|
 Sparring
is probably the most difficult part of your martial arts
training. The reason being that it is a much more emotional
experience than people think it is. Realistically,
sparring is about 80% mental and only 20% physical, to improve
at sparring you must feel comfortable about the process
of hitting someone and someone hitting you back.
In order to get to the stage where you feel comfortable
you need to spar on a regular basis. The following things will help
you reach that level of not being overwhelmed every time you are about
to spar
Number 1: Have a plan of
what you want to accomplish in your Sparring session, for example breathing
while you spar, or adding more kicks to your combos
Number 2: Have combos that you are good
at ready to use - and complete them fully
Number 3:
Think out every step of your
sparring session beforehand, for example what are you going to do the
first 30 seconds?
Number 4: Use the first
30 seconds of the match to find out what kind of opponent you have,
for example is he/she a kicker, boxer, counter attacker, or attacker,
this will determine how you will spar
Number 5: Be a thinker not a fighter -
plan your attacks depending on who you are sparring, don't think you
can win a fight with power, use your head. The analytical fighter will
always beat the more powerful fighter
Number 6: Be in good aerobic shape - sparring
deals with nerves and that on its own will drain you. Being in good
physical shape makes you able to perform even when you get exhausted
Number 7: Never underestimate or overestimate
your opponents size or look, this is very misleading. Just remember
your confidence will come with how much time and effort you have put
into your training.
Lastly, when you are sparring, you are playing a mind
game. The person who shows no fear, no pain, no emotion is the one that
is in control of the sparring session. Remember you must fake it until
you make it.
|
