Sparring combinations for a beginner?

[BarbedTerror]

I'm considering entering into a tournament and would like some combinations to work on in the meantime. What are some good ones? I tend to use the jab/reverse punch alot. (I am an 8th Kyu)

[sensei8]

Don't hate my obvious answer to your question, but, ask your instructor.

Having said that. If your jab/reverse combo is working for you, then do it.

>Backfist/side kick combo

>Any block that sets up your reverse punch or a kick

>Double backfist strikes

>Front snap kick/reverse punch [but, lunge into the front snap kick to close the distance to the inside/outside for the reverse punch]

>KIAI while executing anything [beginners tend to react to a piercing kial] because a loud kiai also draws the attention of the judges. Sometimes the kiai IS the point because, while the judge might not have seen it, a judge might award the point for the kiai because something must have happened and the judge doesn't want to appear like he/she didn't see anything, so, they'll award a point off your kiai alone. I've seen it happen many, many times over the decades.

>Rush them with your jab/reverse punch and I'm sure that your opponent will turn and run to the safety of the outside of the ring providing your rush is balanced/controlled and overwhelming. Then while your opponent is running away...attack and KIAI.

A single technique can win many points. Ask Joe Lewis [Karateka not the boxer], he was famous for winning many of his tournaments with a single sidekick that his opponents couldn't stop...and his opponents knew the sidekick was coming. If your opponents can't stop it, then POINT.

Bottom line...I'd tell you if I was your instructor...as you being an 8th kyu/beginner experience and you'll be facing similar experience, that being said, they might not be of any concern to you. Use what works, and kumite with as many different 8th kyus in your school leading up to the tournament.

Good luck and please let us know how the tournament was.

[BarbedTerror]

Thank you for this response, I found this really helpful.

"Rush them with your jab/reverse punch"

When you say this, do you mean to do this technique multiple times in a row?

[sensei8]

Thank you for this response, I found this really helpful.

"Rush them with your jab/reverse punch"

When you say this, do you mean to do this technique multiple times in a row?

No. When I say to rush, I mean for you to close the distance as quickly as you can, but maintain balance and control at all times. But, if you're throwing multiple combos while closing the distance, then by all means it wouldn't hurt at all. Gotta be doing something while closing the distance. Timing needs to be defined and mastered, after that, it's all down time, imho.

I also suggest that you start training your footwork to the inside/outside so that it becomes as natural as possible. Let your opponent do all the work for you. By that I mean, create a tempting open in your defense and allow your opponent to attack you first, and then, move to the outside/inside at the very last moment, and then POINT!!

[yamesu]

I cannot comment on point sparring, but in Kyokushin some of my fav's are:

-Jab, reverse punch, rear leg roundhouse.

-Front leg thigh kick, jab, reverse punch, rear leg thigh kick.

Honestly they hrdley ever land anymore on people of the same grade as me.

As a kyu grade I think its important to focus on combinations, but as skill levels increase, you will find yourself becoming more dynamic and choosing hits as they present themselves, stringing combos together that are not pre-arranged.

Just my experience.

Osu.

[wayneshin]

I'm considering entering into a tournament and would like some combinations to work on in the meantime. What are some good ones? I tend to use the jab/reverse punch alot. (I am an 8th Kyu)

One of your Instructors has posted a quite extensive GKR Kumite curriculum on youtube. I think it is called GKR National squad Kumite curriculum. It has 15 or 20 clips and many combinations which are obviously designed to be suitable for your style of fighting. I looked through a few of them and its not too bad. Its well demonstrated and well explained.

The same person (User name "toanthony") has also posted an excellent compilation called "Best of WKF kumite" so if you search that on youtube you should be able to find the other.

Good luck with your competition.

[BarbedTerror]

Yamesu, I'm checking out a kyokushin class tomorrow and I was just wondering how you find it, do you enjoy it? Is it good?

[yamesu]

Yamesu, I'm checking out a kyokushin class tomorrow and I was just wondering how you find it, do you enjoy it? Is it good?

My opinion is going to be quite subjective here but;

I find Kyokushin one of the most challenging things I've ever done, it has helped make me into a determined, fit and disciplined person over the years. 90% of the people that train are genuinely nice, and I have shared some really great times and achievements with them over the years.

In short - I really do enjoy it, it makes me laugh, cry and everything inbetween at times, but once I accomplish something (be it a short or long term goal) it is all worth while!

I think it is the best style of martial arts (again my opinion only coming from my training in judo, kickboxing and modern arnis), and i would not trade it for quids personally!

I truly hope you find yourself enjoying it. I wont lie- it can be extremely tough at first, but after a while its great.

Osu!