Wikipedia says about sparring partners:
“Sparring (engl. to spar with someone “to grapple with someone”) is a form of training that exists in many martial arts. It is a form of fighting similar to competition, but with modified rules and agreements designed to prevent injuries. The intention of sparring is to improve the skills of the participants, while in competition a winner is to be determined. The word was initially only used in German-speaking countries for boxing. Padded boxing gloves are sometimes also used for sparring. Depending on the type of boxing, the palm is either open or closed.”