Sparring & Distance: Using Your Strengths

Sparring seems like a pure "brute strength" affair.

You get on the mat, and pound the other guy, right?

Well, it isn't quite that simple. Sparring is actually a thinker's game - you just have to think quick, and use what you know about your opponent (and what you can learn) to beat them.

First and foremost, you need to consider your opponent's height and reach. By looking at the person, you will see, for example, if their legs are longer than yours. If you're in a sport focusing on hand strikes, reach can come into play as well.

If your opponent can reach you but you can't reach them, then you are at a strategic disadvantage. However if you can reach your opponent first, you're at an advantage.

Speed is also very important. If your opponent is quick, but shorter, they may be able to hit you before you can hit them, even though you are taller. But speed generally is hard to gauge before you fight, unless you know the fighter already.

What this all comes down to is managing distance. All martial arts (even full scale war with armies) focus on the concept of managing your distance from your opponent. If you get too close to your opponent, they can hit you, especially if your legs are shorter than theirs (or their artillery can shoot farther).

So first and foremost, when you spar, assess the opponent's reach and speed.

But what do you do then?

Well, if you're evenly matched on both criteria, you need to look to other concepts for your winning strategy. If you are taller and faster than your opponent, though, you can afford to fight a more defensive fight, waiting for your opponent to move, then using your speed and reach to hit him and move out of his reach again.

If you are shorter and slower, you need to be tricky...and practice a lot.