Sparring in Muay Thai and Karate classes can be a daunting and scary thought when you first begin your martial arts journey.
You can spend weeks or months learning techniques and practicing them on bags and pads in class with pad holders who are there to work with you, but now you’re all of a sudden facing the scenario of being put in front of someone else who’s there throwing all these techniques back at you in more of a real life environment.
Let’s go over some of the key points to remember to make the best out of our sparring classes here at Oceanic.
Key Points
Relax – Most beginners will tense up when they first start sparring as they brace for impact; that is one of the worst things you can do. All that tension will tire you out more quickly, it will stop you from throwing strikes with smooth technique, and you risk hurting your partner with stiff shots. Relaxing will help you move around a bit better, be lighter on your feet, and help with reaction time when your working on offensive and defensive techniques.
Breathe- This also goes hand in hand with breathing – you must also remember to breathe. That will help you stay calm, stay loose, and make it through the rounds more comfortably.
Respect –Like any aspect of martial arts, respect plays a huge part in sparring. Leave your ego at the door and engage in the exercises and drills that are supposed to help you and your partner improve.
The overall long-term aim of these sparring sessions is not to ‘win’ by landing more strikes than your partner or overpower everyone else in the dojo but to improve your skills in a live environment. It’s not a competition to find out who the toughest fighter is. We have no place for ego here.
Conquer your fear – Lastly, remember not to be scared. Accept that you will get hit with some kicks and punches. You might be surprised to find out that it’s not so bad and that it’s not all that uncomfortable; after all, that’s why we wear our protective gear – our gloves, shinpads and mouth guards.
For many martial artists, sparring is the most enjoyable part of their training.
Once you ease into things and get used to going back and forth with teammates, it becomes the best opportunity to use everything you’ve learned!
