Sparring with Props

Tonight in class, some of us sparred with a pretend weapon. One of us had a padded stick, essentially a stick with a long square piece of foam covered in nylon.
It was interesting how it changed the sparring.

First of all it was incredibly fun!! And, very difficult!
Because you were concerned about being bonked with the foam attack weapon, your attention was divided and thus, you were more relaxed. Of course, the attack of the giggles was as deadly as the padded weapon!! But you relaxed, so you got to practise moving and sparring and being more easy going.

Then, you learned that you don't watch the weapon or you get smacked with those other weapons your opponent wields so well...Tae Kwon Do techniques!!
So, a big picture view became more prevalent. And...the best part...you can take the weapon away and use it yourself!!
Really, it was great fun, but very instructional.
This would be a great method to work out relationship issues, big foam padded sticks. Once you got over the physical angst, the laughter would breakdown the barriers for sure!