Tuesday Night Sparring

     This past Tuesday was the first night of having a sparring group since the Sanshou class was put on hold. Mr Dyble and I had discussed trying to get some people to meet outside of regular classes, and I had sent a few people a Google+ message about us being able to meet at the Kwoon for sparring. Even though lots of people displayed interest, I had this sinking feeling that there would end up being two or three of us standing there, no black-belts and no one with keys, looking foolish. Thankfully that was not the case.

     There ended up being eleven of us there for sparring. Having an odd number worked out very well as someone was able to rest during the rounds. We made two lines of five people and squared off for two and a half minute rounds with a one minute rest period between rounds. During the rest period everyone rotated clockwise giving everyone the opportunity to face ten different opponents. This was an awesome learning experience. Ten different styles of fighting to read and adapt to. Pure awesome. Some opponents slower and methodically striking with precision. Others slightly more aggressive and somewhat relentless in their attacks. One thing that all of the opponents had in common was the ability to judge where you were at with sparring and adjusting how they sparred accordingly. 

    Most of us got in thirteen two and a half minute rounds, with a couple of people choosing to grapple for the last few rounds. This was not just a night of logging some sparring rounds, there was a lot of education and fun to be had, as well as some extreme cardio. At the end of the night getting undressed I am sure that my jacket was about five pounds heavier than it was at the start of the night. the statement "even my belt is wet" came out in the change room as well. 

     All in all it was a very good night. A night that would not have been possible without the black-belts agreeing to come and of course Sifu Brinker allowing us to meet at the Kwoon. As we currently are only scheduled to be meeting at the Kwoon on Tuesdays until the end of March, I would encourage all IHC members to come out if you are able. 

    Thank you to everyone that came out, and thanks again to Sifu Brinker. Without you none of this would be possible.