@victal - Definitely, sparring pumps up the burn, but I find that the short duration (3 minute rounds) tends to offset that a bit.. Generally we might spar 6 rounds in a 30 minute session and call it a good day, whereas when I am practicing forms (Poomse, Hyung, or Kata if you prefer), I keep more of a steady state in the workout and practice for much longer, which according to my HRM translates to higher burn.

I've hit as high as 1100 cal/hour as a record so far doing forms practice, whereas my best sparring session to date has been about 400 cal in 30 min - so about 800 cal/hour.

BTW - Scoche Rhythm is great for HRM during sparring. You can wear it on your arm, up by the elbow, with the sensor turned inside so it is protected.