Verbal sparring can be fun, but nothing beats physical sparring. In
martial arts,
boxing, etc., this is
combat, usually for
practice and the betterment of both parties. Some schools restrict sparring by
gender. I think this is a huge
mistake.
Men who have always considered themselves non-
sexist have remarked on the fundamental
mental readjustment they went through after a satisfying
bout with a
woman (whoever may have won). It also does wonders for instilling all sorts of
confidence in
women and girls.
Even within one's own
gender, you never quite think of someone the same way after you have
fought them--it's a very
intimate act. Your
first time sparring is often very
difficult. Either you are
aggressive and want to just get out there and hit people--and you find out this
does not work and results in being beaten thoroughly--or you have been taught to not hit a girl, not fight back against men, or simply never be
violent. Overcoming this is too
emotional for some people to go through with it, some people simple
walk out at this point and never come back. For others, though, it can be a real
epiphany.
I miss sparring.