What is free sparring and why is it required?
Free sparring is a pretend fight match between two people in order to utilize the different techniques learned in class. It gives the student the ability to practice these techniques in a situation as close to real-world fighting as possible. Without free sparring, students would not be able to effectively use the techniques if their life depended on it. However, students must also understand that just going through the motions is not good enough. When practicing outside of class, students must practice techniques with realism. A favorite saying of a very good friend of mine (and Taekwon-Do Instructor) is Practice makes permanent perfect practice makes perfect. Free sparring is simply practice for that real-life situation we all hope we never face. However, students must understand that free sparring is different from fighting. Free sparring has rules; fighting does not. In order to maintain the safest possible environment for our students, there are several requirements and rules ever
