Circling me to the left, to the left

[Kareyn]

New to sparring and finding that each time I spar I am being moved around clock-wise each time. Why? It actually feels better to me as well, but I wonder if I were to go counter clock-wise or come to a fighter who changes footing on me (has yet to happen), do we then also change direction automatically? Would my footing have to change as well?

[Brad]

Osu.

Kareyn. Sparring can be fun and hard. I always find that you need to react straight away when some one is coming for you. If they are coming forward to attack move off and kick. Or if in close crapple then knee. Or straight foot jab. I find if you change footing the apponent does'nt know what you are going to throw. But please beer in mind i am no expert, i am learning also. I have lost just as much as i have won. I hope this little piece helps your puzzle. But the more you fight and sparr the easier things will develope.

[medguy]

Osu!
When you find yourself moving in one direction, ie counter clockwise or clockwise, make a conscious effort to shift direction. Otherwise, your opponent just has to wait and pick a spot on the "clock" and fire off a hard technique and you will be on the receiving end.

Shadow boxing is helpful, especially in front of a mirror, jumping rope, or sparring while standing on a tire.

But mainly, refer to the first paragraph.

Keep training. Fighting is an ongoing learning process, and you will learn more each time you train.

Osu!

[Dent]

Osu!

I agree with MedGuy's suggestion to practice your shadow sparring. IMO, too few use this valuable tool, and it's a great way to check your own habits, and even modify behaviors without getting hit.

Osu!

[meguro]

Don't beat yourself up. Your repertoire is fairly limited as is your "ring sense." I would guess that you are also waiting and reacting to your opponents' moves. As a newby, these things are expected.

Sparring is very much like a dance, especially if you are following your opponent's lead. Recognize that you too can affect the direction your opponent takes, the distance and timing as well. Instead of circling left, take a step forward and move just a little to the left. Don't be afraid to "bump" into your opponent. Drive them back or to the right. Use combinations. Take big steps as well as little steps. Fake left, go right. Overtime, you'll pick up the steps.

[Bloke]

Id echo what Meguro said - Its also going to take time and you will pick it up in increments.

[coopwaldo]

you would always want to circle away from your opponents dominant leg and avoid his power side

[walshy]

I agree I am new to sparring and find myself very limited and have to think very hard about what I am doing. I find if i concentrate too much about my movement I forget to actually punch or kick. Also works the other way around, too much striking not enough moving. I am also finding myself being too defensive sometimes. After my last session I was very dissapointed and frustrated, nothing seemed to work. But after a think over the weekend I am ready to go back and have another go!

[Nix]

Originally Posted by coopwaldo

you would always want to circle away from your opponents dominant leg and avoid his power side

Most often counter-clockwise, then. On the other hand, you will want to avoid beeing easy to predict.

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by coopwaldo

you would always want to circle away from your opponents dominant leg and avoid his power side

Originally Posted by Nix

Most often counter-clockwise, then. On the other hand, you will want to avoid beeing easy to predict.

As Nix says, choosing only one response may not be your best bet, particularly if your pressing attack, or off-side counter are more likely to win the match.

Osu!

[Aunty Ichigeki]

I'm impressed you're so self aware this early (unless you're spinning so much yr getting dizzy!). As you are concious of your movement I don't think it will hurt to have a play with positional control. Experiment trying to stay in one place (you have to glue a foot to a spot & be really defiant) and make your opponent move around you. Great to wear them out! Another good game is cutting yr opponent off. Since yr moving in circles anyway circle over to the edge of the mat, keep circling until your opponent has their back to the edge & then get defiant again! Trap them there. If they try to circle clockwise shuffle to the right & block them. If they try to circle the other way shuffle to the left. It's good fun, especially once they realise they're trapped!

[medguy]

Another suggestion is what I call "slow motion sparring." In this case, do not stop to judge distance or timing. You and your partner should go at slow to medium speed (your speed will increase as your confidence and skill goes up). Don't worry about distance. Don't worry about whether your partner can hit you. At that pace it won't hurt, anyway.

The only thing you should be doing during that entire 3min round is moving. kick, punch, knee, whatever. Just throw techniques and combos. Not hard, not fast, jsut throw. There should be no time at all when you or your partner are guaging distance or trying to fake the other guy out. When in doubt, throw anything. spin kick, knee, hook punch, whatever. Doesn't matter.

The point is just keep moving at that slow to medium pace. Eventually, as your skill increases you will see distance and openings as they happen. Right now, just throw anything. When in doubt, throw. YOu will learn blocking better at this speed, too.

But remember, at no time during the round should the two of you stop moving to check distance or timing. It's challenging, but also very helpful.

Osu!

[Kareyn]

Thank you so much! VERY helpful.

[tmd]

Kareyn I noticed from your post that you say you're not moving left, left but are moved left, left? this is most likely becuase the people your training against are more experienced.

When I spar I try to move away from my opponents stronger side and keep their stronger side at longer range.

If somene tries this on me it's not so successful as I actually fight in a standard stance but am left handed so they actually move towads my stronger side ; if this is not the case for you try switching as they start to turn you, if possible try and throw someting as you switch.

[eamoncramb]

Like already said to react, the best way to do that is not to think about it, then you should be fine. Just clear you mind. OSU!!!!!