Students do not have to spar, and there may be some good reasons for a student not to spar. However, sparring is an excellent way to provide practical application of the techniques and combinations in a dynamic but controlled environment. Students who spar will learn how to anticipate an attackers strike and what combinations or techniques work in different situations. We encourage students to spar especially as they get into the upper belt ranks. When a student tests for their black belt test, sparing is expected, unless there are physical or other conditions preventing the student from sparing.
