First time sparring(video)

[Lords Gym]

Just to clear a few things up...There was several trainers there, and the guy I was sparring was told a few times to calm down and take it easy...I don't think you can hear it on the video. But I think what he was doing was more because he didn't know what he was doing, rather than him being an asshole.

I don't really want to spar him again. I'm not scared or anything, I just feel like I would learn more against more experienced guys that would let me work instead of trying to kick my ass.

I think you did a good job . sometimes you get your best work with these types. if you can handle it mentally I would stick with this sparring mate. . a few adjustments and you will be kicking his ass, trust me, you froze him several times with shots , only you stepped back instead of moving in. next time try pressing and stepping off to the side. hold your ground some ,let your hand go, then and step off again.. repeat.

also get yourself in proper condition ..fatigue is the real enemy of any fighter . get on the treadmill. do some burnouts on the heavybag . 3 min drills.. nothing but punches, not real hard, just keep them coming. tap tap tap tap tap.. work the mitts and defense with you trainer. come back in few weeks and kick that blokes ass. look forward to watching your progression !

[David H]

Oh yeah, I don't think I mentioned it but I did gas out very, very quickly. So what you said about proper conditioning is very true. But that's what I get for going easy the last week or two.

Next time I spar, I won't be as afraid of getting hit. I plan on standing my ground more and not running in circles as much. If I could do that and work on keeping my head up when I duck, I'll be pretty satisfied with my next sparring session.

[Lords Gym]

Oh yeah, I don't think I mentioned it but I did gas out very, very quickly. So what you said about proper conditioning is very true. But that's what I get for going easy the last week or two.

Next time I spar, I won't be as afraid of getting hit. I plan on standing my ground more and not running in circles as much. If I could do that and work on keeping my head up when I duck, I'll be pretty satisfied with my next sparring session.

thats the attitude to have mate ! you will do much better next time out , and so on. best of luck

[Andre]

Anyone else think Mr 7 years is a bit too heavy handed on a first timer or am I just a bit soft? I wouldn't be a tough session on someone a little more experienced but for your very first sparring session I'm thinking he's being a bit of an A**hole!

Yep I agree, He looks more experienced at times but out of condition and out of practice .
he got angry there at one stage too and went head hunting in reply; he hates being out of condition and hates being hit by a first time sparrer who at times caught him comming in. Great job David.
You did bettter than my first attempts.
That head down stuff is hard to break the habit of when getting hit and they swamp you moving in. But watch him closely on the vid, he is open for an uppercut that you can deliver with rising full leg force from down there. Some people can use that to an advantage,hope you can to eventually or break the habit one or the other.
You have to cover your head both sides and peek up at them while wavering about below them if you do that stuff for a reason and then come up out of hell and have them when you see the opening appear just after they miss a shot.
When someones low and wavering a good fighter follows the same path that the low wavers head passes through with his fists; instead of taking straight shots at something moving sideways as this bloke does.
Its those ones who leave the openings that you can set up by being down there; but the other ones that plant themselves and follow your head path with their fists are the ones you learn fast not to go low in front of, until your feet can carry you into safe spaces while being down there in some control of things.
All things work in fighting sometimes just not all things all of the time.