Toe to Toe fighting - Need Advice.

[Shawn]

While there are plenty of tactics to try and overcome this problem, prevention is better than cure. You need to ask yourself WHY are they fighting toe to toe. In most cases, it is because they feel more confident than you. So how can you resolve this? You need to shake their confidence. The first thing you need to do is change your face. If you look like an absoloute pshyco, I guarantee they will be less inclinded to rush in. When the fight starts, go in hell for leather, don't back off. Although it seems hard, it is the best option. You will only need to do this for a short while, and they will back off, you can then work the distance you prefer. Also remember, the people you are up against next round will be watching, so let them see that getting close is not a good place to be with you. Have confidence in yourself and get in there. Once you can back them off a bit, then work the tai sabaki, side step and get the point. Keep your head high, look tough and the rest will come, and if doesn't work for you the first time, examine why and learn from it.