Kframe
Black Belt
Ok here comes the can of worms. Having switched from mma to Bujinkan taijutsu one of the hardest things im having to accept is there is no sparring. They have randori but it isn't like sparring its a whole different animal.
I know that Chris parker and others will chime in and say that Sparring is not like self defense. I get that, but the thing is, especially with BBT were else are you going to get randomness. I have seen that, ya you can have pressure in the preset paired forms. In fact I have watched the black belts and out side of a few things they were throwing with speed and power and intent. The problem is, arts like mine and aikido and apparently most of the legit koryu don't spar.
So the question becomes outside of the obvious cardio and conditioning benefits, what else does sparring help with. I think the big thing is randomness. The ability to deal with unpredictable opponents. Also learning to take a hit and how really hitting someone feels.
So while I know that Chris parker has told me that you can have pressure in the kata(our paired kata), that pressure not matter how high, does not address randomness. Attacks are random.
I think part of the reason that MMA fighters do so well against most every style, and even on the street, is that they practice against randomness every day, from day one. Sure they may not have the most optimum skillset for street defense but its there inculcation to randomness that is one of their greatest strengths.
So the question I find my self struggling with, above all else is this. Those arts that teach techniques and no sparring, no randomness, how do you expect your students to be able to apply what they learn to a situation that is chalk full of random? How do you expect to be able to give and receive a hit if you don't know what being hit feels like? This question is the one I am struggling with the most. I honestly don't know how I can fix it with my own training but its a question that needs to be answered.
So Anti sparring people, chime in. I want your side of the story. I want a counter point.
Pro sparrers, whats your points?
I know that im going to have to address this as it is something that remains on my mind and cant be shaken..
Im reminded of this article..http://www.24fightingchickens.com/2...-skill-you-just-arent-as-good-as-you-thought/ and this one. http://www.fightscope.com/martial-arts/importance-of-sparring/
Basically, sparring while not a real self defense fight, is as close to a real fight as you can get. If you don't spar against a fully resisting opponent, not attacking you on a predetermined basis, how can you know that what your are learning or teaching works?
That is the internal struggle I am facing right now. I hope this sparks a good discussion.
I know that Chris parker and others will chime in and say that Sparring is not like self defense. I get that, but the thing is, especially with BBT were else are you going to get randomness. I have seen that, ya you can have pressure in the preset paired forms. In fact I have watched the black belts and out side of a few things they were throwing with speed and power and intent. The problem is, arts like mine and aikido and apparently most of the legit koryu don't spar.
So the question becomes outside of the obvious cardio and conditioning benefits, what else does sparring help with. I think the big thing is randomness. The ability to deal with unpredictable opponents. Also learning to take a hit and how really hitting someone feels.
So while I know that Chris parker has told me that you can have pressure in the kata(our paired kata), that pressure not matter how high, does not address randomness. Attacks are random.
I think part of the reason that MMA fighters do so well against most every style, and even on the street, is that they practice against randomness every day, from day one. Sure they may not have the most optimum skillset for street defense but its there inculcation to randomness that is one of their greatest strengths.
So the question I find my self struggling with, above all else is this. Those arts that teach techniques and no sparring, no randomness, how do you expect your students to be able to apply what they learn to a situation that is chalk full of random? How do you expect to be able to give and receive a hit if you don't know what being hit feels like? This question is the one I am struggling with the most. I honestly don't know how I can fix it with my own training but its a question that needs to be answered.
So Anti sparring people, chime in. I want your side of the story. I want a counter point.
Pro sparrers, whats your points?
I know that im going to have to address this as it is something that remains on my mind and cant be shaken..
Im reminded of this article..http://www.24fightingchickens.com/2...-skill-you-just-arent-as-good-as-you-thought/ and this one. http://www.fightscope.com/martial-arts/importance-of-sparring/
Basically, sparring while not a real self defense fight, is as close to a real fight as you can get. If you don't spar against a fully resisting opponent, not attacking you on a predetermined basis, how can you know that what your are learning or teaching works?
That is the internal struggle I am facing right now. I hope this sparks a good discussion.