Concerns about an aspect of my trainging

[savedbygrace]

First off, let me say I live in a very small town and this is the only MA school close to me. I really enjoy beign around my instructor and classmates, but unfortunatelly my classmates are teenagers (ages range from 13-15). I'm 30. When we spar, I spar against them but of course everything is controlled and my instructor has even gotten on me for not being more aggressive against them. My concern is that I am not able to really be aggressive like I want because I'm alot stronger and bigger than they are. Yes, we are all close in rank, but I cannot spar against them like I can against my instructor. My instructor is a great teacher and I learn alot from him when we fight and I get in alot of "real time" practice against him when we spar but he has alot of hip and knee problems that prohibit him from being able to spar alot. Do ya'll see what I'm saying? Another thing that concerns me is that I'm wondering if I will be ready to go to tournaments and face other guys my age and rank, because I mainly only spar against people that are smaller than me. I know there are alot of teenagers out there that can fight, dont get me wrong and the teenagers that are in my class are good and are great to work with but I still can't spar against them at the same rate and speed that I can against my instructor and I'm really concerned as to how my skills will be when I enter tournaments. Does that make sense?

[kikal0t]

Hi savedbygrace, this is just my opinion it may be completely wrong, but maybe if you practice your technique on the students that u spar with, not neccessarily giving it the 'full force.' Then practice the speed and force of your technique on a punch/body bag (or whatever they are called!) and if at anytime your not sure ask your sensei about correct technique.

Goodluck.

[savedbygrace]

Hi savedbygrace, this is just my opinion it may be completely wrong, but maybe if you practice your technique on the students that u spar with, not neccessarily giving it the 'full force.' Then practice the speed and force of your technique on a punch/body bag (or whatever they are called!) and if at anytime your not sure ask your sensei about correct technique.

Goodluck.

Thank you for the reply. Yes, right now thats basiclly what Ive been doing. I guess I was wanting to be able to practice everything at or close to "full force" more often. If that makes sense.

[username8517]

Another thing you can do is prior to actually sparring, ask if your "opponent" wouldn't mind if you went a little harder. Or perhaps ask for a partner that doesn't mind you being a little rougher up front so they know what they're getting into.

I say this because I always enjoy training with someone bigger, stronger, quicker, and/or smarter. Makes me stay on my toes. This is also help the teens hone their skills incase they're ever confronted by an adult as well.

Just remember not to clobber them.

Just my two cents.

[Neo Dragon]

Ive got the same problem seeing as howIm a big guy and most of the people are kinda small however Ive found that the best way to train is to work on your speed and tequnique. hit em and get out as quick as you can.

You don't need as much streingth as youd think if you work the tecniques properly and they can take a blow. There not made of glass. Sure don't beat em into the ground; but there tougher than they look. Hopes this helps.

[kikal0t]

Yeah I see what you mean, bcos sparring and actually hitting a body is different because its dynamic and moving. Is it possible for you to take a few classes outside of your town, say a few times a month or whenever you can to get the experience? It doesn't matter if its a different MA or style cos you just wanna get the 'feel of it'. I know time and cost play as factors here but it might be worthwhile.

[savedbygrace]

Yeah I see what you mean, bcos sparring and actually hitting a body is different because its dynamic and moving. Is it possible for you to take a few classes outside of your town, say a few times a month or whenever you can to get the experience? It doesn't matter if its a different MA or style cos you just wanna get the 'feel of it'. I know time and cost play as factors here but it might be worthwhile.

Good idea, I see what your saying. May look into something like that. Thanks everyone for your responses. Very helpful.

[Shotokan-kez]

I also have the same problem, only the kids are a lot younger than 15. It's a nuiscence i know but i have just got on with it. Occasionally there is an adult to spar with. I liked Bearich's idea's they make a lot of sense.

[bushido_man96]

Ive got the same problem seeing as howIm a big guy and most of the people are kinda small however Ive found that the best way to train is to work on your speed and tequnique. hit em and get out as quick as you can.

You don't need as much streingth as youd think if you work the tecniques properly and they can take a blow. There not made of glass. Sure don't beat em into the ground; but there tougher than they look. Hopes this helps.

This is good advise. Work on your speed and control, and then work on making a little contact when you spar your instructor. Just remember, the kids will get older, and then you will be able to apply what you want as well.

Also, bearich had a great idea, too.

[elbows_and_knees]

If contact sparring is what you are seeking, I would find someplace else to train. When I was younger, I trained with youger guys who were higher rank than me, and it was easy to overpower them. they would sometimes beat me if we were point sparring, but while sparring contact, they had no chance. At that age, they just don't have the strength yet, despite the technique. Perhaps you could crosstrain elsewhere or ask your instructor if he has some time he could dedicate to spar with you after class.