The following Sibok Says is a response to a question submitted to Sibok Ambrose. The questions was: "Do you spar in your classes?"

In the strictest sense of the word…no. What is the value of sparring in a self-defense program? First the term sparring must be defined. Sparring is an exercise of experimentation with the use of technique. It generally has a limited intensity and aggression level and restricted targeting. As preparation for tournament application sparring is very useful as (while neither person is trying to annihilate the other) each combatant endeavors to apply his technique while trying purposefully to avoid the offensive techniques of his opponent. In other words, the nature of the contest and limitations thereof keep him from fully expressing his energy in a way that would most efficiently neutralize the opponent. However, this situation does not occur in the street, as a determined attacker generally confident in his ability to vanquish his victim, expecting to intimidate his victim, and also expecting minimal resistance, will have little thought of evading or avoiding contact with the victim. He will give little warning. He is not going to "box" with you. In a life threatening situation the attacker will be like a vicious animal who will assault you and attempt to maim, cripple, or kill you as quickly and directly as possible without hesitation. To survive this kind of vicious attack you must be able to react reflexively with direct, bare-bones no-holds-barred self-defense.

Wing Chun Do, while considered a martial art, may be more accurately referred to as a self-defense system, as Bruce Lee was concerned with only one thing during its development. That is, the absolute practicality and applicability of his technique in a real, life-threatening situation. Each technique was painstakingly tested in daily sessions of no-holds-barred combat with the most accomplished and aggressive fighters available to him. The result of this process is a self-defense system, which has eliminated all techniques, and concepts, which do not result in a three to five second neutralization of even the most determined attacker.

Here at the Midwest Headquarters, our sparring starts in level 3 with the controlled application of the skills available to students at that level. Using a primary vs. secondary system - the primary being the WCD or self-defense player and the secondary taking the role of the attacker - the secondary launches a direct and determined attack with intensity appropriate to the primary's rank and skill level. The primary trains to respond with total efficiency, as well as, intensity and aggression necessary to survive a street attack. Then as they advance in rank, the level of intensity and reality of the "sparring" drills increases accordingly until, in the upper levels, it becomes necessary for the secondary to use heavy safety gear.

Please visit a WCD school and see the difference.