For many sparring can be a daunting experience. The concept of putting yourself in a position of increased risk to injury is a alien concept for many, but a needs must to help improve confidence in yourself and your ability.

To minimise the risk to injury when contact training all members are expected to follow the clubs rules below. Please note our sparring requirements fall in line with all major tournament organisers.

10oz Gloves (open hand gloves / foam gloves preferred for points fighting)

Head Guard (top of the head must be protected)

Gum shield

Foot protectors

We also encourage males to wear groin guards and females breast guards.

For more information regarding sparring equipment requirements within the club please visit our blog here

Etiquette

All techniques must be executed with good control, Light-Contact is obligatory.

Members should not execute a technique that sends a fellow member down for the count.

Members should not show excessive aggression or bad conduct, this will result in an abrupt end to the fight and possible contact sparring suspension.

Scoring

The correct definition of a score is when: a legal technique hits a legal target area, with reasonable power.

The competitor scoring must remain on their feet. The technique must be completed to score, unless the competitor is thrown or pushed to the floor. Every clean and well controlled technique to a permitted target area and executed with light contact scores, according to the degree of difficulty as follows

All punches 1 point

Foot sweep 1 point

Sweep and punch follow up 2 points (The attacking fighter may touch the floor with his hands as an aid to perform the legal technique, but he may not go to ground. Ie. He must stay on his feet. Ground sweeps are not allowed)

Kick to the body 1 point

Kick to the head 2 points

Jump kick to the body 2 points

Jump kick to the head 3 points

Permitted Techniques

All forms of boxing combined with kicks to the body and the head with controlled contact.

No contact to the back of the head or back.

All types of foot sweeps performed with the inside of the foot (below the ankle knuckle only).

Rear or reverse kicks to the body with controlled contact.

Illegal Techniques

No strike, blow, punch or kick which is executed without restraint and control.

No strikes below the waist, i.e. leg strikes, knee strikes

No strikes, blows, punches and kicks to the back and to the back of the neck,

No take downs or throwing

No grabbing of the legs

No clinching

No elbow or knee strikes

No kicks using the shin or heel

No pushing

No spinning back fist

No palm strikes

Etiquette

Every action must be controlled and well-timed towards the front, back and side of the head, front and side of the body. Sweeps below mid calves.

Scoring

The correct definition of a score is when: a legal technique hits a legal target area, with reasonable power.

The competitor scoring must remain on their feet. The technique must be completed to score, unless the competitor is thrown or pushed to the floor. Every clean and well controlled technique to a permitted target area and executed with light contact scores, according to the degree of difficulty as follows

All punches 1 point

Foot sweep 1 point

Sweep and punch follow up 2 points (The attacking fighter may touch the floor with his hands as an aid to perform the legal technique, but he may not go to ground. Ie. He must stay on his feet. Ground sweeps are not allowed)

Kick to the body 1 point

Kick to the head 2 points

Jump kick to the body 2 points

Jump kick to the head 3 points

Prohibited Techniques

Sweep and kick to knee and thigh (low kick)

Kick and punch to the back of the body or to the top of the head

Uncontrolled actions

Permitted Techniques

Jab and Reverse Punch

Backfist

Ridge Hand

Side Kick

Front Kick

Spinning Back Kick

Roundhouse Kick

Hook Kick

Crescent Kick

Axe Kick

Sweep

Spinning Sweep

Illegal Techniques

Spinning Back Fist

Knife Hand

Throws and Take Downs

Elbows and Knees

Pushing

Low kicks

Shadow sparring: Matted Area Zone 1

Full equipment not required but preferable

No contact

No referee required when training but preferable

Ease into it getting closer to the opponent the more confident fighters are

Light Continuous Sparring: Matted Area 2

Full equipment required

Continuous sparring

Option to fight at green and amber level

No referee required when training but preferable

Points fighting: Matted Area 2

Full equipment required

Stop and start fights after a point

Referee required

Light Continuous Sparring, Points & Full Contact Continuous Sparring contact: Controlled Ring

Full equipment required

Option to fight at green, amber and red level

Light continuous sparring

Referee required at all times

All team EKA fight clubs implement a traffic light system so members can train at a level they feel is suitable to them. Below is the guidance we offer regardless which area the member choosing to spar on.

Green

30-40% power in punches and kicks 1 min 30 rounds

Amber

50-60% power in punches and kicks 1min 30 rounds

Red

70-80% power in punches and kicks Option of 1 min 30 or 2 min rounds