Sparring, often referred to as spar, is a practice used in various martial arts and combat sports. It involves two participants engaging in a controlled fight to improve their skills, techniques, and strategies. Unlike a real fight, sparring is typically done with protective gear and under specific rules to ensure safety. The primary goal of sparring is to simulate real combat situations while allowing practitioners to experiment and learn. It helps fighters develop timing, distance, and reflexes, making it an essential part of training in disciplines like boxing, karate, and MMA.