Something that I've seen done to work with this, that appears to have worked well:Thanks.
I am kind of sorta just getting "used" to taps to the head. I This includes putting my cloves up and just dealing with a hit though my gloves pressed to my head. My fellow students (beginners) tend to be as kind as I am when light sparing - and they are at my level in terms of speed. I am 50 and started when I was 49.
My instructor however is 3 degree black belt and one time MMA fighter. He pushed a little more on the intensity and frankly when I went to hit him, he came in so quick I could not see it coming. I did not freeze, or stop hitting back or defending and was able to lightly catch him with a counter cross - but I will be honest that was the hardest I have been hit and I kind of had to process that feeling for a long while after classes.
From a self defense perspective I think I am better suited not to crumble or panic if I am caught with a punch now in the real world - and I would work harder as you say to defend against it.
Have a spar where both of you are moving back and forth, you don't attack, and your partner just tries to punch your head while you dodge. They start off slow and then get faster. Helps build confidence that you know what to do when someone comes at your head faster, and it slowly acclimates you to the super fast punches your sensei throws.
It won't help so much with the actual 'getting hit' part, but it should hopefully help responding when the punch comes, and its a way to do it that doesn't risk any brain injuries.
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