Directness Over Power (Patreon)

• LMA Table of Contents

A calm and composed opponent is the hardest to spar because their attacks are sharp. When you are angry or attempting to throw hard strikes rather than calm, direct ones, your attacks are slow and easy to see. Even if the strike seems strong and fast, it has a long build up. Your aim isn't to strike hard but to strike directly.

The first person you de-escalate is yourself. It's okay to have emotions in a spar, but ultimately, you want to work towards managing big emotions because big emotions lead to big strikes.

The power doesn't come from your strength but from the inability of your opponent to see, block, or evade your strike. A direct strike is most likely to land and leaves you balanced and defensive. It also affords you follow-up options. A big strike is likely to miss and leaves you vulnerable and off-balanced. Not only do you have few follow-up options, it'll take you time to reorient and get back into stance.

Set an intention before a spar, but once you're sparring, leave no intentions behind your strikes and respond directly to the changing landscape. Respect your opponent during a spar and center them along with your surroundings rather than fixing your gaze inward. Eyes see clearly when they face out.

– Sam