Need a little help!

[cnada]

How do I get more aggressive in my TKD class?

I have a huge problem with being aggressive in class; namely, not being aggressive. My instructor REALLY wants me to be aggressive, but I'm so used to being quiet & shy in my normal life that it kind of leaks over into class. So, I need help!

Any suggestions?

[hawkfish]

I don't really know of any way to make someone more aggressive. I would guess that using violence would be one way but I sure wouldn't do that.

If you are quiet and shy, that is not a bad thing and I would think that your instructor would understand that you just aren't an aggressive person. I feel that you don't have to be an animal to be a good martial artist. Just from my own experience, when I spar my wife, she is hardly aggressive but what she lacks in aggression, she makes up for in technique. Even though I can move much faster, have much more power and can throw 3 to 5 attacks for her one, she will normally always score on me because of her technique.

[Zorbasan]

get someone to kick you in the groin before class

[bushido_man96]

Try to be more offensive with your techniques. Offense can sometimes pass for aggression, so this may be what he wants you to do. Also, when you attack, make sure to attack with earnest. Commit to your attacks, and even if you are going to get countered on, still try to hit them.

It doesn't mean that you have to be mean to anybody, just more determined in your sparring. Try to transfer it to your forms and basics as well.

[Shotokan-kez]

I'm not aggressive either and i had a similiar problem with my sensei. But what he meant is to put more power and strength into my techniques and use very loud strong kiai's. Try this, it may work.

[Myth]

I'm not aggressive either and i had a similiar problem with my sensei. But what he meant is to put more power and strength into my techniques and use very loud strong kiai's. Try this, it may work.

Usually a martial art makes you less agressive. Agressive is often being discribed as something bad. Thus.., I like the post I quoted above.

Just be more impersonating. Real aggression might not help, due to it being a loss of self control, which again can cause self harm.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I might actually be wrong here, but ah, it's a reply anyways.

Thank you,

- Myth

[Sohan]

I find music pretty helpful in setting a high-intensity-workout frame of mind. The harder the better, especially for bag work or sparring.

With respect,

Sohan

[jj19902003]

im also shy and quiet in my normal life but it doesnt not carry into my classes. just be more offensive. less defensive. you move in and attack first instead of wating for them to attack.

[Jiffy]

Visualisation. Anyone has anger available to them if they are provided with a motivational scenario. Figure out what scenario would trigger this emotion, then learn to duplicate that emotion.

[hawkfish]

Visualization. Anyone has anger available to them if they are provided with a motivational scenario. Figure out what scenario would trigger this emotion, then learn to duplicate that emotion.

I agree that visualization is good for many things, including sparring, but I am not sure if anger is the really key to aggressiveness. I do not have to be angry to be aggressive. I can stay pretty calm and cool when sparring and still be aggressive. If anything, anger makes me very sloppy when sparring. I would much rather have my mind clear and able to analyze things, such as looking for weaknesses and openings, instead of seeing red and working off an adrenaline surge.