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The prearranged sparring system (i.e. the realistic execution of pre-arranged attacks and free or predetermined defenses and single or multiple counters) is traditionally used in Martial Arts in order to rehearse potentially dangerous techniques and strategies without risking the practitioners’ safety. Knowing in advance one’s partner’s moves allows providing adequate defenses while maintaining a high level of adrenaline in martial arts practice. The purpose of this kind of training is learning to solve the most common fighting problems: familiarizing with different kinds of opponents and practically learning how to defend and counter against various offensive techniques, has an incomparable value. In order to develop muscle memory quick reflexes and good timing, the trainee has to undergo long sessions of prearranged sparring, starting with attacks and defenses executed on the spot and then applying the techniques while moving around. Without fear of being hurt, even novice boxers will speed up their learning process, quickly acquiring real fighting capabilities within a limited amount of time.
In practice, fighter B “plays” the boxer and wears only a pair of boxing gloves. Fighter A “plays” the trainer and wears a basic outfit composed of boxing gloves, a body shield, headgear and a pair of shin guards.

In the drill shown in this video, the boxer trains his stop kicks against a variety of punches and swing kicks. This basic defensive strategy of Muay Boran is called Mon Yan Lak; it represents one of the core strategy of the Art of counter-fighting. By using a straight kick (Tiip Trong in Muay Thai jargon) the defender can easily stop-hit the opponent who is attacking with punches and roundhouse kicks. The attacker’s strikes will lose all their power and most of the times the striker will be off-balanced. Moreover, the stop kick, if properly trained can pack great piercing power and, if aimed at sensitive targets such as the solar plexus or groin, can lead to a quick ending of the fight.
Most boxing coaches say that a good boxer’s fight plan is built upon his Jab; similarly, a good thai boxer’s fight plan revolves around his Tiip Trong (foot-jab ).
After spending many hours hitting the heavy bag, thai pads, kicking shield, the straight kick’s timing must be refined with a partner in specialized sessions of prearranged sparring, like the drill shown here.