Spar with people who know you well

It can be very easy, especially if you’re a sensei or a long-time student, to get an inflated sense of your own abilities. Confidence is good, but a realistic understanding of where you are, and what you need to improve upon, is essential for growth and a sense of satisfaction as a martial artist.

I take every round of kumite very seriously, even though I don’t enter every round with a need to win. However, if it’s appropriate for the encounter (ie, I’m not sparring with a little kid or a new student), I do try to get winning techniques and combinations through from time to time. Over the years, my fellow senseis have grown to know me well, and our sensei, Jason Smith has helped them to explore ways of beating me. I’m tall, with a fast, far-reaching front kick, and long arm reach. That makes me a challenging opponent to fight, especially for shorter opponents. However, many of my peers have worked hard to find ways of beating me, and sometimes they come up with stuff that works.

The point is, because they’ve come to know me so well, they’ve had months, even years to work on things that can defeat me, just as I’ve had a long time to analyse their strengths and weaknesses. That makes them challenging opponents because they’re not inventing their game plans on the spur of the moment; rather, their plans are the result of all their past attempts, both successful and failed.

Opponents who know you that intimately can be very stimulating to spar, (yes I’m speaking to you Sensei Martin!) and provided they’re continuing to grow in their kumite, they should provide intelligent opponents who are able to target your weaknesses precisely. What better motivation do you need to eliminate your weaknesses?!