Your first sparring session — what to expect and how to prepare

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sparring is the moment training really starts. Until now it’s been mitts, bags, drills — now there’s a person in front of you who also has gloves on. That’s a significant mental barrier. A practical guide from the coaches at Troyan Studio on how to approach it.

When you’re ready for your first sparring

After 6–12 sessions — if you’re an adult beginner — you have the basics: stance, jab, cross, slips, distance. The coach may then say: “time to talk about a sparring block.” Not sooner. Clubs that throw beginners into sparring on their second session are making a mistake — it usually ends with a broken nose and the student never coming back.

Sparring on Troyan Studio

Your first sparring session — what to expect and how to prepare

When you’re ready for your first sparring