Kumite

[Buruno]

Next year I'll iniciate my participation on Kumite's Championship in my country, but I think that I'm not trained well to make a good figure. When in Kata, I can execute well my movements, and in harmony, without stress. But when in Kumite, I can't do well my movements: I just lose precious time thinking on what movement should I use, and when I want to attack, my body just freeze by itself. I think my big fear is to attack at the same time my oponnent attacks. I want to attack without fear and with accuracy, but my body just doens't move because of that. Afraid of pain. In a combat, I can't attack by myself, I just self-defense, and make little and weak counter-attacks. I know it sounds very silly. Is there any sugestion to overcome this problem? I want to lose this fear, have success and feel proud of myself at the end of the combat.

[vapor]

Great first post...be sure to head over to the INTRODUCTIONS forum, and tell us something about yourself, so that we can offer you a proper welcome!

I think a lot of what you are experiences may come from 2 areas.

1) Lack of self confidence---i.e. mental
2) Lack of time practicing---i.e. physical

Both of those can be worked on , and improved, to get you to a point where you can do more than just "take the punches" but be free flowing in assessing your kumite opponent, and execute moves that will be effective

vapor

[Angelslayer]

dont be afriad of pain the stinging sensation you get is just the weak part of you dying

[Dent]

Osu!

Practice, practice, practice. By intelligently confronting your fears, you will overcome them.

Osu!

[ANTSAN]

Osu, get plently of light contact sparring done and as you become more comfortable with that progress towards the heavier stuff. For me atleast, my fear comes from the un-known, or unexpected. So trying to become experienced or accusomed to something is the best way to deal with it.

[intwominds]

As above, also don't forget to breathe, it helps you stay more relaxed. Also, when I first started participating in kumite I found it helped to have a bit of a strategy before I started the fight and it helped me attack more rather than constantly be in defending mode. For example, if my opponent was a lot taller than me then I usually decide to fight in close then step back a little further than usual to avoid their reach advantage.
But you will figure out what works best for you.
I think most people would say that this is a common problem when beginning kumite, so don't feel like you're the only one, because many of us have been there! It gets better with practice.

[Buruno]

In first, thanks a lot for all this messages, I'll try what each one of you told me to do.
I think my problem is lack of self-confidence, my brain doesn't surrend to my desire of combating without fear, and I can't make myself easy. Do you think I can overtake this problem in one year? I'll be waiting with zest for an answer.

[Martin]

Osu!
Well, I think everyone have these problem at least at the beginning so chill out
Try to get more use to kumite and to win against your fear, cause that's the most dangerous enemy in kumite, after all, we fight against ourselves .
Be optimist, you have a whole year in front of you, I'm sure you can make it.
Osu!!!

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by Buruno

Do you think I can overtake this problem in one year?

That all depends on you, Buruno. I believe you can do it, but that isn't important. What's important is whether you believe it!

Osu!

[seienchin]

There are very few things that can get in the way of a determined, focused and well-supported karate-ka...so yes, you can do it if you really want to. But you will need the support of a very honest and constructive sensei, and the humility to drink it all up, along with the judgement to apply the things that will work well for you.