Newbie: Sparring - Help

[nosebleed]

Hi, been training mainly focus pad work and techniques for a few months now and last night we started sparring (8 of us) - my opponent was coming at me so quick and relentlessly that I found it hard to see lets alone time any shots!

I managed to to throw some good counter punches and kicks, but any advice when starting to spar for the first times?

Also even with my guard up, punches still found themselves through to my nose - am I now holding it firm enough?

Any advice when up against aggressive opponents?

Thanks a lot

[Khun Kao]

Unfortunately, without having seen exactly what was going on, its hard to give you any specific advice. In general, the first few times you spar, you are going to feel like a deer in headlights. It happens to all of us. Heck, it still happens to me occasionally when I get out-of-practice and haven't sparred in awhile.

Just keep training and sparring. Things will eventually "slow down" and you'll be able to react according without feeling overwhelmed.

[aussie fighter]

hi there

to get better at sparring, you simply need to practice. eventually you'll start seeing the opportunities to strike or when you should back off and be defensive.

your guard should be strong, with your fists resting on your forhead so that you dont get hit by your own fist from the recoil.

as for aggressive opponents, be patient. eventully they'll give you a chance to strike. wait for them to throw a lazy jab or they may be slow to get back to position after a kick, giving you a chance to move forward.

[-FIGJAM-]

try moving in different directions, fake left, i believe they call it "dancing"

[ttruscott]

Keep a straight jab in his face and drive forward even more aggressively.

And relax, getting hurt doesn't really hurt, Be tough.

The only way to learn to fight is to fight....sad ain't it.

Ted

[Guest]

The only way to learn to fight is to fight

100% with you, my philosophy exactly.

Its like any other endeavour in life - the only way you can really do it, is to really do it.

Great post.

[Scott Bolinger]

Hi, been training mainly focus pad work and techniques for a few months now and last night we started sparring (8 of us) - my opponent was coming at me so quick and relentlessly that I found it hard to see lets alone time any shots!

I managed to to throw some good counter punches and kicks, but any advice when starting to spar for the first times?

Also even with my guard up, punches still found themselves through to my nose - am I now holding it firm enough?

Any advice when up against aggressive opponents?

Thanks a lot

if someone is running at ya all the time, a good side kick to the hip will slow him down a bit. Run a bunch of jab and move in a circle and look for your openings.