When do you start sparring?

Question

I am enrolled in Karate America. I have just started, and am only at a white belt. When will I need to buy sparring gear, and how much will it cost?

Answer 1

You start sparring when your teacher says that you can start sparring.  Gear can run from $50 to $100, depending upon how much and what pieces you get.  Some schools don't let white belts spar at all, especially if the white belt has no prior training in any martial art.   Others will if there are advanced belts around who can temper their game to the white belt level, and others will let white belts attack but not have to defend.  When in doubt, ask your teacher when he or she will let you start sparring.  

Answer 2

You will start sparring when the instructor feels you are ready. Sparring gear can vary greatly in price depending on brand. Check with your instructor to see what you will need.  There are many places to buy the gear. You might want to check out Century Martial Arts and a few others. You might save money by shopping around.

What worries me a bit here is the name of the school. Karate America sounds like it could be a McDojo?

Answer 3

In Tae Kwon Do you aren't allowed to do contact sparring until you're a yellow belt. Tae Kwon Do sparring gear (all Adidas ) cost $200 for us and $210 including a bag for it. Just ask your sensei.

Answer 4

It varies by school, but generally you begin sparring when you are proficient enough at the basics that you don't hurt someone else needlessly. You'll wanna work on your stances and forms for balance and finding center before you start sparring, othewise you'll just be flailing wildly and falling on your a** a lot. In short, you start when your sensei says you're ready.  

Answer 5

pretty much it depends on your school and your teacher.

i would be wary of any teacher that just had you spar on day 1 without good reason and I would be VERY wary of a teacher that didn't have you spar after a little bit to get a taste even if it is highly restricted.

much of it is really just subjective based on the school and your individual progression.

Answer 6

It depends on the school.  For us we start our students as early as white belts.  We recommend buying gear after the first month.  A full set runs between $90-100 depending on what is required.  Sometimes you can find deals online as well.