Fighting

[Shotokan-kez]

Wow all great advice. But what has got my attentions the most is that fact that i don't like hitting people and hurting them...why my punches are short to make the point....and yes i hate being hit. But when thinking it's all about control, it's only light semi-contact and we only have to touch to get that point. But it's knowing when to strike a good kick or punch and know when to stop to 'only make the touch, for the point'

[Jiffy]

I'm sorry, but the answer is really quite simple.... courage.

For a long time, I had the same problem. Even now, I tend to have it a little. You lack courage. This is usually due to a lack in self confidence.

When sparring, try completely letting go of all fear and just absoloutly go for it. Don't worry to much about scoring, just go in and go in hard. The idea is not to score the point, but to improve your ability to attack.

I completely know how you feel, but unfortunately, there is no easy way. So liberate yourself from all thoughts of fear and just go for it.

Let me know how you go!

[Zorbasan]

yeh, courage is a key thing.

it takes balls to move in on someone that is constantly attacking you.

maybe try to use your strengths to your advantage. you say that you are pretty good at evasion. well, instead of evading sidesways and backwards, try moving in on the evasion, kindof at a diagonal. that way you will be close enough to score with a hand technique.

[bushido_man96]

I have similar problems to you, Kez. I block well, but don't always attack when I should. Try to go after them, stringing together a combination of techniques. One should get through. As for not wanting to hit someone, you just have to get over that, and it takes time. If you think your control is good, then just go ahead and try to score.

When I block, I let them get in close, and then just start throwing the punches and kicks. Try that as well, and see if it works.

[Shotokan-kez]

Yeah i'll definatly try all that. It defo is confidence, it would be better if we had more sparring sessions we don't do an awful lot of it. I don't have any friends that do karate so can't rely on them to spar with me. But yes i think i will just storm in there next time and kick butt LOL

[KarateK]

I know we have spoken about this Kez but I have the opposite problem, I tend to go on the offensive all the time, and as our marking system is different to yours (we dont go off points just an overall judge of the fight) I tend to lose points as I am not showing any defence. My point is that we all have our barriers - if you keep dwelling on this you may develop more of a block? Sorry to sound cheesy but practice makes perfect - have a word with your sensei and see if you can get some help x

[jaymac]

Another thing that may work for your scoring point issue, when your opponent comes in and you are just blocking, push him off and counter with a kick. Gets a point almost everytime.

[Brandon Fisher]

I know you have mentioned in the past that you are not much of a person to want to hit someone and thats ok that happens so yes I would agree with it being a mental block. I suggest using a heavy bag and focus pads to help you. Remember control your techniques and the other person will be ok and you be able to fight back. I have a lot of tips on things for kumite but without seeing exactly what you are doing its hard to suggest the right thing or what might work for the situation.

[Shotokan-kez]

Another thing that may work for your scoring point issue, when your opponent comes in and you are just blocking, push him off and counter with a kick. Gets a point almost everytime.

Thats a great idea Jaymac, i will try that one for sure. I guess i would have to be fast here too!

[Myth]

Someone might have already said this, but you can try do to serveral strikes (e.g. 3) quickly after eachother. Though your opponent will quite likely block the first attack, he might not have time to block the other attacks that quickly.

Well, that's just what I've been told, just doing many attacks in rows, I tried it a few times, but I just don't know all my techniques that well yet to peform all of them quickly, so it becomes more of the same.

I posted,

- Myth