Observations from the Author on three-step sparring

From my travel around the world, I have observed so many students who incorrectly measure the distance between partners for three step sparring. The following illustrates two most common incorrect methods of measurement and explains why they are of no scientific basis. Remember this unscientific way of measurement not only hinders the proper delvelopment of basic techniques and good posture, but creates bad habits which are difficult to correct as the student progresses.

Middle Section

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One full arm length method

Correct punch with a walking stance

This illustrates how far the punch reaches through the opponent, passing the actual point of focus.

The defender is forced to bend the elbow severely to intercept the opponents forearm.

Or the defender must lean the body backward in order to perform a proper block.

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Two full arms length method.

Correct punch with a walking stance.

The fist cannot reach the target.

The defender cannot intercept the opponents forearm even with a straight arm.

The defender is forced to lean the body forward in order to perform a correct block.

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High Section

The samples of three step sparring presented in the foregoing pages are strictly based on the principles. However neither a low block nor rising block can be performed correctly by the same distance between X and Y, for the blocking tool generally forms a vertical line with the knee instead of the toes causing that much gap from the knee to toes at the moment of block as shown in the illustrations.

As a result, the distance must be adjusted to perform a correct attack and defence.

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INCORRECT

1. Bodies are leaning forward.

2. Knees of the front legs are bent too much.

X and Y stand facing each other at a distance of about one and a half feet instead of a full length of stance to be taken.

Correct attacks and blocks are performed.