Hi Stephen,

In my group, we use a variety of sparring methods and systems.

We do this because any sparring system is a compromise on a real fight
in certain technical aspects and each type of system has different
weaknesses of this kind.

Training gear aside, we use Scott Sonnon's "Softwork-Hardwork" method
of training (www.circularstrengthmag.com) with "Softwork" for
increasing biomechanical efficiency whilst reducing fear reactivity
and "Hardwork" for testing our skills and turning our biomechanical
efficiency into as real a skill as we can without actually getting in
real fist fights. Hardwork informs Softwork by making apparent the
areas that need work and Softwork informs Hardwork by making apparent
the skills that are ready to be "pressure cooked".

We use three types of gloves in our sparring, light MMA gloves, 10oz
and 14 or 16oz. For the heaviest gloves, we spar without headgear but
for the lighter two we use a variety of "face cage" headgear. A mouth
guard is obviously a mandatory piece of kit even when wearing a face
cage. I don't fancy any of my students biting off their own tongues.
Habitually keeping the teeth together and breathing through the nose
is a good boxing habit anyway.
Cheers,
Stu.