Karate Sparring Drill to Improve Awareness and Agility

Jason Stanley 

Here’s a video from earlier this year of some of my junior students showing a fun yet challenging sparring exercise.

As you can see the floor is covered with cones. The objective is to spar without knocking over a cone. So the rules for this particular match were you score a point for every technique you landed on your opponent, and also another point for every cone your opponent knocked over.

This exercise helps develop spacial awareness and agility. Surprisingly my students rarely knocked over any cones which got me thinking how could I make this sparring exercise even more challenging?

Here’s a few more ideas for you…

1) Add more cones

2) In the event a cone is knocked over, the other person wins by default.

3) Make the sparring area smaller

(For a full list of my awesomely creative skill building karate drills and exercises check out 125 Dynamite Drills here)

Can you think of other ways to enhance this exercise? If so, post ’em below!

Enjoy!

– Jason

Jason Stanley

Jason Stanley has been practicing karate for 37 years. He is a 5th dan in Shitoryu/Shukokai, and 3 x stick fighting world champion. Since 2002 Jason has provided karate tips, hints and information to help both students and teachers increase their karate knowledge, deepen their understanding and improve their karate skill sets. His materials, e-books and courses have sold in over 35 countries. If you haven't already done so, please subscribe to the KarateTeaching newsletter and receive free karate teaching tips delivered to your inbox. No spam. No BS. Just helpful info to improve your skills. 100% privacy.

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4 thoughts on “Karate Sparring Drill to Improve Awareness and Agility”

  1. David Skelton

    Great drill Jason! I will be using this, this Thursday in class.

    Reply

  2. Tamaris

    I’m definitely going to try this. I don’t have that many cones, but I can just use some small target pads instead. Thanks!!

    Reply

  3. Restita DeJesus

    Awesome drill! Bright smaller cones are a great idea to catch peripheral vision, I’ll be using this. Thanks!!

    Reply

  4. Pat Fineday

    Maybe mix in some taller cones?

    Reply

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