Controlled sparring is where KKB technique becomes real. โ Youโre not trying to โwin a fightโ โ youโre training timing, defense, counters, balance, and clean exits. Power stays low, skill stays high.
This page gives you a ready-to-use 15โ20 minute controlled sparring block with clear rules, scoring, round plans, and tables you can copy into your weekly schedule pages.
๐ Table of Contents
- 1. Controlled Sparring Summary (Quick Table)
- 2. What โControlled Sparringโ Means in KKB
- 3. Rules Table (Power Low, Technique High)
- 4. Scoring Table (How to Score With Defense Counters)
- 5. 15โ20 Minute Round Plan (Table)
- 6. Partner Roles (A/B Jobs Table)
- 7. Common Mistakes (Fix Table)
- 8. Keep Training (Internal Links)
- 9. FAQ
1. Controlled Sparring Summary โ
| Block | Time | Main Focus | Key Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled Sparring | 15โ20 min | ๐ก๏ธ Score with defense counters | Check โ counter โข Block/slip โ counter โข Pivot โ reset โ |
Goal of the block: Keep power low and technique high โ โ your defense should create scoring opportunities, not panic reactions.
2. What โControlled Sparringโ Means in KKB ๐ง
Controlled sparring is a training format where both partners agree on:
- โ low power (no injuries, no ego)
- โ high clarity (clean shots, clean defense)
- โ specific focus (today: defense + counters)
- โ reset mindset (after every exchange)
Think of it like โlive drilling.โ Youโre building habits that will stay under pressure.
3. Rules Table (Power Low, Technique High โ )
| Rule | What You Do | Why It Matters | Coach Cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power control | Light to medium touch only | Prevents injury + keeps learning fast | โSmooth, not hard.โ โ |
| Defense first | You must defend before you counter | Stops wild trading / bad habits | โEarn your counter.โ ๐ก๏ธ |
| Counter limit | 1โ2 shots max, then move | Teaches clean scoring windows | โTouch + exit.โ ๐ฏ |
| Exit requirement | After counter: pivot or reset | Builds safe habits + ring IQ | โDonโt stand there.โ ๐งญ |
| No ego | If you get hit, continue calm | Emotional control = real skill | โStay relaxed.โ ๐ฎโ๐จ |
4. Scoring Table (How to Score With Defense Counters) ๐งช
| Defense Action | Counter Example | Score Condition | Coaching Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐ฆต Check kick | Check โ low kick back | Balance stays stable + clean return | Land in stance, donโt hop โ |
| ๐งฑ Block punch | Block โ jab-cross | Hands return to guard instantly | Counter straight, then pivot ๐งญ |
| ๐ Slip | Slip โ cross / hook | Head moves small, feet under you | No leaning, keep eyes forward ๐ |
| โ Parry teep | Parry โ jab โ exit | Parry is light + fast, no grabbing | Parry with timing, not strength โก |
| ๐ก๏ธ Guard + step back | Step back โ teep / jab | Distance is rebuilt before counter | Reset first, then score ๐ฏ |
5. 15โ20 Minute Round Plan (Table) โฑ๏ธ
Choose either 5ร3 min (15 min) or 4ร4 min (16 min). Add 1 minute coaching breaks for a full 20-minute block.
| Round | Duration | Focus | Win Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | 3โ4 min | ๐ก๏ธ Check + counter only | Score 5 clean check-counters |
| R2 | 3โ4 min | ๐งฑ Block/slip + counter | Counter in 1โ2 shots, then exit |
| R3 | 3โ4 min | ๐งญ Pivot + reset after scoring | Every counter ends with pivot/reset โ |
| R4 | 3โ4 min | ๐ฏ Free but controlled (all defense counters) | Clean defense + clean score + clean exit |
| R5 (optional) | 3 min | โก โ10s on / 20s offโ technical bursts | Explode with control, never wild |
6. Partner Roles (A/B Jobs Table) ๐ค
This keeps sparring structured and removes ego.
| Role | Job | Allowed Attacks | Coaching Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner A | Pressure lightly + test defense | Jab-cross, light low kick, teep | Make it readable, not dangerous โ |
| Partner B | Defend + counter + exit | 1โ2 shot counters only | Counter then pivot/reset ๐งญ |
| Switch | Swap roles | Same rules | Both learn both sides ๐ |
7. Common Mistakes (Fix Table) ๐ซโ
| Mistake | What Happens | Fix | Coach Cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| โ Power increases | People get hurt, learning stops | Lower power, increase speed control | โLight touch.โ โ |
| โ No exit after counter | You eat the follow-up | Counter โ pivot/reset every time | โScore then leave.โ ๐งญ |
| โ Too many counters | Becomes a brawl | Limit to 1โ2 shots | โTwo and out.โ ๐ฏ |
| โ Leaning on defense | Balance breaks, slow counters | Small slips, feet under you | โStay stacked.โ ๐งฑ |
| โ Forgetting guard | Easy hits, bad habit | Hands return home instantly | โGuard lives up.โ ๐ก๏ธ |
8. Keep Training (Internal Links) ๐
Use these intralinks to strengthen your KKB silo and keep users moving through your training content:
- ๐ Weekly hub: KKB Weekly Training Schedule
- ๐ก๏ธ Day 4 page: Day 4 โ Defense + Counters
- ๐ฅ Sparring guide: Sparring Training
- โ Range control sparring: KKB Controlled Sparring (Range Only)
- ๐ฆต Kick defense skill: Kick Defense: Check + Return
- ๐งฑ Punch defense skill: Punch Defense: Block/Slip + Counter
- ๐งญ Footwork exits: Angle Exit Drill
- ๐ฅ Learn visually: Training Videos
9. FAQ โ
What power level should controlled sparring be?
Low to medium touch only. You should be able to stay relaxed, breathe normally, and focus on timing. If someone is getting hurt, power is too high.
How do I โscoreโ in controlled sparring?
Score by defending first (check/block/slip), then landing a clean counter (1โ2 shots), then pivoting or resetting. Clean sequence = point โ
How long should this sparring block be?
15โ20 minutes is perfect: 4โ5 rounds with short coaching breaks. Itโs enough to learn without turning into a war.
Can beginners do controlled sparring?
Yes โ itโs one of the best formats for beginners because it removes fear and builds correct habits. Keep attacks simple and predictable.
What gear should I use?
At minimum: gloves, mouthguard, and shin guards. If the group is mixed levels, add headgear for safety and confidence.

