Unpredictability

The importance of unpredictability cannot be underestimated. Unpredictability is the one thing that will let the practitioner know how good their reflexes are.


I once had a student who was so surprised at his sudden upsurge in his ability to block an unrehearsed series of attacks that he quipped, “I’m possessed!”


Prearranged drills and basics certainly have their place. They build confidence and abilities that I will be covering in detail over the coming months.


However, an active and unrehearsed sparring exercise has the ability to shine a harsh and very clear light on how well one performs under hostile pressure.


Therefore, free sparring has a vital place in a well balanced curriculum. I’d even go so far as to say it is a kind of measuring device that lets the practitioner keep their confidence up but not to an unrealistic level.


Without Prejudice