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.