Sparring has always been part of ngo cho kun training curriculum since its development. In the early years of ngo cho kun, sparring was fought in full contact without any protective gear or technique restrictions. Fights last only for a few seconds and usually result with serious injuries. Such injuries are quickly look after and treated before it becomes life threatening by attending ngo cho kun masters who are all proficient in martial healing.

 

Sparring principle in ngo cho kun involves the ability to execute rapid-powerful penetrating strikes, powerful techniques such as leg grab and counter striking. Footwork and timing is also very important to develop through sparring.

 

Forms training is an integral part of sparring training as well as conditioning that include endurance, strength and muscle sensitivity that are in the form of strengthening the forearms, shin, shoulders, abs and neck. Constant striking drills that include punching, finger strike, chop hand, elbow, head butt, knee, kicks and practical grappling are part of ngo cho kun sparring and self defense training program.

 

Traditional sparring during the old days were conducted mainly for skill development and at times for upholding the honor of the school sometimes it will involve some form of gambling. In later years sparring has become a spectator sport that has become less lethal.

 

Traditional sparring is usually refer as “lei tai” or rampart platform. Lei tai would become very popular from the mid 1950s to 1970s several regional and international lei tai competitions were held regularly especially in countries where ngo cho kun is active countries like in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines.

 

Lei tai sparring are held in a raise platform about 16 inches high and 24 feet x 24 feet. There are no ropes, fighters are supposed to be skill enough to move around the platform without being thrown out or falling off by backing up in a straight line. Falling off the lei tai result in point deduction equivalent to a knockdown.

 

Fighting rules include the use of punches, elbows, knees, all sorts of kicks and takedowns. Modern lei tai fighters wear protective gear such as body protector, head gear, shin guard and mouth piece.

 

Sometimes in the late 1970s China in its quest to unify and standardize all kung fu sparring introduce a new term that would replace lei tai it is call San Shou or sanda its rules and format will be identical to lei tai.

 

The only difference between lei tai and modern san shou is that in lei tai traditional kung fu forms and styles are an integral part and identity of the fighting team while in san shou traditional kung fu has been totally remove from any link to its training format.

 

In spite of san shou new format ngo cho kun have continue with success to incorporate traditional training with its sparring principle all ngo cho kun fighters will carry its martial identity both in lei tai and modern san shou competitions.