How to Avoid Contact in Karate Sparring

Sparring, or kumite, plays an essential role in learning karate. Whenever you spar, your brain assimilates the punches, blocks, kicks and other techniques you’ve learned into actual combat maneuvers. This helps you discover the combat applications of your waza and kata in a hands-on environment. However, many karate schools adopt noncontact sparring policies that can reduce the likelihood of injury during training. Noncontact sparring drills, such as shadowboxing and footwork training, can help you develop your combat skills in a safe environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Head guard
  • Mouth guard
  • Sparring gloves
  • Foot protectors
  • Crotch protector
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on the proper protective sparring gear, including a head guard, mouth guard, sparring gloves, foot protectors and a crotch protector. Pair off with a sparring partner of the appropriate age, size and skill. Agree to avoid following through with any punches, kicks, chops and other offensive maneuvers during your sparring practice.

    • 2

      Square off with your sparring partner as if you were engaging in an actual fight. Study your opponent’s bodily movements and try to time your attacks so as to manipulate your opponent's rhythm. For example, if your opponent seems to alternate his stances every five seconds, count to three and quickly lunge forward with an attack. Focus on your footwork as you practice your closing, blending and evasion techniques during the simulated combat.

    • 3

      Punch the air in front of your opponent whenever you see an opening in his defenses. Perform your chop, strike and kick attacks whenever the opportunity arises, always stopping short of connecting. Avoid contact by pulling back your attacks or stopping them in midair as close to your opponent as possible. Supply your kicks and punches with as little force as needed to get them near your opponent before retracting.

    • 4

      Evade incoming attacks by stepping to the side of your opponent. Avoid moving in the direction of an incoming attack, so as to keep from having to block at the last minute. Turn each defensive maneuver into an offensive one for maximum efficiency. For example, if your opponent attacks with a sidekick toward your midsection, try stepping forward at a 45-degree angle to simultaneously avoid the kick and place your hands within striking distance.