# 3 Great Reasons For One Step Sparring

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2016/03/21/blog-3-great-reasons-for-one-step-sparring/
- Published: 2016-03-21T10:35:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

## 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](https://brianejohns.com/2024/02/21/sparring-or-free-play/).

“_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](https://youtu.be/Y8qiB-QZwtU).

### 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](https://youtu.be/HcWoIzWzv30).

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](https://brianejohns.com/2016/04/25/blog-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](https://brianejohns.com/2021/05/28/blog-friday-recommendation-10/)
or a street self-defence situation. For this reason, I emphasize [flow drills](https://brianejohns.com/2016/10/04/blog-flow-drills-vs-techniques/)
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

 * [Angles of Attack in Filipino Martial Arts](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/10/blog-angles-of-attack-in-filipino-martial-arts/)
 * [5 Problems With One Step Sparring](https://brianejohns.com/2016/03/23/blog-5-problems-with-one-step-sparring/)
 * [Sparring or Free Play?](https://brianejohns.com/2024/02/21/sparring-or-free-play/)
 * [Flow Drills vs. Techniques](https://brianejohns.com/2016/10/04/blog-flow-drills-vs-techniques/)
 * [Two Great Reasons To Move Your Feet](https://brianejohns.com/2015/05/13/blog-two-great-reasons-to-move-your-feet/)

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