ThaiBoxerGene

Like any application of a submission hold, saying it is easier than done. Executing moves such as getting someone's back from half guard would be extremely simple if I didn't have a 195lbs shirtless sweaty man named Frank atop of me holding my face down [and sweating one me]. The way I see the guard is merely a game of russian roulette. There are really no benefits nor negatives about it, it is merely a spot of stalemate for both competitors. Yes, when in guard you are able to apply your legs for moves such as armbars, triangles, and my personal favorite, gogoplatas. But seeing how your legs are so tightly wound around your opponent, the second you loosen your grip and move your legs/hands, they will do all they can to exploit your position and put you in danger mode if you are not fast enough or apply enough pressure to secure them. If you've faced some skilled BJJ masters, you know they clinch to you like a leech. You can easily tell a shift in their weight just by a loosening of a limb. It clicks in your mind "oh snap, he's making a move". bjj is a game of chess, you need to jedi mind trick your opponent into thinking they are doing something right, when they are merely leaving an opening for a strike. Tactics, in my opinion, you can obtain only through experience and training.

Wouldn't the second statement totally void the first part of this paragraph?.....just saying.. Anyways. The most applicable maneuver without thinking too much on the situation considering the adrenaline and heart rate speeding up out of your veins would cause your mind to be all over the place, is to merely move like a boxer and MOVE IN CIRCLES, NOT IN LINES. It's simple, if he is leading with the left, you circle towards your right, his left. Why you ask? simple, the angle is extremely awkward. If he jabs at you, even if you are tagged, the angle in which you are moving would cause his fist to follow, cutting a good portion of strength in his strike. It still hurts, don't be a baby. Also, this allows you to be safe from his/her right hand's straight or hook. He'll/she'll look like a pretzel if he/she tries. It also allows you time to see their use of their right hand at all times. It they wish to hit you with a right hook, keep circling their left. It'll be a never ending chase. Moving in this manner allows him to be open. If he/she is tossing a jab and you wish to check his/her dome, his/her shoulder will only be able to cover the jaw, leaving their temple open for a good ring.

If you were not feeling sore, then I'd only tell you that you aren't working hard enough. Pain really is gain! You cannot be fast on your feet by plopping on the couch and munching doritos all day. You seem to doubt yourself constantly. Not sure if it is because you wish to hear[read] positive feedback from others, or you really feel that way. Either way, just remember Rome wasn't built in a day [insert cliche here].

Do you speak of "It who shall not be named!" ? If so, then yes. But kidding aside, typically any kick you are referring to, is most likely allowed in MT. If anything, MT allows more freedom in using more skin penetrating strikes such as knees, elbows, and full-body take downs.

Anyone who gives you the response that Sparring in comparison to an actual conflict against someone else as the "same thing" is either a total tool or have never witnessed both ends of the stick. When you are in a sparring sesh, you know your training partner. You like the guy (in most cases) and don't actually wish to harm him in a long term sense. You are basically in a comfort zone. You are familiar with the environment and you know you are not in an aggressive state of attitude. Now, put yourself in the same situation, except lets put you outside of your local Dave and Busters and replace your sparring partner with a drunk marine who is overly patriotic of his country. You don't know this guy, you don't even know if he can either fight or has a weapon on him. Add that with the super adrenaline that is pumping through your veins and you become a primal state. Most, if training properly, are able to retain a majority of their skills via muscle memory. But in some instances, I have heard from buddies about their buddies getting their butts kicked outside of a bar even though they hold a black belt in whatever art they do. Of course, what I am explaining isn't always the case. You never know how a situation will turn out. Nothing is ever define on paper. People need to grasp reality and stop living life with a mindset that you can take out five opponents with your bare-hands like in the movies.

There are some things you need to keep in mind, friend. One, no one is ever, ever, EVER, untouchable. We all have our off days, some longer than most. Don't EVER doubt yourself for getting your behind handed to you. I've fought some fierce competition during my active amateur days and have taken out the top of my weight class. Then there were days where I'd get my knocked on my rear by some newbie. And by the sound of it, a three week business trip sounds like a serious job. Stress and your averted focus could be behind you forgetting your forms. And for you not being able to do a spinning kick. Well friend, a month out of the dojang WILL do that to you. You will get it back in no time, just be patient. It is like when I stretch. If I skip a week, I struggle just reaching for my toes. If you doubt yourself, you'll only go downhill from there. Besides, if you ain't getting hurt, you're not learning jack.

Any form of resistance training is good for speeding any strike. But, in my own personal experience, the only time it ever helps me get faster is directly right after I start kicking or punching without a band/weight. Bottom line, only way you can really improve anything, whether it be strength, technique, or even speed, is to just keep at the rate of training you are going.