Sparring Practice Before the Test

Wednesday is usually sparring day at all-belts class. Because I don't usually go on Wednesday, I usually only practice sparring on Saturday. But this week, because of the exam, I went to class on Wednesday and got in some great sparring practice!

I sparred with three people: Brian A., Cavio, and Ms. Pryor.

I always like sparring with Brian A. He's good, yet has good control, too. This time, he was using the ballerina kicking technique (balancing on one leg and kicking without putting it down) on me. I found out that you can't counter the ballerina kicking technique with the ballerina kicking technique. Brian seemed to think that was funny! (Actually, he is a joyful sparrer, which also makes it a delight to spar him.) So I had to think of other ways to (try to) score!

Cavio, a senior in high school, is a blackbelt and is new to our school. She's funny and smart, and her kicks and forms are excellent. But for some reason, she was a bit slow on Wednesday and I was able to score on her left and right. Sometimes bigger, stronger people like her are easier to spar than one might think.

My favorite sparring experience, though was with Ms. Pryor. I love her sparring style--fast and aggressive--and I think I could learn a thing or two from her. She's about my size, and I also like to work fast, so I've always thought I'd try to get some one-on-one tutoring from her.

It was great to spar her. I don't think I scored any, but it was a great workout. Her reflexes are amazing and her kicks are high and powerful. I got some advice from her:

1. The best defense from a roundhouse kick is a reverse kick. I knew this--I use this defense when my wits are about me--but she reminded me that I should also expect a reverse kick when I am doing a roundhouse. (I believe she reminded me by doing it to me!) Oooh. Good point.
2. When your opponent starts advancing straight toward you (maybe to do a front kick or an axe kick or to punch), counter with a quick side kick.
3. To catch your breath, breathe in, hold it for a few seconds, and breathe out. "That gives the air sacs in your lungs a chance to take in the air." I was very glad for that advice. Fighting fast really makes me winded, and since I've also been struggling a bit with anemia this fall, I know my body's working harder than ever.

After class, I worked with Brian on our form. We have it down! In fact, during class I was the one who remembered when Brian blanked out! Now how often does that happen? But I pointed out that our form, Yul-Gok, is yet another form named for a Korean scholar, probably a college professor of some sort, I would guess. I know our last form was named after a scholar who was a writer, for heaven sakes. Certainly not some warrior, businessman, or even policeman!

I think I'm ready for the test. As long as I can remember how to count to ten in Korean.