EE POH SPARRING

Introduction

The attacker will pull into right sparring stance, and then attack. Proper consideration should be given to distance and timing.

Students of Nam Pai Chuan will be very familiar with the one-step sparring described above but what is the reason for the constant repetition of this exercise?

This type of pre-arranged sparring is designed for students to test and apply techniques they have learnt from drills and form work. It is simplified self-defence practice against fixed attacks to allow for exploration and experimentation. Of course it is not a realistic self-defence situation as the attacker is restricted to a single method of attack and prevented from blocking or retaliating. It is not meant to be realistic but only give students a chance to find out what works best for them and then demonstrate this ability during grading examinations. Basic punch is used as the standard because it is the most common attack encountered, but during regular classes many different attacks should be employed.

At a basic level, this training exercise is of benefit both physically and mentally. Physical conditioning occurs naturally through repetitive bodily contact. Psychologically there is a gradual increase in self-confidence acquired when successfully defending oneself. This is crucial in preparing for a fight scenario. Martial arts training aims to prevent a panicked response when threatened or intimidated. After some years of training you should hopefully remain more calm and composed than you otherwise would have done. A deep belief in ones abilities will give somebody an aura that is often enough to deter a would-be assailant.

What makes good defence?

i) Hand work
ii) Foot work
iii) Body movement

Any of these three elements can be used in isolation to defend against an incoming attack, but by using all three in conjunction with each other you will create the safest and most reliable form of defence. The theory being that when one part of the body moves, all parts move. By sticking to this rule should one of the three elements above fail the other two will compensate as necessary.

Blocks can be hard or soft in nature. Both methods can be effective as long as they are applied correctly. A hard block describes a defensive technique that uses force against force, in a sense, the block itself is used to strike the attacking tool. Precise timing and distancing is essential. To the contrary, a soft block usually goes with the opponent's energy, deflecting or re-directing the incoming force in a smooth motion. When confronted with a powerful attack the goal is to merge with your opponent, maintaining contact at all times using ones sensitivity. Blocking techniques aren't hard or soft by definition, it is the delivery of a certain block that will determine its energy.

What constitutes a good counter attack?

i) Power
ii) Speed
iii) Accuracy

In order to disable or disarm an opponent all three of these skills should be in place. For you to be proficient will require significant time spent on practice drills. Accuracy is the most important factor. Only a well-coordinated, targeted strike will have the desired effect. Ensure all counter attacks, be it kicking, punching, striking, trapping or chin na, utilize the correct part of the attacking tool. If the counter is fast and powerful but misses the target it probably won't work. Obviously, speed is also very important as you want to give your opponent insufficient time to react and defend themselves. Adequate power will be necessary to inflict damage. For senior students power should become less important as attacks become more precise enabling you to get the task done whilst expending less energy. Ultimately, turning an enemy's own power against themselves and restraining without serious injury is most desirable. No easy task.

To an observer it should be clear from watching martial artists performing one-step sparring how experienced they are. A senior student must show why they are senior. A beginner having not learnt many skills will only practice simple manoeuvres until competent enough to move on. Whereas someone who has trained for some time should be able to demonstrate more advanced combinations and permutations with considerably more power (when desired), speed and accuracy. Effective combos will usually involve a variety of deceptive strikes and multiple target areas. For example, a mid-section turning kick followed by an upright punch to the head works well because of the shift in height, if the primary counter was blocked the second is likely to connect. Single counters are acceptable for beginners but senior students must be able to link techniques fluidly together without stopping. In truth a single strike is rarely going to stop a serious opponent.

The unfortunate reality of self-defence is that it is unrehearsed, explosive, aggressive, brutal and ugly. There are no rules. One-step isn't real self-defence but is a useful way of preparing for it safely. For that reason it should be carried out in a light-controlled manner. Techniques shouldn't be too wild, nor too weak, but delivered swiftly and decisively. Get used to making light contact wherever possible so that like with your blocking, your distancing becomes instinctive. Foot work will gradually improve as you learn that with each different strike you will need to adjust position and posture relative to your opponent.

Tactics and strategy

Now we shall look briefly into the tactics and strategy that can be incorporated into your one-step sparring. They are overlapping terms describing the science of manoeuvres during a fight. The options are infinite, the more you practice the more new concepts will become apparent. It is up to you to discover strengths and weaknesses both in yourself and your opponent.

i) Block then counter
ii) Simultaneous block and counter
iii) Direct counter

Here is a simple example of how the routine procedure of blocking and attacking can be divided. By blocking then countering the emphasis is on defence compared to a direct counter strike that sacrifices a guard for instantaneous attack. The latter is more difficult due to greater risk of being hit but far more effective if successful. A simultaneous block and counter is somewhere in between with equal attention given to protection and retaliation. Once suitably skilful in self-protection, it is the aggressor who should feel open and vulnerable when attacking!

i) Evade outside
ii) Evade inside
iii) Evade linear

Another example of tactical movement is use of angles. Most people's natural reaction in avoiding an assault is to pull back linearly, leaving you vulnerable to further onslaught. If choosing to defend in a straight line it is beneficial to hold your ground. Evading outside or inside of your opponent using nimble intelligent foot work can quickly change the advantage in your favour. Moving in this way is unpredictable, opening up more available target areas and disorientating your adversary. Constant change of range and direction will allow you more time and control.

Final thoughts

Extract ideas from the forms you have learnt. Nam Pai Chuan students learn traditional form work introducing a diverse range of techniques and principles. Try to demonstrate martial skill without being too flash or unrealistic. Originality is desirable, Hollywood style choreography is not.

Fluidity and coordination must be emphasized in front of the examiner. Speed at the expense of these skills is unnecessary and can be dangerous. Dexterity and continuous non-stop movement will eventually beget quickness. At the end of any paired exercise such as this it is also important to finish properly, it shows discipline to maintain your stance and alertness until instructed to relax.

When practicing one-step sparring don't just go through the motion. It is your opportunity to show a deep understanding of how to deal with a potentially life threatening confrontation. Your state of mind should be determined and highly focused on everything that is happening, if you don't train with this level of concentration all the time you will be completely unprepared should you become a victim of violent crime. Remember this is a martial art, it should be enjoyable but taken seriously.

Henry Wolstencroft
August 2005