CrimsonPhoenix
Orange Belt
First of all Ill say that I really enjoy sparring. I clarify that we do not do point sparring. I love getting out in the ring and sparring with another student or instructor. Ever since I tested for my blue belt, the expectations of how I spar have went up a good deal. More about thinking things through, setting things up, and working on angles and positioning.
One of my downfalls is that Ive always been more inclined to face my opponent and spar them head on, no matter how much bigger they are than me. My instructors have told me that I cant fight strength for strength when that person is much stronger than I am. Im a female and it just isnt physically possible for me to do that.
Im fine with sparring my instructors and people smaller than me. That doesnt bother me. But when Im paired up with a guy whos taller and bigger than me, its completely different. Im shorter (5'4) so basically any guy is taller than me.
For example. I was paired with a yellow belt whos just getting introduced to sparring. Im several ranks higher than him, but hes taller, bigger, and older. Were told to keep the contact light since hes just learning. So we start sparring and I got pushed around a lot. I got in a few good punches and kicks, but it was really embarrassing because he would land a good technique that I should have blocked and would ask me if I was okay. I even ended up on the ground once. Its not like hes one of those bull in the china shop guys whos really aggressive either.
I really felt like I could have done much better. Im normally more. . .aggressive and wont let myself get pushed around like that, but this time was like our positions were switched. As if he was the more experienced student. I felt more like I was holding back and hesitating, rather than just getting out there and sparring, and that makes me uncomfortable.
Its also happened when I was sparring a guy who was the bull in the china shop type. I ended up on the floor about eight times because he kept charging in and I kept getting pushed back.
Has anyone else had any similar problems? How can I get past this? How can I use my greater experience to be a smarter fighter? It really frustrates me that Im like this when sparring someone like this. Its never really happened with my instructors, just other students. I dont feel as though Im intimidated by sparring someone bigger/taller. Its not like Im afraid of getting hit or hitting the other person either.
I just feel as though I cant accept this and don't feel comfortable with how I'm reacting while sparring.
One of my downfalls is that Ive always been more inclined to face my opponent and spar them head on, no matter how much bigger they are than me. My instructors have told me that I cant fight strength for strength when that person is much stronger than I am. Im a female and it just isnt physically possible for me to do that.
Im fine with sparring my instructors and people smaller than me. That doesnt bother me. But when Im paired up with a guy whos taller and bigger than me, its completely different. Im shorter (5'4) so basically any guy is taller than me.
For example. I was paired with a yellow belt whos just getting introduced to sparring. Im several ranks higher than him, but hes taller, bigger, and older. Were told to keep the contact light since hes just learning. So we start sparring and I got pushed around a lot. I got in a few good punches and kicks, but it was really embarrassing because he would land a good technique that I should have blocked and would ask me if I was okay. I even ended up on the ground once. Its not like hes one of those bull in the china shop guys whos really aggressive either.
I really felt like I could have done much better. Im normally more. . .aggressive and wont let myself get pushed around like that, but this time was like our positions were switched. As if he was the more experienced student. I felt more like I was holding back and hesitating, rather than just getting out there and sparring, and that makes me uncomfortable.
Its also happened when I was sparring a guy who was the bull in the china shop type. I ended up on the floor about eight times because he kept charging in and I kept getting pushed back.
Has anyone else had any similar problems? How can I get past this? How can I use my greater experience to be a smarter fighter? It really frustrates me that Im like this when sparring someone like this. Its never really happened with my instructors, just other students. I dont feel as though Im intimidated by sparring someone bigger/taller. Its not like Im afraid of getting hit or hitting the other person either.
I just feel as though I cant accept this and don't feel comfortable with how I'm reacting while sparring.