Weak opponents make great practice partners

Irritating ankle biter, or opportunity to practice some new skills - it's up to you

Often, adults or advanced students moan about having to face kids or very inexperienced adults in kumite. However, every element of karate has some potential value. I know that I usually seek out those opponents who most make nervous because I want to improve my skills so that no-one makes me nervous. However, sometimes, when I'm developing a new combination, or learning a new kick that's hard to do, it's better off if I work with a less capable opponent. Less experienced opponents are less likely to be wise to your tricks, so it's a good opporunity to test out new ideas, or develop skills. You might be working on your head-height round kicks. Well, they're a whole heck of a lot easier when that head is only four feet from the floor instead of six! Or perhaps you might be trying sweeps. Let me tell you, it's a lot easier to sweep a 10 year old than a 20 stone adult! What about combinations? Who do you think is more likely to be fooled by a basic dummy, or a high-low combination - Shihan Stacey with his 18 years of experience, or that guy that just graded to his yellow last week?!