The Traditional Way to Learn Fighting in Kung Fu?

In today's Kung Fu schools, you will often see free sparring as part of the training. This is the way that many classes practice fighting. Although this is not ideal, it is a way to simulate having an attacker who has some level of Martial Arts ability. I once had an old instructor watching classes who commented that in his day they would never do free sparring. In his school they trained on individual techniques from their forms and followed that up with 2 person set exercises that simulated a specific attack. Through constant repetition they were able to train their bodies to react in a certain way to an attack. I prefer free-sparring as a training method but do have some thoughts about the differences.

• Free sparring does not necessarily teach your style. Unfortunately, I have seen too many schools that teach free sparring as more of a kick-boxing style that incorporates none of the techniques in their forms. Free sparring without use of your style's techniques is useless.
  
• Free sparring does not allow for practice of all techniques, especially dangerous techniques such as throat punches.
• Free sparring is easier to use today due to the availability of good protective equipment. Years ago there may not have been the same equipment available and therefore some of the practice could not be done safely.
• Practice of individual techniques is a great way to train your body to react to specific attacks. I think it is great practice but does not involve different ways that lead to that situation. More is needed if you do not use free sparring (longer 2 person sequences or 2 person forms).
• In Fut Gar Kung Fu and our school we do have 2 person sequences that are quite complex that incorporate some of the more important techniques. These are fun and interesting but do not cover all techniques. Other training is necessary to complete the training.
• Free sparring taught properly will allow students to incorporate the techniques of your style. Unfortunately, there is work needed in many schools to train students not to hesitate to try new things. Most students are afraid to try new techniques because they are afraid to embarrass themselves or get hit while trying the techniques. Sparring should be done in most cases as a no winner situation so the fear is eliminated.