Standup sparring can be really overwhelming sometimes, especially if you’re new at it.
There are punches and kicks flying at you from every direction and every angle. There’s so much to keep track of, and so many things you need to do, that you don’t even know where to start.
Fortunately there are ways to simplify the situation and cut down on the number of decisions you need to make.
And that makes sparring a lot less overwhelming.
Here is one such decision making formula…
It’s just a short 2 minute video shot on my iPhone. It features kickboxing coach Ritchie Yip breaking down his 3 part formula for super-simple sparring.
Here’s the idea: no matter what your opponent attacks you with you’re only going to use one of three tools.
Basically you’re going to use one tool to deal with ALL incoming punches…
…and another tool to deal with ALL kicks to the head and body…
…and a third tool to take care of ALL low-line kicks.
Keeping things that simple means that you don’t have to spend a lot of time making decisions. Instead you just react with the pre-determined tool for the pre-determined attack!
Is this a be-all-and-end-all strategy that works against every single opponent and in every single situation?
No, not at all. This is only a place to start. But when you’re in over your head then a place to start is a mighty fine thing!
Here’s the video: