Sparring tips

[aniladhikary]

Size up your opponent before you engage. If he strikes first then you know he is an OFFENSIVE fighter. If he waits for your attack then you know he is a DEFENSIVE fighter.

Find out what technique your opponent is good at by giving a fake. If your opponent moves his hands then you know he is a puncher. If your opponent moves his leg then you know right away that he is a kicker.

Try to get your opponent to attack first, either by a fake or taunt. You will quickly learn what technique your opponent relies on, (every fighter has their favorite technique) then plan a counter for that attack.

Do not telegraph your attack.

Never show fear when sparring. Your opponent will sense fear and go on the attack, however, fear also can be used as a fake.

When you and your opponent are in hitting range make sure you're legs are never wider than your shoulder width. Wider stands makes your movements slower.

Always set up your opponent before you strike. Set up high, strike low. Set up low, strike high. Most experienced fighters will never get hit unless you set them up.

Always relax the body before you strike. Tension slows down attacks. Visualise a snake attacking it's prey. Calm, relaxed, then strike with lightening speed.

Close the gap between your thought and action. Don't think too long or the opportunity is lost.

The moment to strike an opponent is when he is about to launch an attack or as he is landing from his attack.

[CredoTe]

Good post. Seeing others' strategy tips and experience is always a plus, be it sparring, grappling, kata, etc.

[hurtswheniblink]

get hit or kicked less than you hit or kick them lol

[AdamKralic]

Go up 2 points on the guy that waits for you to see what kind of fighter you are.

Follow up with the complete opposite attack.

You are now up 3 points.

In a match to 5 the guy down 3 points is finally ready to fight?

I've heard every single line in the OPs thread starting post before...(and they are all WITH merit) but reality is closer to hurts when i blink.

My favorite fight quote of all time by anyone ever:

Mike Tyson: "EVERYONE has a game plan...UNTIL they get punched in the mouth."

[AdamKralic]

Besides my above "just fight" "tip?"

Increase your speed in training. 1st step speed is everything. zero to sixty in 1 step is the unattainable ideal imho.

Being that I live near Chicago...I use Derrick Rose as an example. He moves pretty slow and relaxed 80% of the time...but he can hit a gear that is just flat out unfair and he can do so with 1 step.

Derrick Rose would be great at point sparring if motivated is my fearless prediction.

[sensei8]

Study your opponent...

Study yourself...

Make a plan...

Carry our the plan!!

What happens during any of the aboved "steps", causes a loop effect in that the "steps" start all over again...over...and over...and over...and over...until the plan is a success.

Also...

And I just can't over emphasis this as well...

Mizu No Kokoro [Mind Like Water]; keep your mind as calm as the most stilled water!!

AND...

Tsuki No Kokoro [Mind Like The Moon]; allow the moon to properly reflect to the calm waters. Allowing clouds to distrub between the moon and the water, nothing good will come of it. A storm will occur!!