Three Step SPARRING

THREE STEP SPARRING (SAMBO MATSOGI)

This is the initial basic sparring taught to beginners. It is an exercise to familiarise the student with basic attack and defence techniques whilst moving forwards and backwards.


The following principles should be observed:

  1. The exercise should be practised with a partner of equal height.

  2. If the height is not the same, the stance should be adjusted; i.e. the taller student uses an 'L' stance while the shorter uses a walking stance.

  3. The student must practice alone if the height differs considerably.

  4. The attacking student must measure up at the correct distance from the defender as it is necessary to perform both the stance and defence or attack correctly.


Measuring the correct distance:

There are three different methods of establishing the correct distance, depending on the choice of attack and defence techniques. Below is an example of the distance to be set using walking stance footwork. Refer to the following page for setting the distance for L-stance.



Middle section techniques

(techniques that form a vertical line with the toes)

Attacker's foot overlaps the defender's foot by half

HIGH section techniques

(techniques that form a vertical line with the middle of the front foot)

Attacker's foot is placed side by side with defender's foot

Close range techniques

(techniques that form a vertical line with the knee)

Attacker's foot is placed beyond the line of the defender's foot with heels in line

Correct foot position for three step sparring

USING WALKING STANCE

(both partners using middle section techniques)

Ready Position

USING L-STANCE

(both partners using middle section techniques)

Ready Position:


Correct PROCEDURE for three step sparring

Below is an example of the correct procedure for three step sparring using a basic punch and block. Once students are competent at this, the attack and defence may be varied.

However, the selected stance and attack must remain consistent throughout all three steps, though a variety of blocks may be used.


'A' = Attacker 'D' = Defender

  1. 'A' and 'D' adopt attention stance, facing each other, exchanging bows.

  2. 'A' measures the correct distance by placing the right foot to the outside of the attention stance of 'D' and steps back into a left walking stance, forearm low block, then shouts "ki" as a ready signal.

  3. 'D' moves the right foot to parallel ready stance, then returns a "ki" as a ready signal.


Step 1:

'A' moves the right foot forwards to form a right walking stance, while executing a punch with the right fist.

'D' moves the right foot backwards to form a left walking stance, while executing a side block with the left inner forearm.

Step 2:

'A' moves the left foot forwards to form a left walking stance, while executing a punch with the left fist.

'D' moves the left foot backwards to form a right walking stance, while executing a side block with the right inner forearm.

Step 3:

'A' moves the right foot forwards to form a right walking stance, while executing a punch with the right fist.

'D' moves the right foot backwards to form a left walking stance, while executing a side block with the left inner forearm, then immediately counterattacks with a right reverse punch.

FINISH:

'A' and 'D' both move the right foot to form a parallel ready stance.


The attacker and defender now switch roles and repeat the exercise.