie league but they are made to apply and by applying their fighting sense and ability improves.
So why don't we see this approach more widely adopted amongst Kung fu stylists? Why are Kung fu classes still, by and large, heavily skewed towards conditioning, forms and compliant applications?