Free sparring is not pre-arranged. There is no prescribed number of steps or movements. It is essentially open combat with controlled attacks using all available means and methods. In order to prevent injury, protective equipment will be worn at all times during free sparing or contact of any kind. This will include headgear, mouthpieces, padded kicking boots and padded hand pads, chest/breast protectors, and groin cups for males.
The teaching of free sparing is in the program starting at the yellow belt level.
There will be no contact to the groin area and no contact above the shoulder except for light contact to the head only.
According to the rules, the attacker must stop the attacking tool just before reaching certain vital spots. Only blows that stop two centimeters from a vital spot are counted. The evaluation of free sparring is based on accuracy, speed, timing, distance, and quality of technique executed. Balance, blocking and dodging skills, and attitude are also very important.
Because each of the participants is free to move and attack, free sparring encourages the development of strategies for attack and defense, while improving speed and timing. Since free sparring is practiced as a non-stop fight that may consist of one, two or three rounds, being in top physical condition is very important.
There are rules and a system for free sparring in tournaments. Both hand and foot techniques are allowed and good fighters use combination and flying techniques. These fights can be really spectacular!