Getting obliterated by your instructor (sparring)

[Eric-TKD]

Hey guys, it's been a long time since I've been here, but I just felt I'd share the experience I had tonight.

 

I had an ordinary class tonight, starting out with some stretching / conditioning. Then we (one other student and I) moved on to one-step sparring. I was able to do pretty much all the one-steps below my belt well, and things went smoothly. Ok, then my instructor, a black belt of course, decided we should spar. Me and him.

 

I'm not the most experienced fighter, but I've been sparring for a good while, and I consider myself pretty formidable (don't we all, ha!). At least, I can certainly hold my own against the other students, even some of the new blackbelts. But this guy, my wednesday instructor...He just totally destroyed me.

 

When the sparring began, I was pretty confident. I wasn't fatigued or anything from the conditioning, which often happens, and I was feeling pretty pumped. This sparring was just technique free sparring, no points or any of that business. I had on some punches and kicks, no rib guard or anything, and a little head protector thingy. Anyway, the "match" begins and I start off by jumping to the side and doing a simple turning kick (just to test the waters). I wasn't expecting a hit, and I certainly didn't get one. Anyway, he retaliates, and it's about this time that I lose all chance of even touching the guy, heh.

 

I was able to block about 80% of what he came at me with, but he was only attacking my head. Didn't even try for my torso. Now I would usually think this is an advantage for me, since the torso is the biggest easiest target, but his kicks (and punches) were just amazing. He got me in the head a few times and even made me a bit dizzy with a nice reverse turning kick. As I said earlier, despite my best efforts, I literally never made a solid hit. He was able to dodge everything (and it's not like I'm slow...I don't think). He's superman!!! I can only hope one day to have that kind of control.

 

My question is, I guess, how normal is it for an instructor to just completely obliterate a student in sparring? Has anyone had a similar experience? I kinda feel crappy after that fight, but I guess I shouldn't have expected anything else. Sorry if this is a little long, or if it's already been brought up...

 

[White Warlock]

Occasionally, it's a good thing for the instructor to let the student know he has a long way to go in his studies. I know that i've communicated such on a few occasions, with students that were just a tad too confident... not to bring them down, mind you... but to let them know they're not done yet with learning.

 

It sounds like your instructor maintained good control, and it's likely you're now going to step-up your game.

[CloudDragon]

WW is on the money as usual. I would also like to add that it can be used to encourage the student to "Raise the bar" a bit if they have become a little complacent. But then again, if you are tall, maybe he just wanted to practice head kicks on a tall person!

[turonaga]

you had a good practice. i even had my gi torn twice already while sparring with my sensei. just analyze that you're more learned after the sparring. now, when you spar with him again next hit him. if still can't you weren't able to internalize what he taught you. actions speak louder than words.

[ramymensa]

You shouldn't feel bad. After all he's sensei and SHOULD be a match and even better Not that you couldn't win against instructors, is just that they should be really good.

 

I've noticed from your post he didn't beat you (he had control) so it was just a great sparring. You should be glad you had some challenge (winning all the time could get boring).

 

So head up and look for another oportunity to work with the guy

[SBN Doug]

I have to agree with everything said so far. As long as he wasn't taking your head off with those strikes, then it really just shows where all the holes are in your defense.

 

I had that done to me about half way to 1st degree, and SHE was quite skilled as well. Tell me that didn't put me in my place, a 6', 200lb guy getting totally owned by a 5'10" woman.

[Eric-TKD]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess a feel better now, and after thinking my fight over a few times in my mind, I can't wait to get in the "ring" again. I'll probably get another shot next Wednesday, if the class is small.

 

[tommarker]

Sounds like you've got a great attitude about the whole thing! A lot of people are intimidated by senior rank, and therefore never allow themselves to be challenged. Their improvement is also much slower..

[White_Tiger]

Take a look at yourself and analyze your class practices. Make sure you are not being cocky, or arrogant. Do you spar others to hard? Maybe he was just trying to teach you a lesson. Sounds like he did!

 

Good luck!

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Generally when I fight my students, I try to fight just a little above their level so that it forces them to work harder, thus improving (hopefully) their skills. However, if I get a student that is feeling their "oats" a bit, getting to cocky, or intentionally hurting others during sparring, then I will give them my best shot and so far, pretty much dominate the fight.

 

I do have one student, my sempai (senior student) that is a 2nd Dan BB, and he gives me a real run for my money every time. He's beatend me a few times, which I'm quite pleased with, but a lot of the time I can hardly get in on the guy because he knows all amy tricks! lol Plus he's about 12 years younger than I am...but still, I'm a sneaky old bastard that lives by the motto..."Age and treachery will overcome young and skill"!