Many martial arts, such as karate and tae kwon do, employ a training method called “one-step sparring.”

This training method has been the subject of a fair bit of debate. Some advocate it, while others deride it as impractical and unsuited to the realities of the 21st century. I think that there are pros and cons to this training method. This is the first of two posts addressing both sides of this topic. Today, I will posit three great reasons for one-step sparring.

“But what does this topic have to do with Filipino Martial Arts?” some might say, pointing to a video such as this:

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

They will say, “We don’t do anything like this in Filipino Martial Arts.”

Au contraire, mon Frere.

See, for example, this video:

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

This is the basic block, check counter drill taught to all of my beginners.

For this post, “one-step sparring” is a prearranged attack that is blocked and counter-attacked. Thus, my demonstration in the above video falls within the definition of “one-step sparring.”  Some instructors call it a “drill.” Others describe it as “teaching the basics.” Call it whatever you want, it still consists of one step by the attacker, followed by a block and counter-attack by the defender.

While many criticize one-step sparring, I will argue that this method has three great benefits.

(1) Teaching beginners: this training method is the best way to teach beginners the ABCs of the martial art they are studying. For example, return to the basic block, check, and counter drill referenced above. Quite a few details are covered in this drill:

  • Proper blocking;
  • footwork; 
  • awareness of the center line; 
  • the use of the check hand;
  • and timing.

Yes, doing a sequence with a finite end and then “resetting” aggravates some martial artists.

However, the one-step method is essential for installing the basics of Modern Arnis or any martial art for the student. 

It would be erroneous to focus on only one side of the sequence: that of the defending side. What about the driver’s side of the sequence?

With the one-step method, the driver learns the proper distance and range for a proper attack, not to be a “wet noodle,” and to see his partner’s counter-attacks.

In short, the one-step method benefits both the driver and the defender beginners. There is probably no other method that does a better job of “software installation” (i.e., the concepts and foundational techniques of martial art) than the one-step method.

Don’t be a wet noodle.

(2) Stress inoculation: Admittedly, the stress inoculation from aggressive and well-practiced one-step sparring is nothing like the stress or adrenal dump from free sparring or a street self-defence situation. For this reason, I emphasize flow drills after the basics are absorbed.

That said, it does serve as a valuable introduction to dealing with stress.

The stress can originate from the aggressiveness of the attacker or from seeing a weapon come at you. It can also come from dealing with a bigger and stronger partner or with one with more speed or experience than the defender.

For example, when teaching my 6—to 10-year-old students how to feed, I often have them feed me first to ensure that they have good form and intent. To stress the importance of proper form, I’ll often execute the block, check, and counter at slow to moderate speed. They all have the classic flinch response when they see the stick coming at their face. Usually, they get acclimated to it quickly. 

As I said, it’s only an introduction to stress. Pushing students into free sparring or advanced training does not serve them well. It will only set them up for failure. While some may progress more rapidly, I believe the one-step method is the appropriate starting point for all.

Kids often cringe when they see a stick coming at their faces.

(3) New technique for advanced students: While the one-step method is perceived as only benefitting beginners, it can be quite useful for advanced students, including myself. For example, a couple of weeks ago, I had a private lesson with Master of Tapi Tapi Chuck Gauss. In this session, he imparted particular concepts of timing, positioning, and technique.

He employed a variation of the one-step method to teach me multiple concepts to teach a complex sequence.

Master Chuck then had me practice this sequence with my partner, Andy, over and over and correct my timing, positioning, and technique. He exposed me to several conceptual tweaks, and it was best done with an advanced version of the one-step sparring method.

In summary, an advanced version of one-step sparring can be a helpful learning tool for advanced students, particularly in teaching new concepts or techniques. Of course, the student needs to transfer the concepts learned during this sequence and apply them to free play.

While one-step sparring has benefits, this method has downsides. I will explore the downsides in the next post.

Additional Reading