Yeah, I have to work on my fundamentals, staying relaxed, etc.
As a class we spar every now and then, but it is usually almost entirely without kicks. We wear big gloves and try to punch through holes in the opponent's defense. I’ll use a foot jab (push kick?) every now and then to mix things up, but it’s not common.
I have reasonably good mechanics (god knows I train on the bag enough, with periodic critiques from an instructor), and with real novices I can usually just power right through the defense, but the whole point is to be skilled enough to not have to rely on pure strength to get a shot in. That's why I want to practice against an opponent, to get the timing and movement practice I need. I can knock out the bag every single time I try, but it is difficult (for me) to slip a quality punch past a set of waiting gloves, and at the same time make sure I'm not too open myself. There’s nothing like an embarrassing smack in the face over and over to make you close the hole.
Anyway, I realize I need to be a bit more patient, but I'd sure like to spar a little more than I am. Aside from the beat up lips I usually have afterwards it is really fun as well.
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