sparring problem

[Tal]

There's this chick at my shotokan club who used to always flinch really badly when someone threw a punch or kick at her. Otherwise, she was an excellent karateka, but she couldn't spar well because of this problem. I just got her to stand against a wall, and I'd punch to her face, but stop a couple of inches short. I did this for about 15 minutes with her, until I was just touching her nose with each punch. It solved her problem.

[Sasori_Te]

Here is the second drill.

 

1. Hold your hand up (left or right) parallel to your body, like you are taking an oath. The hand should be head height.

 

2. Have a partner stand across from you and try to throw punches at your hand. The punches should make light to medium contact with the palm of your hand.

 

3. At first, while he/ she punches, keep your attention on the hand. Try and move your palm away from the punch in a waving motion. (Try not to let him hit your hand)

 

4. After doing this 10 times, switch your focus to a point behind your partner. Try not to look at him directly. Now repeat the exercise from above.

 

This shows you the difference in reaction time by using your peripheral vision versus focusing directly on the incoming attack. Your reaction time should speed up dramatically.

 

If you incorporate this seeing without looking technique into your sparring and use good footwork, you should improve your ability to evade and counter.

[blitzcraig]

Dont look away and dont duck....block or move back. Ive had a big problem with ducking in sparring which leads to punch or kick in the back of the head or top of the head.

[Sasori_Te]

If you're using sparring to enhance your techniques, you also have to start getting a feel for whether or not a technique your opponent lands would have a major effect on you if it had been a real situation. Just because you get hit doesn't mean your dead. Remember, the real world is not a game of tag, nor is it an action movie.

[firesong56]

well i dont flich much any more cos this guy kept tryin to hit me in the face but if i flinched then he would upper cut me while i flinched so evntaly i manged not to flinch and insted to block but their are mare pian free methos than that i hope

[superleeds]

Here is the second drill.

 

1. Hold your hand up (left or right) parallel to your body, like you are taking an oath. The hand should be head height.

 

2. Have a partner stand across from you and try to throw punches at your hand. The punches should make light to medium contact with the palm of your hand.

 

3. At first, while he/ she punches, keep your attention on the hand. Try and move your palm away from the punch in a waving motion. (Try not to let him hit your hand)

 

4. After doing this 10 times, switch your focus to a point behind your partner. Try not to look at him directly. Now repeat the exercise from above.

 

This shows you the difference in reaction time by using your peripheral vision versus focusing directly on the incoming attack. Your reaction time should speed up dramatically.

 

If you incorporate this seeing without looking technique into your sparring and use good footwork, you should improve your ability to evade and counter.

I think I'll try this myself.

[ramymensa]

Fear is natural and it takes time to get rid of it. I was panicked when I had to fight (at the beginning). I started working with a black belt and little by little I got rid of the fear and started enjoying the stuff. After the fear was gone I realised it's quite nice to apply techniques and I found out I have the spirit, am quick and very improvising, creative.

 

So pair up with a higher rank and find the beauty of sparring. Then you'll be amazed by the qualities you had inside, but were shaded by fear.

[blitzcraig]

There is only one im afraid to spar...this tough black belt guy...otherwise I love it...its fun and helps in many ways