Ask yourself if you know how to throw a proper jab, cross, hook, push kick and thai kick. You could show someone how to do all those techniques in one week and they could probably perform them for you. Have someone honestly critique your techniques.
It takes about a year to develop solid fundamentals - throwing techniques with good body mechanics, keeping your hands up, being relaxed, understanding footwork and defense.
You could spar with your instructor which would be good, but at this stage sparring drills would be just as beneficial as sparring in a lot of ways.
Some people learn techniques, but need to learn how to employ them in a more dynamic situation. Sparring drills teach you how to move, get rid of your flinch reflex and can help you relax cause if your too tense you fight slower and gas out too soon (less than 3 rounds).
Within my first year of training, I would get in front of a mirror and practice my techniques and run my mental checklist. Is my chin tucked? Am I pawing my jab after I throw it? Is my jab snapping? Am I keeping my right hand up? Are my arms loose? Is my body loose? Are my legs coiled? Am I sitting into my cross and bringing it back quickly and lightly? Are my hips powering my punch? etc...
More sparring is good, but bumping up your fundamentals on your own will make your sparring sessions more valuable.
|