With whom do I prefer to spar? The people I can beat up easily? Those who are roughly the same rank as I? Surely I’m not so crazy that I prefer getting my tail thoroughly whipped by someone who vastly outranks me?
I have no preference.
Sparring with brand-new beginners is a chance for me to teach. I’m careful to go at my opponent’s pace, then I look for opportunities to push a little – maybe two face jabs in a row, maybe a kick aimed four inches short of the head. If I need to go slowly it is a chance for me to work on form and precision. It’s encouraging to receive a great punch or kick in the gut when the beginner is good and confident about actually hitting me.
When I fight with those who are the same rank as I, it stands to reason I’ll win some and I’ll lose some. At this stage clashing shins is the norm. I can’t wait for my rank-mates and I to “outgrow” that. Pain is an excellent teacher so I’m sure sooner or later I’ll learn. It’s great that we’re all going through the same challenges and developing the same skills together. I can compare myself to my peers and assure myself that I’m doing just fine for my rank.
Because I’m only a bit over 9 months into my training, most karateka outrank me. Therefore any number of people can whip my tail with both hands behind their backs. Some of them are shorter than I am, some are taller, a few are, well, pretty darned big and scary – especially if they also outrank me by two or more belts. I learn a lot about my weaknesses. Techniques and combinations of techniques that I’ve never dealt with before are thrown at me. I find my skills are improved after a few sound thrashings. I am more confident when facing those my same rank and I learn a little more about how to teach brand-new beginners. The highest ranks usually instruct me on how I can improve, and that is priceless.
Let’s face it – some of us beginners are scared to death when faced with the prospect of sparring a black belt. We might lose the fight even before it’s begun with thoughts like, “I doubt I’ll land even one punch,” or “even my fastest kick won’t be fast enough and she’ll sweep me for sure!”
Feel free to laugh at my expense. The first time a Sensei chose to spar against me, I was scared spitless and had very few skills to draw on. All he had to do was stick out a fist or whip a kick and I’d run straight onto it. It wasn’t much of a sparring match at all because I asked for a halt and then asked what I was doing wrong – which led to some coaching. That was about five months ago. Fast forward to last month. Another black belt chose to play cat and mouse with me (it’s pretty obvious who the mouse was). I wasn’t terrified – maybe a teeny bit scared but mostly determined to do my best. Yeah, I got my tail whipped, but… I had lots to think about afterward, including something to try next time I see his signature move (I know, I should’ve thought of something to try long before he chose to spar with me).
So to all my fellow beginners out there – learn from everyone. Be a good sport no matter who you’re up against. And take heart – you will survive and you will thrive the more you get your tail whupped by those who are better than you. Ask questions and get feedback, then practice. You’ll be proud of your bruises.
Share this:
