Sparring has become a regular fixture at kung fu training these days. I'm quite interested in this far more fluid, potentially dangerous, but more practical training than repeating the lesson 'drill' over and over again. I think the lesson is certainly valuable, but sparring is where it is at for me at the moment.
It is not easy to hold on to this attitude. Last Saturday afternoon, sparring again. It has been a while since I have done this. My opponents are much more practised, skilled and capable than I am. I guess it seems stupid, the learning curve is steep. I was soundly dealt with by three guys: one who has trained with the current instructor for about a decade, another who is a kick boxer from some where that I only met that lesson, and the last guy, the Northern Italian ex-boxer. Suffice to say I felt physically drained and pretty dejected after that. I did get winded a couple of times, and I collected a couple of bruises. Par for the course at the moment.(There are some slightly controlled conditions, People don't (shouldn't!) punch that hard, we wear at least 14 oz gloves, and a mouth guard is compulsory.) It is hard to integrate the tight guard and constant movement required to avoid being hit and being able to deal back. I didn't move enough last time.
I am determined to become competent at sparring and be able to handle myself. Previously I had gone up against those of similar or slightly greater skill. It was easier then, but I think there was less impetus to learn quickly!
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