First time sparring

[Jp656]

Hey, I just started in Okiwan Karate, And i am now a 2nd white belt which at my dojo it means to have a stripe on each side of my belt, then with 2 on each side i would be 3rd, BUt anyway, My sparring equpment came in and my first time sparring will be in about 30 hours, I am 105 pounds and I think around 5-5.5 ft in hight, Im sparring against someone about 110 and probbaly a total of 2-4 inches taller than me, Ive known this kid for about 6 years and one thing i know is he's not fast and about the same strenght as myself,

So,

Any tips?

[lordtariel]

Are you actually having some kind of formal match or are you just practicing in class?

[Whitefeather]

Relax. Have fun. Relax more. Have more fun.

Really, being relaxed is the key. If you are tense, you will be incredibly slow, mentally and physically. If you are relaxed, there is no telling how good you will be able to do. That said, never, never, never ever settle into a back-and-forth rythm. Secondly, watch for your opponent to settle into a back-and-forth rythm. If (s)he does, wait for the point when (s)he is about to shift away from you, then explode with your favorite combo. Lastly, relax and have fun.

David

[Jp656]

Its just a practice, But we've waited on this awhile me and him, This is really gonna be a match

[lordtariel]

Like Whitefeather said, just stay relaxed. Keep on the balls of your feet, don't overanalyze yourself and keep up the combos. If your partner is agreeable, start out a little light and then speed it up when you both get a little more comfortable with it. Just remember it's practice and not competition, if you or he mess up, it's just learning.

[marie curie]

Yeh, and stay chill. You're gonna get hit. Just be sure to hit back

[Jp656]

Well, Im wearing a hell of alot of equipment, Ill be fine, THanks, Keep this post runnign i'll get back to you on how it goes

[Brandon Fisher]

Going by your posts seems you really like to fight. I would suggest taking it slow at first and learning. All the gear in the world doesn't prevent you from getting hurt.

[Jp656]

Yea, Yer right by that, Anyway, guess what

My first class along with the fight is being postponed, Aparently i still need shin gaurds, So it wont be till next week.....Whatever, I can wait

[Brandon Fisher]

Man oh man I wonder what I would be like if I had used shin guards when I started. Probably wouldn't have all the dents in my shin bones. Lookin forward to the report.