When do i know if i'm ready for sparring?

Question

i took TKD for 5 years and ive been taking muay thai 3 times a week for a month now. i really want to spar and fight, i just dont know if i should wait another month because i will be sparring muay thai students

Answer 1

Wait, you've been taking TKD for 5 years and you haven't sparred yet!?!  I knew a lot of TKD schools were McDojos, but I never knew it could be that bad!

Or have you sparred in TKD, just not Muay Thai?  If that is the case, you should man up and do it.  You should have great kicks after 5 years of TKD, so get in the ring and try them out!  

Answer 2

Anytime is a good time for sparring. You will improve alot faster if you train with someone else.I have taken Kickboxing for a few years, and I may be wrong but, I'm pretty sure while sparring no ones gonna go 110% on you. When you spar you have to take it easy on the other guy to prevent injuries.

If you're that worried go to www.fight-site.com

There isn't any direct articles on sparring but it could still be of some help.

Answer 3

You should take a look at this thread: http://muaythai.me/forum/viewtopic.php?f... on a muay thai forum.

It is not uncommun for TKD practitionners to experience difficulties in sparring when they move to muay thai (probably due to the different approach and mentality in sports TKD, where point sparring is predominant...).

Basically, it sounds to me as if you're scared of being hit... Get over it, and get in the ring... You'll probably get hit a few times, and there is no better way to develp a solid guard.

Also, fear not: muay thai schools do not usually go 100% in sparring. My instructors usually advice around 80%. In most cases you'll be wearing 16oz gloves and shin pads, which will very much limit the possibility of injury.

Just think of the frequency with which pro muay thai fighters compete in Thailand... If sparring was done too hard, they'd be constantly injured, which would seriously reduce their earnings...

Just jump in and enjoy yourself ; sparring can actually be a lot of fun if your sparring partner is not a mental case. Bet you that, in no time, you'll be coming back for more!

Answer 4

stop being a wimp and spar

Answer 5

Aaron J have my new favorite answer.

The only way to find out is glove up and do it

Answer 6

when your teacher says your ready

Answer 7

You will know, within yourself.

Answer 8

When you know you are able to take a hit as well as dish them out. No worries pain is the best teacher. You can only get better!

Answer 9

You're born ready to spar. The issue is self confidence. Just get out there and do it, as that is the only way that you will be able to improve yourself and really find out if you can protect yourself when the need arises.

Answer 10

its like this. ask a friend to kick,slap,or dig u in de face and if u can still stand u ready for sparring