FMA Sparring Spaztardery

***DerAuslander*** · Posted On: 7/30/2012 3:42pm

Originally Posted by Ignorami

As well, or instead?

As well.

**Fuzzy** · Posted On: 7/30/2012 4:37pm

Here's a tip my instructor gave us tonight while we were practicing our double-stick sparring.

"Try to come in with a 4-7 strike combo and reserve 1 or 2 strikes for the way out".

**Permalost** · Posted On: 7/30/2012 4:45pm

Originally Posted by Ignorami

Gotcha. Thanks for that.

I find it hard after sticking that first stick out, to bring it back in again.
I used to have the same trouble in Thai boxing after throwing a jab.

Its kind of reminescent of jab -> cross with sticks in the hands.

If the opponent reacts aggressively instead of defensively (or we just both make our move st the same time, that initial probe (or jab) just turns into a cowardly extended arm trying to hold the bad man away from me.

Well that would be great if you were lightsaber fighting.

I'm guessing that third thing is going to want to be with that first hand, so that's going to take some work.

That 3rd thing could be lots of things, with either hand, or with a kick. Some stuff I play around with:
-witik as you angle away
-tigbas or reverse tigbas as you angle away
-high abaniko as you step away
-sok sok as you step in
-check + forehand as you step in
-push kick or piston kick/coup de bias
-chasse if they step away from your attack

Personally, I'm most comfortable at long range (where I can see things coming) and close range (so I can crapple my limbs around my partner's), but exchanging in the middle range is where I'm least confident, so I like to emphasize the kind of stuff that moves closer or farther away.

**Fuzzy** · Posted On: 8/04/2012 5:25am

Tournament FB page: http://www.facebook.com/events/375987849117639/

Rules: http://www.rapidarnis.com/Tournament_Rules.html

**Ignorami** · Posted On: 8/04/2012 11:29am

That's the one :-)

**Fuzzy** · Posted On: 8/07/2012 4:50pm

Here's a question: How do you guys keep from destroying your padded sticks in short order?

I don't think that mine are going to last the week, and I've got the official ones from Escrimador supplies.

**Ignorami** · Posted On: 8/07/2012 11:53pm

We've got two types.

1. The Blitz ones, which are foam outside. These are starting to split and crack already from hitting the helmet guards.

2. Thinner ones with a nylon wrap and plastic handle. These are surviving well, but I think it's because they are so light, so a problem of its own.

**Ignorami** · Posted On: 8/25/2012 10:56am

Just had my third stick sparring session. I have learned just two things:

• No stick is fast enough to stop me blocking it with my forearm.
• No stick is soft enough that I don't wish I hadn't.

There will be some video to follow. (The other guy filmed it this time.)

He also had the awesome idea of fitting a camera to his helmet, but alas this time it was set wrong and just took photos. Next time though, we should have some 1st person footage of my gurning.

Online booking for the tournament was activated today. £20 get you entered into as many categories as you want to compete in.
An extra £5 puts you in a bonus "any weapon vs any weapon" winner takes all, prize comp.

http://britisheskrimachampionship2012.eventbrite.co.uk/

**Fuzzy** · Posted On: 8/25/2012 11:42am

Excitement!

We've been sparring just about every class, managed to snap one of my padded sticks on someone's helmet on Thursday :/

Are you planning to enter the open division? I don't think I'm ready for it yet, maybe next year, especially if I can find a functional Zulu War Shield when I go home in March.

**Ignorami** · Posted On: 8/25/2012 12:29pm

I haven't completely decided to compete at all yet. Without any instructor support it's going to be tricky to get any kind of competitive training in.
Im keen to, and am going to train myself with that as the goal.

And wa wa whaaaat... Are you a Zulu??