Learning how to kill shit!

What is sparing and why do we include that in pretty much every class?
Think of it as play; a kind of thoughtful play.
Picture two lion cubs rolling around in the grass of the Serengeti, working those muscles, claws and teeth! In a controlled environment, with mom close by reffing, they are developing certain skills they will need to take down prey or a rival predator. Why do they play this way? They are LEARNING TO KILL SHIT! Without these skills they would never survive.
In combat sports this same method is used to learn timing, distance control as well as to get over the fear of getting hit. The idea that we can simply punch a bag (or a wooden dummy, or punch the air in the case of Katas) and learn all we need before climbing into the ring or octagon is ridiculous! Some martial arts were developed around a dance-like kata ie; Capoera or Tai Chi but remember that these were mostly produced in times of war to teach martial techniques without alerting the occupying armies or police-state forces. We have the advantage of multiple training partners in a safe,controlled environment - ring any bells?
Take advantage of this, don't just go through the motions of attending classes, assuming that you are a fighter just because! Class is for learning techniques and concepts then, put them to practice in specific ways through sparing.
Eg: Start with jab - one guy leads and the other guy counters. Do that for 2 rounds then do 2 rounds with both people leading and countering, then add one specific technique in random fashion as the conscious brain has a much easier time focusing on less than 3 things at a time.

Here are some examples of light sparing.