Sparring

[Chrono]

I've been sparring for about a month now and even though I'm slightly improving I can't help but think there's more I can do. Combos, for one thing, I can't seem to do. I know they're good to use, but I just can't think of any good ones to use. I seem to like to do only one attack. Probably the worst thing I do is wait for my partner to attack and I try to counter-attack. What are some strategies that have worked for you?

[jjaje]

What belt are you? How long have you been practicing?

One thing I would tell beginners is to come in striking, do some strikes, and go out striking. Have a plan.

For example, from a farther distance, do a lead leg snap kick, step so you are inside, do jab-cross-hook, then go back outside with a distance weapon, like another kick, or even go out with a shuffle retreating jab.

or - Kick, go in, strike strike, go out striking. Practice just that and you will see an improvement in your sparring.

[Chrono]

What belt are you? How long have you been practicing?

I neglected to include this, sorry. I'm a green belt, and have been practicing for about 10 months now.

[PooterMan]

Probably the worst thing I do is wait for my partner to attack and I try to counter-attack.

I don't see that as a bad thing at all ;-)
When the other person attacks is usually when they are most vulnerable.

I started out being a mostly "defensive" sparrer. I think as I've started feeling better about my balance\control I've gradually started attacking more. I think one of the best things my instructor has instilled is "don't throw just one kick or punch". After a roundhouse I'll pull it back and do a side kick. Or continue on and try a spinning back side kick etc etc.

I'm at 4th gup Tang Soo Do(been at it just over 2 years), so I'm hoping my sparring techniques will finally start to gell (are you gellin yet?)

[Chrono]

I don't see that as a bad thing at all ;-)
When the other person attacks is usually when they are most vulnerable.

I know what you're saying here, but my problem with that is that I haven't gotten used to counter-attacking yet.

[kmtsd]

At your level, the best thing to do is kick, kick, kick, punch, punch, punch... don't worry about what your opponent is doing...you have to get over your hesitation and kick. As far as tournaments go at your level..generally whoever throws the most kicks wins...I will go as far as to promise you will win if you throw more kicks.
Once you feel aggressive and coordiated with your combos, then start focusing on strategy.
I don't know how your school fights, I train in Tang Soo Do... for the most part our students compete in point sparring(stopping the fight after every kick), but I compete in continuous olympic style and point... I teach our fight class... in order to help my students throw combos I will often let them spar continuously without keeping track of points... I want to see them move and not worry about the score. This helps a lot... their coordination improves and they feel more in control of their kicks. After that I will slow it down and do some point fighting...and they will be more aggressive and throw more combos.
At your level there is too much taking turns... I kick you...you kick me.. I kick you.. you kick me...INSTEAD I kick you again, again and again!-then I will win.
Good luck
Tang Soo!

[Chrono]

I don't know how your school fights, I train in Tang Soo Do... for the most part our students compete in point sparring(stopping the fight after every kick), but I compete in continuous olympic style and point... I teach our fight class... in order to help my students throw combos I will often let them spar continuously without keeping track of points... I want to see them move and not worry about the score. This helps a lot... their coordination improves and they feel more in control of their kicks.

We ususally just do free sparring for about 30 or 45 seconds with each partner and then switch. Occassionally, we would do something different, like point sparring or two-on-one sparring.

[J.S.T.]

What kind of sparring are you doing?

We had several methods of sparring where I used to train. If you explain the parameter or rules of your sparring, I may have some input for you.

Generally speaking though, you try this for a while:

From the moment you bow, or touch gloves (or whatever), go in with a continuous assault of alternating kicks and punches. As soon as your strike comes off of your opponents body, be sure that it is replaced with another one simultaneously. With your experience (10 months or so) this may be a little awkward and you will probably get hit alot, but thats okay.

You must get used to both attacking and being attacked.

I do not suggest practicing this method for an extended period of time (maybe try two or three weeks at first to see what kind of results you get).

[kmtsd]

That sounds like the "light"-"no contact" type of sparring we do in regular class sometimes.

When you spar...is there any contact? Do you wear protective gear?

Its good to practice with some contact...and with gear on. In the beginning your kicks are awkward and you are likely to hurt your toes, feet, fingers- the gear will help you get conditioned, prevent minor injuries that will slow you down.

with or without contact- I still think the best thing for you to do now is to focus on: kick, kick, and kick, punch,punch -get use to the feeling of throwing combos. Don't get frustrated. Have fun.

[Chrono]

When you spar...is there any contact? Do you wear protective gear?

We do wear sparring gear.

I would say that there is contact, but with control, mostly. I tend to go light, however.

[kmtsd]

Sounds like a good place to start- "Light contact"...focus on moving and throwing more than one thing for now... when that's easy hit a little harder (as much as is appropriate for your class and your opponent).