I, for one, still value one-step sparring. It is just one of many sparring drills that can be practiced. I believe that each drill provides a specific purpose. In one-step sparring, the intent I focus on is utilizing and enhancing specific senses. For example: Reacting to the sound of the count (utilizing the sense of hearing. Train the sense of hearing) Explosion in movement at the sound of the count. (Good for muscle memory and development) And it can go on and on. So like I mentioned earlier, there can be a benefit to any type of sparring drill. Train in any way that can help to develop one's technical and spiritual skill.

one step, just like heian shodan should never be overlooked. I personally feel that harmony is one of the key assests learnt from one step.

What I've always taught my students is that all pre-arranged movements are stepping stones to spontaneous movements. I most certainly would not place a new(er) student against anyone experienced or not with out an arsenal of techniques that they can execute. We start with techniques done in the air, then against inanimate targets, then again someone that can move, block, and hit back. Once the one-step application has been technically developed then we work several steps such as Sanbon Kumite, Again once the pre-arranged kumite has been technically developed to a moderate degree of ability we move to padded sparring and so on and so forth. This being said, the next level becomes spontaneous action while in the midst of a spontaneous (and unexpected attack).

Sandifer

I think the whole structure of sparring should be looked at and not just the one step sparring. When you spar you do not use all of your speed.(So you dont hurt each other).So when you use a technique slower than it should be used then your oppnent has more time to react and might hit you with something that otherwise never would have hit you. Or maybe he speeds up just enough to hit you with it and now he thinks he is better because you got hit. Or vice versa. Also in most arts there seems to be a block-counter-retreat method so that everytime an attack is thrown a few seconds later your both squared off again. Why? People who do not train do not do this but trained people say "they dont have any control". But these people arent backing up and thinking about intricate attack patterns. They use what works (for them) instinctively. The only art I have seen that doesnt go back and forth like this is Wing Chun which is why I have just started training in it. Any opinions?

I think ippon Kumite is a training tool, not necessarily used for fighting. I was taught that Ippons are used for timing, target areas and distancing. They are tools to help us learn about true kumite. So I also use them in training, not just to fight with.

Ok lou but my question to you now is this. How can these "tools" as you put it help you with timing if the timing is different than a real altercation? Would that not affect the distancing as well? Chen Zen