How can I get younger students into sparing?

Question

I help teach a sparing class. We have kids aged 7-13.I am 16 by the way. Some of the younger boys and girls are uncomfortable and scared sparring. Normally I have them "spar" me where I don't really attack back and let them hit me so they see I am not curled up in a little ball in pain when it happens. What else can I do to help them I don't want to force them?

Answer 1

Start off with grappling or wrestling eg. ground work. So that the students become accustomed to body contact in a non aggressive way...no kicking or punching or threatening actions...

Answer 2

First of all you must emphasize that beginners must not use power when striking. Then you must show them by delivering a light contact strike to their body and have them do the same to you.

If you notice they are using too much power or too little correct them. When they begin to learn the dynamics of light contact striking and get over the fear of getting hit, have them chose sides for team sparing matches for points; having the losing team do push ups.

This should happen soon keep being patient and have fun,  and Let them know that sparing is a game too when done in class under supervision.

Answer 3

Try having your students start out with slow, deliberate moves, just tapping their opponent. If they seem to get more comfortable with it, have them increase their speed, keeping light contact. Pair them up with someone their own height, and try to have their opponent at the same level as them. A little one would be scared of getting hurt by a bigger person, and the larger opponent might be scared of hurting a smaller opponent. Like The Silent Cobra said, correct them if you notice that they're using too much/little power.

I used to be scared to death when the sensei announced sparring time, but he paired us up with others our own height and near our level, and I got more comfortable with it. A couple of weeks later, I started hoping we would spar every day.

Answer 4

You didn’t say what type of martial art you teach and I’m assuming you use some type of body armor a hogu or chest protector with targets on it and gloves. If not I’d look into getting some, it helps the kids feel better when they wear some kind of protection and know where the kick and punches are aimed at.

We start with kicking drills one kid kicks the chest protector, then the other kid kick the first kid. Once they get used to that we make it a contest to see which pair can kick the fastest, and sometimes we give out silly little prizes.

Then we move on to kick the person next to you. The kids stand in a circle and one kid kicks the person to the left or right, that person kicks the person next to them and so on. The idea is that they get used to being kicked and kicking.

Once they get used to that it shouldn’t be that hard to get them to spar, although watch the girls they can get vicious, personal experience :)