Controlled sparring (range only) is one of the smartest ways to build real Kun Khmer skill without unnecessary damage. โ This KKB format focuses on one thing: distance mastery.
You will learn how to score with the teep, stop opponent entry, and hold the center line using simple rules and high-quality rounds. ๐ง ๐ฆถ
๐ Table of Contents
- 1. What Is Controlled Sparring (Range Only)?
- 2. The 3 Goals: Score Teep, Stop Entry, Keep Center
- 3. Rules & Safety Settings (KKB Format)
- 4. Simple Scoring System (So Rounds Feel Like a Game)
- 5. Teep Tools: Front Teep, Side Teep, Fake Teep
- 6. Stop Entry: Footwork + Frame + Timing
- 7. Keep The Center: Ring Control Patterns
- 8. Drill Table (Partner Rounds)
- 9. 30-Min Session Plan (Beginner โ Fighter)
- 10. Common Mistakes (And Fixes)
- 11. Keep Training (KKB Silo Links)
- 12. FAQ
1. What Is Controlled Sparring (Range Only)?
This is a technical sparring game where both partners agree to stay at long-to-mid range and focus on:
- ๐ฆถ teep scoring
- ๐ก๏ธ blocking/denying entry
- ๐งญ center control and footwork
What itโs NOT: a hard sparring fight. No ego. No heavy shots. The goal is skill. โ
2. The 3 Goals: Score Teep, Stop Entry, Keep Center
Goal A: Score With Teep ๐ฆถ
A clean teep is like a jab with your leg โ it scores, breaks rhythm, and makes the opponent reset.
Goal B: Stop Entry ๐ก๏ธ
Your opponent wants to step in for punches, kicks, elbows, or clinch. Your job is to deny the door using teep + footwork + guard frames.
Goal C: Keep The Center ๐ฏ
Center control wins fights. If you hold the middle, you force the other person to move and react. In range-only sparring, center control is the โhidden scoring.โ
3. Rules & Safety Settings (KKB Format)
Use these rules to keep rounds clean and safe ๐:
- โ Power: 20โ40% only
- โ Targets allowed: teep to body (solar plexus / belly / hip line)
- โ No elbows / no knees / no clinch (range only)
- โ Punches: light touch only (optional)
- โ Break rule: if someone closes too much, reset to range
- โ Control first: if balance is lost, stop and reset
Coach tip: Make it a game. A game removes ego. Ego creates injuries. ๐ง
4. Simple Scoring System (So Rounds Feel Like a Game) ๐ฎ
Use a simple scoring system to keep partners honest:
- ๐ข +1 point = clean teep lands and partner resets
- ๐ข +1 point = opponent tries to enter but gets stopped (teep or angle exit)
- ๐ข +1 point = you keep the center for 10 seconds without being pushed off
- ๐ด -1 point = you get stepped into (lose distance)
- ๐ด -1 point = you fall off balance after your own teep
At the end of each round, partners say the score quickly: โ6โ4โ and switch roles. โ
5. Teep Tools: Front Teep, Side Teep, Fake Teep ๐ฆถ
Front Teep (Main Scoring Weapon)
- ๐ฏ Target: belly / solar plexus / hip line
- ๐งฑ Goal: stop the step forward
- โก Key: fast recovery (donโt leave your leg hanging)
Side Teep (Angle + Push Off Line)
- ๐งญ Use when opponent moves straight in
- โ Great for keeping center
Fake Teep (Make Them Freeze)
- ๐ Lift the knee like teep โ land foot โ step angle
- โ Perfect to create space without even kicking
6. Stop Entry: Footwork + Frame + Timing ๐ก๏ธ
Stopping entry is not only teep. Itโs a full system:
- ๐ฆถ Footwork: step back 5 cm instead of running back 50 cm
- ๐งค Frame: long guard / lead hand post (light contact)
- โฑ๏ธ Timing: teep when they step, not after
- โฉ๏ธ Exit: angle out after scoring, donโt stay in front
Mini drill: partner walks forward slowly โ you score teep โ reset โ repeat 10 times each.
7. Keep The Center: Ring Control Patterns ๐ฏ
Center control is a habit. The best fighters look calm because they own the space.
- ๐งญ Rule: after every exchange, take one step back to the center line (not to the ropes)
- ๐ฆถ Pivot: donโt retreat straight โ pivot off
- ๐ช Gate concept: donโt let them โenter your doorโ
Coach trick: Put a small mark on the floor (tape or chalk). โCenter ownerโ tries to stay close to it.
8. Drill Table (Partner Rounds) ๐งฉ
Use this table for clean structured rounds. Keep rounds short and focused.
| Drill | Time | Goal | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teep-Only Scoring ๐ฆถ | 2โ3 min | Land clean teep + recover fast | No punches, no clinch |
| Entry Denial ๐ก๏ธ | 2โ3 min | Stop step-in attempts | One partner pressures, one defends |
| Center Control ๐ฏ | 2โ3 min | Hold middle, angle out after score | Reset if too close |
| Fake Teep โ Angle Exit โฉ๏ธ | 2โ3 min | Create space without kicking hard | Light touch only |
| Free Range Round โ | 2โ3 min | Mix all skills together | Still range-only, no clinch |
9. 30-Min Session Plan (Beginner โ Fighter) โฑ๏ธ
Beginner Plan (30 min) โ
- 5 min warm-up shadow boxing (light)
- 3 rounds teep-only (2 min each)
- 3 rounds entry denial (2 min each)
- 2 rounds center control (2 min each)
- Finish: 3 min easy movement + breathing
Fighter Plan (30โ40 min) ๐ฅ
- 5 min warm-up + teep mechanics
- 4 rounds scoring game (3 min each)
- 2 rounds pressure vs defender roles (3 min each)
- 1 round โcenter kingโ challenge (winner stays 60s)
10. Common Mistakes (And Fixes) โ ๏ธ
- โ Teep too hard โ โ score with timing, not power
- โ Leg stays out โ โ snap back fast, guard up
- โ Always retreat straight โ โ angle exit left/right
- โ Chasing after scoring โ โ score then reset to center
- โ No rules = chaos โ โ use the scoring system every round
11. Keep Training (KKB Silo Links) ๐
Boost your full KKB system with these internal pages:
- ๐ฅ Sparring fundamentals: Sparring Training
- ๐ฆถ Range mastery: Day 2: Teep & Range Control
- ๐ฏ Teep mechanics: KKB Teep Technique Basics
- ๐ช Enter/Exit with teep: KKB Entry/Exit Patterns (Teep)
- ๐งฉ Partner skill work: Partner Drills & Pad Work
- ๐ฆถ Footwork drill: Step In / Step Out Footwork
- โฉ๏ธ Exit drill: Angle Exit Drill
- ๐ Full technique hub: Kun Khmer Techniques
- โ Beginner path: Beginners Guide
12. FAQ โ
What gloves should we use for range-only sparring?
Use normal boxing gloves (10โ16oz) for comfort and safety. Even if punches are light, gloves reduce accidental impact.
How hard should the teep be in controlled sparring?
Keep it light to medium (20โ40%). The goal is clean timing and balance โ not pushing your partner across the ring.
Is clinch allowed in range-only sparring?
No. If someone enters too close, reset immediately to range. This keeps the round focused on distance skill.
How often should I train this drill?
2โ4 times per week is perfect. It improves sparring fast because distance control transfers directly into real fighting.
Is this safe for beginners?
Yes โ this is one of the safest sparring formats because it reduces heavy exchanges and teaches control first.