Here's a question that comes up often: How does sparring work at The Dragon Institute?
A: Sparring is a required part of our program. Forms are great for building self-awareness, muscle memory, structure, stability and much more, but they are not a substitute for sparring. You can also do a million pattern drills, but it won't translate unless you can learn to integrate it. Sparring is integration.
Sparring for Beginners: Sparring at The Dragon Institute is a progressive exercise that increases in speed and power over time. Beginners spar from the very beginning, however all sparring for beginners is both slow and soft. Building confidence and control is key for beginners.
Durring all sparring for both beginners and more experienced students, speed and power go together. In other words, whatever percent speed you are going, you must go the same percent power. Sparring must also be as relaxed as possible. There is no Wing Chun without relaxation. If tension becomes evident, both you and your partner should slow down.
No sparring is allowed without a mouth guard (mouthpiece). Groin protectors (cups) are highly advised. You must learn to hit and be hit - - both with substantial contact (in other words you must move the body mass of your partner). Bruises and cut lips will happen because of good hard training. But these aren't really injuries. Of course safety is of great importance, but you cannot learn to defend yourself if you do not learn to spar with substantial contact.
via The Dragon Institute | Orange County | Wing Chun Kung Fu's Facebook Wall http://ift.tt/1nwMy31
