Non-Existent Full Throttle

[Slaya]

Just kinda curious about this but I can never go full throttle in sparring. I don't know if my form breaks down or if it's accurate when performed as fast as I can possibly do. In most cases the person holding the pads can't keep up and I have to stop my combination incomplete or I will hit my partner. Is this bad?

[gregimotis]

In sparring, or in pad work?

[Slaya]

Padwork, my mcdojo doesn't spar lol.

[the tick]

Padwork, my mcdojo doesn't spar lol.

Seriously? No offence. But whats the point of training if your not gonna try out what you've learnt with sparring?

[gregimotis]

Right so, a more experienced pad holder will be able to keep up better, but I don't think you ever be able to completely cut loose.

If the pad holder holds pads in front of his face, pad faces towards striker, the striker can then throw punches and elbows pretty much at will, and can kick (at which time the pad holder will reset quickly for the kick, then return to pads up for punches). Using this format and practice, the holder can get pretty close to real-time - and will improve his eye over time.

It sounds as if you and Tick and I agree though: sooner or later you're going to need to spar in order to improve.

[Slaya]

Seriously? No offence. But whats the point of training if your not gonna try out what you've learnt with sparring?

Well, you see I can do this, or do nothing and gain weight and become the cleche fat, overweight, american male.

Right so, a more experienced pad holder will be able to keep up better, but I don't think you ever be able to completely cut loose.

If the pad holder holds pads in front of his face, pad faces towards striker, the striker can then throw punches and elbows pretty much at will, and can kick (at which time the pad holder will reset quickly for the kick, then return to pads up for punches). Using this format and practice, the holder can get pretty close to real-time - and will improve his eye over time.

It sounds as if you and Tick and I agree though: sooner or later you're going to need to spar in order to improve.

I hold my pads like that and the only time I really slow down would be on the kicks since I have to pivet around to hold (Holding them like that has had me get knicked a couple times on the nose and stuff due to my partner having poor accuracy). Later on I plan to go to a more promision place to train that I have had my eye on for a bout a year. Thing is this place is close and convenient for the time being. The only other place is like a good 30-60 minute drive depending upon traffic.

[the tick]

Well, you see I can do this, or do nothing and gain weight and become the cleche fat, overweight, american male.

Actualy I meant why don't they spar at your errm..McDojo. And aren't there any other dojo's around where you live? (it's written cliché btw)

[Slaya]

Actualy I meant why don't they spar at your errm..McDojo. And aren't there any other dojo's around where you live? (it's written cliché btw)

No, their all TKD or karate. My McDojo doesn't spart like I said before, I have asked a few friends and stuff but none of them know anything about martial arts so it'd be like hitting a bag. As for "cliche" you understood what word I ment so yeah.

[the tick]

Why don't they spar? Sparring is an essential part of the trainingsprocess. (At least where I'm from.)

[rickyparis]

Why don't they spar? Sparring is an essential part of the trainingsprocess. (At least where I'm from.)

Maybe they just have sensitive nature and they don´t want to get hurt.

[Slaya]

Maybe they just have sensitive nature and they don´t want to get hurt.

Yeah, their probably girly men XD Nah, I duno man. There is a wide age group that train there, not to mention men and women. I noticed the little TKD kiddies that train there spar but the adults never do, or atleast not in my bootleg MT Class. Like I said though it's a MCDoJo, I plan to adventually switch to another one that looks far more promising, but until then I am just using this place to keep my technique and body on key.

[the tick]

Yeah, their probably girly men XD Nah, I duno man. There is a wide age group that train there, not to mention men and women.

That shouldn't matter. Should it?

I am just using this place to keep my technique and body on key.

Which is a good idea until you find a better place.

[Slaya]

As for the whole age/gender thing I think it matters, but this is simply because you are applying it to Sparring. Honestly, don't put like a upper 40 year old women with a young guy that's like in his 20's.

Don't get me wrong, I fully know and applaud the shit loads of women out there than can knock me and numerous other guys the hell out, but from the looks of the place that I train, there is probably only 1 maybe 2 women there that could spar with any of the guys there. It appears there are many people there that are doing this just as recreational.

[the tick]

As for the whole age/gender thing I think it matters, but this is simply because you are applying it to Sparring. Honestly, don't put like a upper 40 year old women with a young guy that's like in his 20's.

If that 20 something guy is unable/unwilling to control himself and adopt a slower pace against someone who isn't as young/experienced/fast/fit/strong/male etc....like him he shouldn't be there in the first place IMO.

Don't get me wrong, I fully know and applaud the shit loads of women out there than can knock me and numerous other guys the hell out, but from the looks of the place that I train, there is probably only 1 maybe 2 women there that could spar with any of the guys there. It appears there are many people there that are doing this just as recreational.

Even those that just do it for recreation like to be challenged every now and then so they can improve. At least the recreationalists at my gym do. The ones who want to fight matches will just have to adapt and pull their punches. That way everyone benefits.

[Tom Yum]

Excellent points, tick.

I go pure defense when sparring against most women - reason being is that alot of women aren't used to hitting a solid target. If she has experience and is athletic, I may bring it up to 60% or so.

With most dudes, I start out at about 60%. And I'm thankful when its my turn to spar a round or two with an experienced pro that they gauge my level and not knock me flat out.