When sparring, are you generally the attacker or on the defensive side? [Archive]

riku

09-11-2003, 21:29

d) Varies by situation... Point sparring or other similar tag-play I'll usually go and attack; easy to do with long limbs... ground grappling, situations change and defence/attack are more vague concept... But it really varies. Opponent is one major thing that forces to change attitude: I really don't want to run into some black belt's fist only because I like to attack;) ..

With respect,
Riku Ylönen

MartialWarrior

09-12-2003, 02:08

i am mostly a mix of all (aggressive,defensive,both etc..), i don't let them breath either (sometimes while they are attacking , or when i perform an attack!), but you can always use attack on his attack as a kind of defense (attack him/her while he/she is attacking you , because she/he is concetrated on her/his attack, so his/her defense is wake ). But i believe while you are attacking you make more openings than when you are defending..a strong defense will make you untouchable :) Another trick is to play a bit with the distance between you and the opponent + good timing
and the different ranges of combat. For example (closing the distance while he/she is attacking , but you 'll have to attack first) , try to understand your opponents next move (what is he/she doing most of the time , how does he/she react when you make a specific movement, make him/her react in a way that you expect and know that will make an opening you can use to get in), you try him/her (it's your 'game' , you can make him/her react whenever you want , you can make him/her not to know when you are going to attack , or if you are gona stay there and defend , he/she is lost, all you need to do is to 'play' smarter) ,
and something last , it's a good thing to be able to change your style while you are fighting (and make yourself aggressive or defensive , or a mix of all)

Sorry for my bad english!
Thanx..

sk12879

09-12-2003, 08:00

I'm usually more of a defender. I like to lay back and let my opponent leave an opening. Sometimes I will go on the offensive and work to create openings in the opponent's defense on my own. I like slipping and blocking though.

De_Franza

09-12-2003, 08:22

While I strive to do either, or both, depending on what my opponent is doing*, I tend to wade in and attack, especially in competitions. A sort of shock and awe style to set the tone and "make them fight my fight". If they're intimidated, I then switch to a more defensive posture, keeping a distance, and punishing them for trying to attack.

* "When he expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand."
-Bruce Lee

Jen

09-12-2003, 09:27

I go to either side. It all depends on the opponent. If someone is a lot bigger and stronger than me I tend to play the defensive side. If someone just have horrible control, or tends to be a whiner, I will also play defensive then. I mean like if someone will complain that you are hitting them too hard, then beats the hell out of you. I use them to practice moving around. Then I occassionally jump in and smack them. That just makes them so angry.
If someone is smaller then me, lazy, I take advantage of it and get aggressive. Some people will absolutely allow me to just chase them into a corner. There are a set of twins in particular that I am thinking of. I can do nothing but walk towards them before I throw any attacks. Then once they're in the corner I start smacking these kids. Other smaller people, I just get aggressive. I guess it's just because I know can get away with it.

De_Franza

09-12-2003, 12:58

You sound positively vicious!

Sgathak

09-12-2003, 13:20

Im a "laid back attacker".

In mindset Im attacking, though I may just be sitting back and defending... because Im setting up/waiting for an opening, creating artifical holes for them to attack, or watching their patterns.

I tend to do this more in a stand up position (not nessesarily in a "striker" position) and modify this a bit when on the ground. Though Im doing the same basic game when on the ground, Im generally looking for a safe spot to "watch from" and attack at the first opening/set-up.

Though it should be noted that Im not sitting there for long. If the fight lasts longer than 30 seconds, Im annoyed. If the fight lasts longer than 60 seconds, Im royally friggin PO'd.

Jeff Burger

09-12-2003, 13:31

Im always thinking of how I can "up" my aggressiveness.

Attack attack attack even if he goes first.

Jeff

Mandeigh Wells

09-12-2003, 15:21

depends if I am pre menstrual or not... Mostly I like to defend, unless my ego or PMT gets the better of me then I am on the attack!!!

:eek:

Mandeigh

militis

09-12-2003, 15:25

wow, it looks like that poll is pretty close....

i know this one 10 year old brown belt inparticular that defends all the time just about. let me tell you, despite his age and size (about 4 1/2 feet) he is DEADLY! i mean, i am good at sparring, i move fast i have fast reflexes and it is probably my best divison when it comes to martial arts. but, this kid is so sneaky and quick, not to mention strong...i mean ill be looking into his eyes, and feet out of the corner of my eye, and the next thing i know his elbow is in my solarplexes. If i take one step he is in front of me in about a quarter of a second...i manage to catch him off guard a few times and ive found that he backs off if i come in with a lot of power, but at ten years old i'd say this kid can take care of himself....:D

tbmonti

09-12-2003, 18:21

I am an agressive defender. I try to push my oponent to make the attack me in order to draw him in to my attack. In short the best offense is a good defense.

Anthony B. Monti

Jen

09-12-2003, 20:45

I thought about this, and I came up with a word for myself. I'm an aggravator most of the time. If it makes my opponent mad for me to be defensive, dodge everything and attack very little, I go that way. If it makes my opponent mad to be chased in to a corner, i'll do that. Some people get angry if I stomp my foot on the floor, because it's awkward, so I do it. I just try to figure out what will make them question my motives. Sure, some people concentrate well enough that it won't get to them, but it works well for me.

ninjandrew

09-13-2003, 10:11

Depends who Im fighting and if they stick to defensive or offensive or whatever. It depends, but I dont decide when to move, it just happens.

Jeff Burger

09-13-2003, 10:25

I believe in the attack attitude because defense is responding to...not leading.

We have what we reffer to as a Defensive Progression
(worst to best)

Get hit

Block

Evade

Block and hit (2 beats)

Evade and hit (2 beats)

Constructive and or Destructive Blocking (it either hurts and puts you in a position of advantage

sectoring (simulataneous evade / block / counter)

Intercept (beat them to the shot)

As much as possible everything you do should be leading towards ending the fight.

I think alot of people as martial artist think of self defense as responding to a threat.
Thats partially correct but that doesnt mean waiting for them to throw the first blow.

I see alot of martial artist have good defense but no attack other than charging.
Boxers on the other hand use alot of technique and body fakes.

Just cause your throwing the first blows doesnt make you the bad guy.
Once you know the situaqtion will require you to fight your way out...strike first strike hard.
I think thats something you should do in class.
If you get to the point where your attack is great and defense sucks then work your defense.

Im big on the aggressive defense.
I want to shut down his confidence to attack me so I can put him a predictably defense posture.

On the street I would say attacker works even better.
Joe Idiot on the street can be fairly unpredictable or sloppy.
Those odd angles can be a problem sometimes for trained people not to mention the possiblity of being surprised.

Jeff

Jen

09-13-2003, 19:06

I had a fun time sparring today in my black belt test. One person was allowed to do whatever they wanted, takedowns, whatever. In the round where I was supposed to be the defender, I ended up beating the hell out of my first partner. I grabbed her in a headlock and took her down. Then I got a mount on her and started beating her head in. Then I got called off. I got a hold of her again and was about to bring her down again. She got replaced with someone they knew I wouldn't be able to roll right over. So with this girl, I tried to stay away mostly. She did get me down once, but I kinda let her. I knew she didn't know how to hold me to the ground, because i've done some ground fighting with her. I got to go with the first woman again when she was the defender and I was the attacker. I took her down and mounted her three times. Probably would have kept her down the whole time, but everytime she lost the headgear, I got called off her so she could put it back on.

Dojang2Piste2wCkF

11-22-2004, 07:44

Ive done TKD and fencing, now I do WCKF. I have learnt from fencing that the best thing to do is a "parry-ripose", or TKD/MA: invite the attack, block the attack and counter attack quickly.

Thats the best method for me. Invite - quick block - snap kick/punch. ;)

Angelo Capuano

Estrella

11-22-2004, 09:29

Damn, Angelo, why did you have to draw my attention to this thread? I've got to reply to one of these bloody ancient polls now!!! :laugh:

I tend to defend when sparring, and wait to counter, because I'm actually more concerned about my own welfare than about whacking my opponent!! :) Advantage of this is that you can observe their attacking style, and see when it is best to strike them, like when they drop their guard ( Naughty, naughty !!!:nono: ) after a certain technique, or a weak spot when they execute moves. Disadvantage is that you might get clobbered if they're a lot better than you are...Ouch...

:whack: :cutup: :cry: :dead:

Tripitaka of AA

11-23-2004, 04:37

I rather think you need to separate the responses into those concerned with sparring/tournaments/randori or those who have answered from a Self-Defence perspective.

Philosophically speaking, I "Defend before Attack". But I can assure you that this does not prevent me throwing the first punch if the situation required it.

In Randori, I would enjoy practising my attacks, particularly if it was against a good defender. If it was someone that I was catching every time (never happened, but I can dream!), then I'd use the time to concentrate on my defense. Make openings, anticipate or "read" the attack, then do an appropriate counter.

On the street, things go from argument to floor-brawl in a blink of an eye. Time for one defensive move then you'd better attack pretty quick or you'll be down, eating dirt. Sizing up the opponent is a luxury that you just can't rely on. The other luxury is the thought that your one favourite technique will "end" the contest. Only the complete and utter defeat of an attacker will "end" a street-brawl. You may have to keep pummellng or choking or stomping well beyond anything you've ever practised in class. Subsequently, Police reports and eye-witness accounts may very well cast doubt on "who" instigated the attack, so prepare to face investigation. So I suppose "end" is a flexible term.

bloodymonkey117

02-07-2005, 05:59

whatever works :bandit:

jukado1

02-14-2005, 02:37

In sparring training I try to ask what can I do to let myself improve the most, If my opponent is faster but I'm bigger and stronger, I'll try to work on my speed, If he is the bigger tougher fighter, I'll try to stand in and use power, If I'm going to get beat, I'd rather get beat in training then in the street or in a competition where it matters. And as far as being aggressive or defensive, try to mix it up, on almost a rounds basis. One round be on the offense, the next try to play counter fighter, But I know that to actualy improve I've got to be in the firing range, actually fighting.

lightninrod

05-04-2005, 19:49

I tend to wait about an inch or so outside of my opponent's range (that's range not reach) and wait until they either make a first attempt to strike/grapple or they inadverdently enter my range. From there, it's just a matter of doing what comes next. I never know what that will be. If my mind-set is right, I come out on top. If not.... I lose. For me, it's as simple as that. Choosing offense or defense conciously is, in my opinion, a mistake. The mind stops with one or the other when what is really necessary is flow.

Justin Mears

G Hendrix

05-06-2005, 14:16

In sparring, set it up to counter. In real fight, hit first, hit hard. Hit as furious, as hard, as deceptive as your possibly can.

Knuckles

05-08-2005, 13:07

I prefer to have my opponent take the first initiative so that I can see (and feel) what I'm going up against.
I'm fast, so I like to wear out the other guy first with defense and counters and then I go in to attack.

Iron Monkey

05-08-2005, 14:14

I am both.

Jared Sutton

05-14-2005, 18:43

I am usually an attacker but after today, I think I'm going to try defending a little bit more. (needless to say I lost my match today :( )

kenpo123

08-28-2005, 21:04

I like full contack anything goes sparring.. the closer you can bring the street or a real confrontation the better it is for improving.. of course... your holding back you dont wana injure or wound your partner.. but point sparring in my book is garbage.. sparring where your like..... woo.. that hurt. you got me good.. what did i do wrong kinda sparring is what i try for.. our school doesnt spar that way.. but since im buddy with my Sensai him and our friends in class stay after and go at it.. at a pace we set forth.. full gear... and lots of fun.. if we go to the ground then its all out striking and grappling.. no face shots...

Bad Karma

08-28-2005, 21:22

Passive aggressive, here.

Peace

Yang Wei Xin

01-19-2006, 11:20

If i believe i have the situation handled, i lay back and play the defensive game, let you make the mistakes, and then capitalize for heavy damage.

If im threatened by my opponent, i tend to come in very aggressive and try to overwhelm them.

Kat

01-19-2006, 12:52

depends on my partner...and how good he is! I ve only done this for a year, so I gotta watch my abilities;) but I'll try to check my partner out in the beginning , so I'll be more defensive, just throw some jabs and then I'll decide on my tactic.

sideslasher9

01-19-2006, 13:42

i normally defend for a while and feel them out then i attak using what i learned. but then again depending on my mood i might just attak.

SilentEvil2

01-19-2006, 14:36

Hmm I ussally go by this philosophy.

"When the opponent contracts I expand, when he expands I contract, and when there is an opening I DO NOT HIT! IT HIT ALL BY ITSELF!"

-Bruce Lee

Grei

01-21-2006, 00:51

I really like countering, it just feels really weird to me to make the first move. I think it's probably because it narrows my choices more.

Though once the fight starts I definately go into it full bore.

Gene Williams

01-21-2006, 05:01

I'm really aggressively defensive...or is it defensively aggressive. :confused:

Kwon Pup Maze

01-21-2006, 05:35

Real life= know the intent of your adversary, threats to harm with a weapon gets attacked. If I'm unaware of them, then I must defend and then attack. My goal is not to get hit at all and end the fight.

Sparring= I'm more defense, I sit back and change angles making the other person work harder at trying to close the gap. If they spin, I move into them striking with short kicks or punches to their backside or go for a throw.

Kat

01-21-2006, 07:58

Kwon Pup Maze

01-21-2006, 18:04

In sparring why not ? I'm not talking compitition, sparring in the Dojo/Dojang where you are practicing self- defence and not for points.

TonyU

01-22-2006, 09:03

you are allowed to hit and kick their back??? :eek:
Yeap.

In sparring why not ? I'm not talking compitition, sparring in the Dojo/Dojang where you are practicing self- defence and not for points.
Exactly right.
You learn two things;
One: Take advantage of your opponents vulnerabilty.
Two: You learn to always to avoid giving the opponent your back.

That is one of the key components of a striking art like mine, where we try to get in a postion of advantage; to the rear at 45 degree angle.

On another note when I was involeved with the AAU many years ago one of the things they implemented was full points to stikes to the back.
Why?
One; to avoid the old tag and run away scenarion that's common in many open tournaments.
Two; for similar reasons I stated above, you give someone your back you are at a disadvantage.

rgoad

01-22-2006, 09:28

Tony U has an exceptional point. Training in the studio will establish the behaviour patterns, habits, you will use whereever else you go, ie. 'the street'. If you practice turning your back even if to establish a 'break' in the action, you will turn your back in real combat when you are dazed or confused.

As far as whether one is aggressive or defensive: This sounds harsh, but my goal is get them to kill themselves on my fist. They will get exactly what they bring by stepping into my defenses, whether a punch, kick, throw, weapon, etc. In studio sparring I manage the violence by having exactly the same level of energy as the opponent so we can work at the level of a beginner, smaller person, etc all the way up to the dojo challenger. I have to match the other person's objectives so we can mutually benefit from the training.

The analogy is that it would be easier for me avoid being struck while holding my spear so the other person impales himself than trying to match strength or energy with opponents of all different sizes abilities, etc.

tkdclassicsgeek

01-22-2006, 10:55

It really depends on my opponent. I like to be defensive, but if they aren't willing to go after me, then I'll start in on them. However, I like them to attack some, giving them some sonfidence, before I go on the offensive.

jakmak52

01-23-2006, 17:10

I'm an attacker or stalker, I try not to let my opponent have a chance to counter. :bow:

Digi

01-26-2006, 02:40

I've always felt that the best defense is a good offense, and it also tells me a lot about your opponent's defense as well. The other advantage about staying in an offensive mode (for me) is that it keeps the pressure on my opponent and allows him/her less time to "feel me out" during a match.
:bandit:

Kwon Pup Maze

01-26-2006, 14:49

I always felt the best defense was distance.

Grei

01-26-2006, 15:08

That's something my fencing instructors trying to drill into me, but I don't quite have it down yet. If you don't know what your opponent's doing try to get a bit more space and figure it out, then go from there. A principle that should translate well for other forms of combat, unless you're like... trying to defend against someone throwing stuff at you or something maybe... ranged attack. But there are people who would know better than me on that matter...

Kwon Pup Maze

01-27-2006, 07:40

Grei, I'm curious on where in Fencing are you taught to focus.
I have been taught by some to focus on the face and others to focus on the sternum (center of chest). The chest always worked for me as I felt I could see the drop of a shoulder, the shifting of weight, or the start of a punch when sparring . When I back up I tend to see even more. In fencing , don't you guys have to "close the gap" first ? If so where do you focus your attention, on the whole person or a focal point like the chest ?

oneinchpunchmaster

02-19-2006, 19:55

I defend until i find an opening to take the opponent down to the ground, then start attacking..

Ridge

02-22-2006, 17:46

"When he expends, I contract; when he contracts, I expend" when there is an opening, I don't hit, IT hits" - Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon.

I just watched the movie again, and remmebered this thread.

jakmak52

02-22-2006, 17:53

Ridge

02-22-2006, 18:04

I just heard Bruce say it,
he did not spell it for me. ;)

jakmak52

02-22-2006, 19:57

Hmmmm...must have been the accent.... :rolleyes:

TogaAssassin

02-23-2006, 04:39

My training in JKD and the Filipino arts has ingrained an offensive stop hitting/counter punching and destrutive blocking mentality in me. Generally when I spar I tend to hang out in snake range to much and wait for my opponent to make a move and the I react offensively to it by gteking of gunting. Recently I've been trying to develope more unarmed aggressivness by constantly leading however I seem to loose some of my attack mentality when there isn't a weapon in my hand (which IMO is bad) and I start "doing martial arts" in opposed to fighting.

TEA

02-23-2006, 23:11

I try and strike a ballance and would prefer to be more of the defender, as I think I'm more effective with my counter attacks than my attacks. However, a lot depends on whom I'm sparring and their style. If my opponent also has a ballanced approach, then its almost like a chess match. If my opponent is either more aggressive or less aggressive than me, then I tend to find myself on the offensive more - with the more aggressive opponent to try and break up his attack pattern (i.e. a good defense is a good offense) and with less aggressive opponents because I get drawn into it (not always a good thing, especially with a good counter striker). Of course, I've got a bit of a temper, so the first time soemone gets a good headshot in I tend to go a lot more on the offensive. WRT to this last, when I used to do a lot of competions, this is where I'd get into the most trouble - get dinged in the head, get mad, go after the guy, and find myself eating a counter kick.