Sparring>Fundamentals>Evolution of sparring>Ways sparring is used

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Ways sparring is used

Traditional

Range: Close, foot and hand attacks are possible with little forward movement.
Stance: Various stances with a little or a lot of shifting.
Guard: Arms held high and close in.
Hands: Usually closed in fists.
Permitted attacks: Hand and foot attacks to head and body. Usually a 50/50 mix of hand and foot attacks.
Appearance: Looks like two fighters fighting. Many blocks, some avoidance, many foot attacks and hand attacks.
Applicability to self-defense when in regular clothing on unfamiliar ground: Very good

ITF

Range: Middle, foot attacks are possible, but hand attacks require more forward movement.
Stance: Basic fighting stance with some bouncing.
Guard: Arms held lower and close somewhat forward.
Hands: Usually closed in fists.
Permitted attacks: Hand and foot attacks to head and body. Usually a 30/70 mix of hand and foot attacks.
Appearance: Looks like two fighters fighting. Some blocks, some avoidance, many foot attacks, and some hand attacks.
Applicability to self-defense when in regular clothing on unfamiliar ground: Good

WT

Range: Long, foot and hand attacks require much forward movement.
Stance: Basic fighting stance with constant bouncing.
Guard: Arms hanging down and close somewhat forward.
Hands: Usually open.
Permitted attacks: Hand to body and foot attacks to head and body. Usually a 5/95 mix of hand and foot attacks.
Appearance: Looks like two Irish river dancers kicking and clinching each other. No blocks and practically no hand attacks.
Applicability to self-defense when in regular clothing on unfamiliar ground: Good luck.

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