San Shou Prep Fight

A recent sparring clip of myself and my sparring partner. Everything I am doing is getting crisper, and my kicks have become strong and accurate. My fight is a little over two weeks away, and for the next two weeks it is boxing work, and wind sprints for cardio. My cardio is the best it has ever been, and I hope to be able to set the pace for the fight by pushing hard.

I have been working hard on being very technical, and not throwing too much, but making sure what I do throw lands and counts. I think this is particularly evident with my kicks. Hopefully with a longer range I will be able to discourage my opponent from coming in too close, and feeling comfortable in the pocket.

My diet has been clean, but having some trouble getting to the maximum weight in my weight class (welterweight). Guess some more calorie intake to offset the harder training is what's needed.

San Shou Preparation

As it usually goes, the fight game is utterly unpredictable. While my San Shou fight was to be in October, I have found myself suddenly pushed into fighting in July, at the San Shou National Qualifiers. Everyone asks if I am nervous. To be honest, some days I'm utterly psyched to be fighting and wish it was on that very day...at other times I feel a great deal of frustration and worry. This, however, is completely normal and one of the reasons why fighting remains one of the most emotionally stressing, emotionally up and down events. It is another reason why Traditional Martial Artists focus so much on clarity of mind, breathing, and focus under duress.

The training is going well, I have free reign of the club, and am getting offers from various schools for sparring partners. We are not a San Shou club (though I plan on making it one once I get more experience and get good). We are definately facing an upward battle in July, as we lack the experience, and are going against experience fighters in this style. I still feel, however, that I have a good chance. I know at the very least, my opponent will have a tough time. Remember, this isn't fighting some bum criminal or thug in the street, these people are professional fighters and train for these moments. Nonetheless, my cardio is up to snuff, as long as my nerves don't burn me out, and as far as technical ability goes, I feel as though I am above many of the fighters. The question is experience, and lack of experience with their style. We are focusing on a strong striking game, with good take down defense. I am teaching a lot of it, as I have experience, but we are still making our fight style along the lines of classic Choy Lay Fut Buk Sing.

I have my fight plan completely written out, and hanging in my room. Every morning I wake up I remind myself of the plan. Fights are unpredictable, but it is still good to have a game plan. My prediction? I won't be knocked out, or taken out. I will either win or lose in the second round.

Sticking With What You Know

Every Martial Artist should have a core set of techniques that work well for him/her. While experimenting, and having the courage to experiment, is of great importance, it should never exceed the core set of skills one has that are reliable, and that can be executed quickly.

Over time my spinning back kick has become a staple move in my fighting repertoire. It does not mean that I will always throw it, it simply means that it is a kick I can throw with reasonable reliability that it will hit its mark.

Below are two recent examples of such: