Last night was a long one at the gym, but a good one.
It was extremely humid, and my strength circuits had me well lathered before Muay Thai class. Class was pretty tough, as we are tuning up for a test coming up in June.
After that was the usual fighter class, and I was coaching (as I seem to be doing more and more of lately). For the first time in a long time there was an odd number of fighters so I had to step in and spar so nobody had any down time.
I haven't sparred with the fighters for a while and was getting used to sparring the people in class, most of whom are there to stay in shape and perfect their art. The fighters, on the other hand, have one mission and one mission only - to destroy their opponent.
Before sparring each fighter, I always have to give the lecture - nothing to the head, and take it a bit easier on me than you do with the other fighters. The last thing I need at this point of my life is a broken nose.
But sometimes they can't help themselves. I took some vicious kicks to my legs and a couple of knees that literally took my breath away. Pretty much my fault - gotta block better. But I connected with some good stuff too and really did well against one fighter. My clinchwork is really coming along - the extra strength circuits have certainly helped there. It is just so different sparring with the fighters than my classmates - everything is amped up ten notches and the speed is so much faster.
And these guys are amateur fighters, mind you. I have had the misfortune to spar with some pro fighters and lets just say that it is something I try to avoid.
I am sore as sh1t today, but feel good at the same time. Most of the time I held my own with the fighters and they all appreciated my effort, and were complimentary of my skills.
Then I held pads for them for 9 rounds. Pretty pooped. I walked out the back door of the gym and literally wrung my shirt out.
All in a hard night's work.
By the way, I have a nickname now - Mick. From all of the yelling and encouragement I give to the fighters. Yea, that Mick. Oh well, I will take it, I guess it could be worse.
4 comments:
How do you balance training that is effective and realistic while still avoiding injuring yourself and your sparring partners?
It is funny that they have a biography for an imaginary person at wikipedia.
But good to read about your gym exploits I need to go hit the work out room too.
John - that is a good question. You can kick someone fast, but not hard. You can punch someone to score, but not to damage. You have to know how to spar, and so does your partner. It is a fine line. This is why beginners are not allowed in the fighters class - they don't know the difference.
Carl - I agree with being amused at the imaginary biography. Also you BETTER be ready for that 1/4 marathon or you will be mocked on these pages.
Nice job "Mick"! I'm sure if it was me with my luck as of late, I would've broke my nose!
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