When Can I Do Kickboxing Sparring?

Sparring isn’t mandatory in kickboxing-it’s an optional, intense challenge for those who want to test their skills, but simply training in kickboxing doesn’t automatically mean someone’s ready to spar. To ensure a student is competent and safe, I look to check off a few key things.

Keeping your hands up.

First, they need to naturally keep their hands up; dropping them during sparring can be dangerous. This can easily be seen during normal classes. If your default hand position isn’t up near your chin, then you will struggle to keep your hands up during sparring.

Comfort level whilst being hit.

Second, I watch how they handle a flurry of punches-are they composed, or do they flinch, look away, or seem uncomfortable with strikes coming their way? This can also be seen during drilling based on the comfort level of catching strikes during drilling and also during body sparring exercises in classes.

Proper form and balance.

Third, their form matters-their weight transfer, movement, and balance need to be solid, especially since sparring is dynamic, and they should throw strikes correctly while moving. If you can’t perform techniques correctly while standing still then you will definitely struggle when you are required to move and dodge in sparring resulting in an inability to properly defend of counter attack.

Good defence.

Fourth, I check if they value defence as much as offense, since many focus on striking but neglect blocking or evading, which is crucial in sparring. Defence doesn’t matter so much for normal classes, but when someone is trying to hit you back, then it’s the only thing that’s going to save you.

Understanding strategy and philosophies.

Additionally, even a student has come to Cabra Kai from eslewhere, they still need some time at our gym to get on the same page with our terminology, concepts, and safety protocols-this is extra important because of the inherent dangers of sparring, ensuring clear communication when it counts. Sparring class isn’t just a free-for-all, rather will dig deeper into concepts touched upon in normal classes.

Think of sparring like preparing to race on a track: just as a driver needs solid technique, quick reactions, and defensive skills to navigate high speeds and other cars, a student must have these basics down to handle the intensity. Without them, it’s risky, like crashing on the track. If you want to spar, focus on these areas, because at the end of the day, most of you don’t get paid to fight so getting head trauma for free is not worth it long term.

And remember, sparring is not for everyone-it’s totally fine if you just want to cruise around and just enjoy the driving. Kickboxing still offers plenty of benefits without ever stepping into the ring.