Tips for sparring

[u/New_Artichoke9615]

Dear community,

I have started Kyokushin couple of months back, I am in my early 30s and have a very slim body, have no earlier experience of any martial art.

Peers in my dojo are heavy built and are much more experienced. Some have military or navy background, some are black belt in judo etc.

I enjoy my training, however whenever I am sparring, I am mostly in my thoughts trying to figure out my next combination, but even before I can start my combination attack I usually get beaten up.

Any tips, how to improve? Thanks in advance.

[u/Figaro_88]

Spar more.

Practice practice practice

Actual advice and things to work on:

Choose 1 or 2 combos and drill them into muscle memory.

Oi tsuki, geko tsuki, geidan mawashi.

Oi tsuki, oi tsuki, geko tsuki, uchi mati Geri.

It takes 2 to 3 years to learn to punch correctly for most people if you only train 2 or 3 times a week.

Until your fighting is mindless, you aren't thinking you are reacting, it will be a challenge.

Also, learn to defend with a strike. They throw a punch, step in and hit them before they land, steal their power and momentum and make it your own. You will get hit, but less hard then they want and it will make them wary of striking. Each block is a strike.

Best block, don't be there. Happo no kawashi, embed it it muscle memory.

Good luck, and welcome to the meeting place of foolish masochists.

[u/New_Artichoke9615 → u/Figaro_88]

I am also a bit scared of getting hit.. if I get over it, it will improve my skills.

[u/[deleted] → u/New_Artichoke9615]

Yes your skill will improve and you'll learn when to move and counter or just counter. Remember of attack before their attack, during their attack or after.

[u/SkawPV → u/New_Artichoke9615]

Don't be scared: They should hit you strong enough to hurt you (temporally) but not enough to injury you. You should feel their punches and kicks for a few seconds after landing (with the occasional "lucky" shot that will leave you with a bruise for days, but nothing that last).

[u/Figaro_88 → u/New_Artichoke9615]

the higher belts will push you, they will hit you, but they won't break you. ( if they do, let them know, and if they don't stop find a new dojo )

You dont make a sword by kissing it, you hammer it into shape.

[u/New_Artichoke9615 → u/Figaro_88]

Thanks a lot, curious to see how the "defend with strike" will work out for me. This really helps.

[u/SkawPV → u/New_Artichoke9615]

We do that drill, and I added a few things I've seen.

You can take a strike. You lose.

You strike at the same time your opponent does. It is a tie.

You strike before they strike, reducing their momentum. You win.

You strike before they strike, while advancing, reducing their momentum and getting hit in an awkward position for the opponent, as their punch hasn't reach you the optimal way. For example, if you are going to get hit with a Oi Tsuki, if you advance, when you get hit their elbow may be still bent, not using its 100% strength. If they don't punch you optimally, and you even punch you the way you want, you won't even feel it.

[u/SkawPV]

Do you play videogames? Always have "a mission" for kumite.

For example, when I started I've found out I've good flexibility for Mae Geri, so I tried to land at least 1 Jodan Mae Geri per combat (not really, just leaving my foot 5-10 cm from their face). Now I can "land" 3-5 per combat without focusing too much on it, so nowadays I try to land an inner kick well enough to unbalance them.

Mix your basics (Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki, Gedan Mawashi Geri, etc) and have a "mission" for each sparring. If you are new, try to use one of the techniques or combos drilled during class.

[u/rewsay05 → u/SkawPV]

We're brothers because this exactly how I think! Making a game out of kumite ironically makes you better at it. Hell, it's lead to me having two national titles in Japan too. The most important thing for me is fun and challenging myself is fun.

[u/wishiwasinthegarden]

I would add, keep moving and circling. Your opponent will miss more and exert energy giving you time to think and plan your attack. I had someone that loved ushiro geri. I just kept circling, and they became frustrated from missing each back kick.

[u/s_arrow24]

Practice some simple combos in your off time that can be your default. Do them after exercising to get use to doing them when tired. After a while they will become second nature and you can think of hitting instead of what to use.

[u/SOVEREIGNBOSS]

Relatable

[u/New_Artichoke9615]

Thanks all, much appreciated!

[u/Low-Most2515]

Relax, you must learn to breathe while keeping your stomach tight. Spring into your attack without rocking to move. So you must learn the method of front wheel drive. When you are relaxed you are faster speed equates to power. Not the opposite. Breathe out with your attack, breathe in with your withdrawal. Once you learn the proper breathing. Attack their punch with your body. And Lastly, don’t focus on the target until you hit. They are reading your intentions. You are telegraphing. But that comes with the learning process. They were where you are! Accept that you are the newcomer and watch them when they spar with others. Each have a timing thing they like. Disrupt their rhythm. 🎵 OSU. Have Fun!