Need advice......

[Toptomcat]

Are you allowed to kick to the legs?

[DWx]

DWx - The thing that hit home for me was being told that I haven't really been hit yet. I never thought about it, but its true. Don't get me wrong, I've been hit and felt pain, had the wind knocked out me, etc, but I've never had my bell rung in class.

Maybe with you being so tall you have a similar problem to what I have. I rarely get to spar anyone who is my size or bigger (5' 10 female and pretty heavy) so no-one hits me that hard in class. Other women aren't beig enough really and the majority of guys don't like to hit women that hard . Only real chance I get to experience that is in comps when its too late.

As most have suggested, intend to use a combo of proven and unproven techniques. Right now I just keep focusing on stepping in on an opponent and then dealing with the result. What usually happens is - I step in on a higher belt, that person lifts their front leg to either block or kick, as soon as I see the knee coming up I drop my left hand to block the leg (The one protecting my head!!!! while my right hand is cocked to punch) and then my opponent tags me in the head. Grrrrrr, it keep happening!?&%$?!

As with all stuff over the internet, everyone can suggest stuff for you but its hard to tell without seeing. You're stepping in? What do you mean by that? Either you're stepping without a technique or you're telegraphing the movement before you kick or punch. You could do with using your right arm to block your head.. Maybe you could try what I sometimes do. If the kick is a front or side kick type of kick. Cover up, weight on the front leg and take the hit. If they're too close or hoping to push you with it they'll be off balance and you can come in with the close range hands as they recover their balance.

[quinteros1963]

I had a simular problem. The way I improved was to stop relying on what I did well(punching), and working on what I did not do well(kicking). Sure I got my butt kicked for a while, but it did not stay that way. After a while I was ok at kicking. Adding that improved kicking to good punches made me better overall and harder to deal with. A chain is strong only as its weakest link. So you are only as good as your worst aspect of fighting. Work on what needs the most work. Its not fun at first but you'll love the end result.

[mr_obvious]

I rarely get to spar anyone who is my size or bigger (5' 10 female and pretty heavy) so no-one hits me that hard in class. Other women aren't beig enough really and the majority of guys don't like to hit women that hard . Only real chance I get to experience that is in comps when its too late.

It's interesting you bring this up (sorry for the hijack everyone!) Me being a 6'1" light-heavyweight, and all the females in class being, not only female, but of smaller stature..... When paired up with them, I tend to take more of a "living heavy bag" posture. After all, us guys really aren't and shouldn't be training to beat the snot out of girls. Maybe it's just the way I was raised, I dunno.

[quinteros1963]

It's interesting you bring this up (sorry for the hijack everyone!) Me being a 6'1" light-heavyweight, and all the females in class being, not only female, but of smaller stature..... When paired up with them, I tend to take more of a "living heavy bag" posture. After all, us guys really aren't and shouldn't be training to beat the snot out of girls. Maybe it's just the way I was raised, I dunno.

So why not work on defence and counter attack.

[GeoGiant]

Are you allowed to kick to the legs?

Yes but Sensei doesn't usually work leg kicks with lower belts. So, i could do it but I have not practiced leg kicks as part of the regular class.

[Toptomcat]

I see. The reason I ask is that kicking out the supporting leg is an option that works very well as a counter to someone on one leg while still permitting you to cover up the body and head- thus making it a good idea whether they're blocking or attacking.

[GeoGiant]

DMx - I've spoken with a few black belts since my first post. I think I need to learn to defend better so that is I'm working on. After reading a few of the responses to this thread I learned that I need to check my ego so I can learn.

As for men - women sparring. I am also guilty of changing my fighting style when I fight a female... except for one woman in my class. This woman is only one belt higher than me and she is smaller in stature but if I easy up on her, she will knock me out... and I know it. My advice to any female that feels she is getting less than what she wants... go harder at your opponent. I know that I changed my opinion with this particular lady in my class after she twisted my head around after a SOLID right hook.

[GeoGiant]

I see. The reason I ask is that kicking out the supporting leg is an option that works very well as a counter to someone on one leg while still permitting you to cover up the body and head- thus making it a good idea whether they're blocking or attacking.

Good point! I'm finding that stepping outside my comfort zone is difficult. I am doing it, but its difficult.

[DWx]

After all, us guys really aren't and shouldn't be training to beat the snot out of girls. Maybe it's just the way I was raised, I dunno.

A lot of guys are like this. No-one's saying you should beat all women up, treat them just like you would if they were a guy of the same ability. Its hard going against what you've grown up with but by not fighting us properly you don't help us at all.

As for men - women sparring. I am also guilty of changing my fighting style when I fight a female... except for one woman in my class. This woman is only one belt higher than me and she is smaller in stature but if I easy up on her, she will knock me out... and I know it. My advice to any female that feels she is getting less than what she wants... go harder at your opponent. I know that I changed my opinion with this particular lady in my class after she twisted my head around after a SOLID right hook.

Hehe. Good for her. I'm kinda guilty of this too. If the guy isn't going hard enough, not treating me as a proper opponent, I tend to get angry and start going for the knockout.

Good that you've gotten some tips off of your blackbelts Geo. Although learning to "defend better" is pretty general. Anything in particular you're working on?

Edited March 30, 2010 by DWx