Point sparring vs Full contact?

Question

To hit or not to hit... that is the ? Ha ha.... I have heard the argument that point sparring teaches you to stop before actually hitting the target, which creates a very bad "muscle memory", but I feel the need to present the opposite argument... In my point sparring days.. (the way I was taught) every movement perfect technique (is the goal noones technique is perfect) and full power and full control (stopping one inch before the target) which I am incline to agree that it may cause a bad "habit"... the so called "full contact" sparring is only at 60% at best... even at that I get told to "watch the power" so wouldnt that not only create bad habits, but also inhibit the increase of speed and power? I can see both sides of the arguement, and I also know that it is not a good Idea to hit someone with everything you have with proper technique (even in a full contact fight, maybe in a real life altercation, but probably would not be required)... Would like to hear more opinions

I hear many stories about a BB losing a "street fight" to some untrained person.... This leads me to believe the "so called" BB had very very poor training

Answer 1

I'm not a fan of point sparing. I've seen many a 1st & 2nd Dan get knocked out in street fights by the untrained individual. I believe this was the end result of too much point sparing and not enough full contact to prepare one for the "real world".

Edit:

you are correct as this is the type of martial artists that many of the "belt factories" here in the US produce today. there are also many people that are instructors that should not be. I visit many MA sites where I read of people being "instructors" after only 5-6 years of MA which is laughable at best.

Answer 2

Y started as full contact fighter after 10 years y switched to.regural karate without full contact.( Due to mowing and my healh insurance)there is big deference between those two.In full contact y alvais have to be in the top shape and spend 4+ hours a day practicing ,my techniques have to be perfect if y hit or kick somebody with wrong technique there was good change that y will hurt my hands or legs .Full contact fighting is e real way to learn karate and to know that you are really able to defend your self only when you hit yours opponent body you know the power of yours strike .Y also practice regurall karate( no contact) Yt is still good and important practice but it Kent be very misleading where you are used to stop and control yours punches kicks it gives you false sense of confidence and one day when you find yourself in life and dead situation with opponent who is used to hit without of fear of killing you ,yours stop on control techniques may not work because you really dint know the real power and effectiveness of yours kicks and punches.So it Y's still good idea to practice in some heavy bag that will give you some ydea about yours techniques and power of yours strikes. But like y say regural karate is great sport and is good for yours health and well being .Not everybody find enjoyment to punch somebody face so what ewer you choose full contact or controlled fight it still good for you.And keep practicing.