What pre-arranged free sparring solves

Free sparring can be unpredictable and hard to showcase on command. Pre-arranged free sparring solves a presentation problem: how to demonstrate sparring principles clearly, safely, and consistently.

• Clarity: spectators can follow the logic of each exchange.
• Safety: both partners know spacing and intent.
• Principles: distance, timing, angles, and recovery are visible.
• Consistency: repeatable routine for demos and gradings.
• Control: high speed, low contact.

The goal is not to look “perfect.” The goal is to look skilled and realistic.

What it should look like

A good routine looks like sparring: entries, exits, feints, counters, and range changes — without chaos.

• Real distance: techniques land in range (not air punching from 5 feet away).
• Clean footwork: no collisions, no awkward crowding.
• Readable exchanges: attack → defense → counter → exit.
• Balanced finishes: stable stance after techniques.
• Light contact: touch or near-touch with full control.

Recommended structure

Most routines work best with 8–12 exchanges. Each exchange should highlight one clear idea.

Exchange menu (use this as a template)

• 1–2: Basic entry + clean counter (simple and readable)
• 3–4: Angle step + counter (show footwork)
• 5–6: Stop-hit timing (intercept)
• 7–8: After-counter timing (counter on recovery)
• 9–10: Kicking exchange (balance and recovery)
• 11–12: Controlled finish sequence (clean exit/reset)

Instructor tip: if you can’t explain what an exchange is teaching in one sentence, it’s too complex.

How to design a routine (simple rules)

Rule 1: Make every exchange plausible

• Attacks should be realistic choices someone would actually use.
• Defenses should match the attack (no random magic counters).

Rule 2: Keep it readable

• Limit combinations (1–2 techniques per person per exchange).
• Clear “pause points” through exits and resets.

Rule 3: Prioritize distance and safety

• High speed is okay — heavy contact is not.
• Anything that risks collision should be removed.

Rule 4: Show variety without chaos

• Include hands and feet.
• Include different timing windows (before/during/after).
• Include angles, not just straight lines.

Safety reminder: Safety & Control Gates.

Teaching progression

Build the routine the same way you build patterns: small pieces, then connect.

Level 1: Build 2–3 exchanges

• Walk-through only.
• Freeze at the finish of each exchange.
• Goal: distance and balance.

Level 2: Connect to 6 exchanges

• Add footwork between exchanges.
• Goal: flow without collisions.

Level 3: Add speed (without power)

• Increase speed gradually.
• Keep contact light and controlled.
• Goal: crisp technique with trust.

Level 4: Performance polish

• Spacing, pacing, clean resets, and calm composure.
• Goal: demo quality that still looks realistic.

What to coach (priority order)

1. Safety & trust: no surprises; contact stays light.
2. Distance: realistic range, no collisions.
3. Clarity: exchange logic is visible to the audience.
4. Balance: stable finishes and clean recovery.
5. Timing: show different timing windows clearly.

Teaching shortcut: if it looks like a dance, make it simpler and more plausible.

Common mistakes (and fixes)

Mistake: Unrealistic distance

• Looks like: attacks missing by a mile or partners crowding.
• Fix: mark start distance; enforce exit after each exchange.

Mistake: Too many techniques per exchange

• Fix: reduce to 1–2 techniques; keep it readable.

Mistake: Speed without control

• Fix: slow down until finishes are stable; then build speed again.

Mistake: Overacting reactions

• Looks like: dramatic falls from light contact.
• Fix: react realistically; reset cleanly.

Mistake: No exits

• Looks like: partners stay in range and collide as the routine continues.
• Fix: require an exit step after each exchange.

High-value drills

1) Exchange freeze drill

• Run each exchange and freeze for 1 second.
• Goal: stable finishes and clean distance.

2) Distance marker drill

• Mark start positions on the floor.
• Reset exactly every rep.
• Goal: consistent, realistic range.

3) Exit discipline drill

• After every exchange, both partners must exit range.
• Goal: eliminate collisions and improve clarity.

4) Speed ladder

• Run the routine at 40%, 60%, 80% speed.
• Rule: speed increases only if balance stays perfect.
• Goal: crisp speed without chaos.

Quick demo checklist

• Readable: audience can identify attack/defense/counter.
• Real: distance is plausible, techniques land in range.
• Safe: contact is light; no collisions.
• Clean: stable finishes, quiet feet, quick recovery.
• Calm: no frantic chasing or ego energy.

Next

Want to name and isolate the skills inside sparring? Continue to Core Skills: Distance, Timing, Angles or jump to Drills Library.