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This is something people seem to be in dire need of as the number of threads popping up questioning the levels of sparring increases. It seems people are having a hard time gauging what is what. So let's just put it out there.
THIS...is light sparring:
More common in Muay Thai than Boxing, but light sparring can be a tool to perfect technique while still having the viable threat of being touched. Speed is often utilized with lacks of power. Two of the fighters in the above video were scheduled to fight the next day, hence the call for light sparring. Normally competitive fighters prefer not to spar lightly, and some long-time competitors lose the ability to even go "light"...so be careful when requesting it of Gym veterans.
This is another example. A newer fighter with a much more experienced fighter, and it's easy to tell which one is holding back:
THIS...is moderate sparring:
As is this:
As sparring activity and experience ramps up, getting closer to a fight, competitors like to begin with moderate and move to hard sparring midway through prep, then taper back down to moderate sparring. It's not too heavy, people are getting hit but no one is particularly trying to kill each other. Full speed, but between 50-75% power is typical.
THIS...is hard sparring:
Hard sparring is the closest simulation to an actual fight. Full speed, up to 80% power, although some competitors go full power. When in with such a competitor most trainers will instruct their fighters on that situation, that they may find themselves in a "kill or be killed" scenario until they earn the opposition's respect. Hard sparring is not for people new to a Sport, and if someone starts going on you like this when you've only agreed to "light" or "moderate" sparring, then you or your trainer should IMMEDIATELY end the session.
As with any craft there are various levels of ability, hard sparring should only be undertaken by those who are savvy at defending themselves in such situations, or by two parties who agree that getting put in the Hospital is not a concern of theirs.
THIS...is light sparring:
More common in Muay Thai than Boxing, but light sparring can be a tool to perfect technique while still having the viable threat of being touched. Speed is often utilized with lacks of power. Two of the fighters in the above video were scheduled to fight the next day, hence the call for light sparring. Normally competitive fighters prefer not to spar lightly, and some long-time competitors lose the ability to even go "light"...so be careful when requesting it of Gym veterans.
This is another example. A newer fighter with a much more experienced fighter, and it's easy to tell which one is holding back:
THIS...is moderate sparring:
As is this:
As sparring activity and experience ramps up, getting closer to a fight, competitors like to begin with moderate and move to hard sparring midway through prep, then taper back down to moderate sparring. It's not too heavy, people are getting hit but no one is particularly trying to kill each other. Full speed, but between 50-75% power is typical.
THIS...is hard sparring:
Hard sparring is the closest simulation to an actual fight. Full speed, up to 80% power, although some competitors go full power. When in with such a competitor most trainers will instruct their fighters on that situation, that they may find themselves in a "kill or be killed" scenario until they earn the opposition's respect. Hard sparring is not for people new to a Sport, and if someone starts going on you like this when you've only agreed to "light" or "moderate" sparring, then you or your trainer should IMMEDIATELY end the session.
As with any craft there are various levels of ability, hard sparring should only be undertaken by those who are savvy at defending themselves in such situations, or by two parties who agree that getting put in the Hospital is not a concern of theirs.
