When is a good time to start combat training?

[A. Orstrom]

Hello everyone.

 

I started training kyokushin karate a couple of months ago and I have just gotten my 10 kyu.

 

In kyokushin we focus a lot on kumite both semi- and full-contact (knockdown). I have the opportunity to start my combat training now but it is too soon? I am worried that I do not have the basic skills to benefit from it at all. On the other hand I suspect that combat training will accelerate my learning curve.

 

For the sake of information: I am 21 years old, weighing 83 kg (182 lbs.) and I am in okay shape. I have studied Aikido for a couple of years but have never done any sparring.

 

As it is now I attend the 'ordinary' classes tuesday and thursday; combat training is friday so I wouldn't be missing out on the basic classes.

 

What do you think? Is it too soon or would it be beneficial for me?

 

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

[Harmony]

Although I wouldnt agree that sparring full contact or not, is actually combat training. I still think sparring is going to benefit you because you can see the techniques youve learned applied to a fighting situation. That alone is helpful to your training. Does it prepare you for actual combat? Alone, I would say no. Still a very important part of training though.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Well, let's see here. You said you are sparring...that is combat training.

 

Do you do ny kata? If so, that is combat training.

 

Have you ever done and practicing where one person punches/kicks, the other blocks and counters? If so, that's combat training.

 

Has your instructor ever talked about situations you might run into on the street? That would be combat training.

 

Do you do exercises? That is combat training.

 

Starting to get my drift? Literally every aspect from the time you step on the floor to train, then leave for the day, is preparing you to defend yourself...or should be

 

So, what else would you be doing that makes Friday's a specific "Combat Training" day? I mean, what are you doing in your "ordinary classes" that isn't combat training? Finger painting? Basket weaving? Curious minds want to know.

[A. Orstrom]

I apologize if my definitions were vague. English is not my first language so 'combat' could just as easily have been replaced with 'sparring' 'kumite' or something similar. In my case friday is the time when we put on our shin-, teeth- and groin-protectors and do 'full-contact sparring'. I have put full-contact sparring in apostrophes because, as you might expect, we don't put quite as much effort into it as we would a live-or-die situation.

 

Our 'ordinary' training includes, but is not limited to, kihon, kata, stances, strength and stamina exercises.

 

Now that we have the definitions in order perhaps I have made myself more clear?

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Thak you for making that clearer.

 

What does this combat class teach?

 

Do you have to pay more money for it?

[Chaz]

I would suggest you get in that combat class as soon as possible. Depending on what you learn and how you learn about combat, I would say it's the only relevent thing you can use in the real world. Then again, I'm very uneducated in your art, so opinion can't mean too much but I hope to have helped

[Dragn]

A white belt with a couple of months training in a full contact sparring class?

 

I say wait. Work on the basics.

 

I dont think your ready to really get much benefit from sparring yet.

 

There is plenty of time.

 

Learn to walk before you run or you'll just end up tripping over your own feet.

 

I personally think starting contact sparring too early is more detrimental than beneficial. Creates bad habits.

 

Work on learning your techs and doing drills with a partner till your body has developed a natural feel for the movement.

 

Make your foundation strong.

[A. Orstrom]

Thak you for making that clearer.

 

What does this combat class teach?

 

Do you have to pay more money for it?

 

I haven't tried these classes yet, but as far as I understand it teaches more sparring specific techniques in practice, a lot of training with pads and some "full"-contact sparring.

 

The class is free, or rather, it is included in my monthly membership.

[Chaz]

A white belt with a couple of months training in a full contact sparring class?

 

I say wait. Work on the basics.

 

I dont think your ready to really get much benefit from sparring yet.

 

There is plenty of time.

 

Learn to walk before you run or you'll just end up tripping over your own feet.

 

I personally think starting contact sparring too early is more detrimental than beneficial. Creates bad habits.

 

Work on learning your techs and doing drills with a partner till your body has developed a natural feel for the movement.

 

Make your foundation strong.

 

It might serve him good if there were other young belts learning with him, then again, I'm not to fond of sparing as a training method if that's what this "combat class" is... If you plan on doing tournaments though, it's a great thing!

[A. Orstrom]

I would be training with a couple of people around my rank. I have the orange belt (10 kyu) and there is another orange belt and three blue belts (8 kyu) in the class.

 

I would like to participate in tournaments as soon as I can. I do not have any hopes about winning them, but I would like to have the experience. Besides, tournaments are a requirement for some of the higher ranks when I get that far.

 

I have decided to go to the class next friday and see how I like it. If its not what I had hoped I will wait half a year and try again.