- Or, why my Si Hings are the best si hings on the planet.
Tonight was my first experience "sparring," as it were. I didn't quite know what to expect, so naturally, I was a bit nervous. So, I'd like to thank my si hings for their patience and advice. They took it easy on me this first time, which was really cool of them.
And... I learned some things. (1.) cardio. (2.) keeping the fight a close-in fight removes a lot of kicking potential from my opponent. (3.) I need to work on a lot.
My main question and area of difficulty is dealing with taller chaps, since their straight punch is perfectly level with my skull - how to deal with this. (i.e. I run into the strikes with my forehead) If I attempt to keep the battle inside and close, then it leaves me vulnerable for these direct hits. It seems like my left arm has to always be thrown over my head to deal with these sorts of strikes. Ideas?
~ Q
Sparring
Q, you did very well for your first experience. It takes practice and a whole lot more sparring to get more proficient. The best way to alleviate the long arm problem is to get low. Like you said getting close and staying close takes most kicking options away. You being shorter than the "tall chap" is your advantage. If you get in and get low, then we "tall chaps" will either have to get low as well or take those groin, rib, and knee strikes in stride. Then when the "tall chap" gets low, you go high. So basically you start to dictate the fight. Give that a try and I think you'll find yourself being darn good in the sparring arena.
Rob W.