1, 3 and 5 Step Sparring is NOT good for beginners

https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/ When I point out the issues with 1, 3 & 5 step sparring, it’s not unusual for people to respond by saying something along the lines of, “Yes, but they are good for beginners”. I totally disagree. They are not good for beginners, or anyone else. It’s important to understand that the practise was not a truly traditional one, nor was it one born out of the pursuit of function. Instead, the practise was an ill-advised attempt by karateka in the 1930s and 40s to ape the practises of judo and kendo (where such drills do have a useful role and are much better constructed).

Whilst I have no objection to people doing such things for historical interest, exercise or enjoyment, claims of them being a functional form of training have no validity. It should go without saying that people are free to practise as they see fit. However, in this video I explain why I feel the practise is one that karateka with a functional objective would be better abandoning. Agree or disagree, I hope you find the video interesting.

All the best,

Iain

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