What sparring does to my Kung Fu

Open training is a good opportunity to practice anything you want. During open training I sparred with 8 different people and a total of 11 rounds. During those sparring matches, not only did I get a good workout, I got the chance to practice certain moves and learn how to combo together other techniques. 

While I was sparring, something clicked in my mind. Sparring at the kwoon is the best place to practice techniques. It is a safe, controlled environment and everyone is willing to help. Many times during Saturday I got many different pointers for me to work on.

Although sparring gives you opportunities for trying new techniques, it also helps with your defence and getting your guards up. While sparring, I lost my ground many times. I also got into really bad positions and my opponent got hit after hit. Around the last sparring match, I was giving up less ground and stayed in a good position.

Sparring does have its ups and downs but it is all for the better. If you get winded, you will guard your stomach more often, if you get hit in the head, your guard will come up. I find sparring is a really good way to understand how techniques work and how to use them.

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