Performance Under Pressure

Build mental and physical endurance. Regular free-sparring builds mental, physical, and emotional endurance. Mental endurance permits one to concentrate fully on the opponent's actions and to read his or her intentions, and to formulate a fighting strategy. Physical endurance permits one to fight a larger or more experienced fighter and to outlast tough opponents. Emotional endurance permits one to stay calm, cool, and collected throughout a tough fight.

Build power and accuracy. To learn to apply your techniques realistically, you must use them against a live opponent. Free-sparring permits one to execute a limited number of skills against the active resistance of an opponent. 

Learn to move quickly. Only the pressure of a realistic confrontation can create the speed needed to attack and defend effectively. Free- sparring, permits students to develop speed and timing in evasion, defense, strategy, footwork, and counterattacks.

Hone fighting instincts. Ever watch dogs play! Ever watch dogs fight! The only difference between the two is attitude. Animals hone their fighting instincts by playing in the same way they would fight. Sparring has the same effect for the human animal.