How to Reduce Fear and Increase Confidence in Sparring and Fighting
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- Опубликовано: 1 июл 2024
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Afraid to spar? Does the idea of a real fight cause you fear? I can help.
First, let's talk about real fights. For me, the secret to controlling your fear is to make sure you only fight for a cause you’re willing to die for.
If someone attacks someone I love, fear is not an issue. I'm sure you'd fight for the people you love, too, right? So, the question is- if you’re not afraid to fight for other people, why are you afraid to fight for yourself?
If you believe you’re worth fighting for, then there’s nothing to worry about. It’s only when you don’t have to fight, or you’re fighting for the wrong reasons, that fear gets in the way. So, get your priorities straight. The greater the cause, the sharper the claws.
Now let’s talk about sparring. The first tip to increase your confidence in sparring is to keep sparring. The more you spar, the less you’ll be afraid of it. But that's a long-term goal. What can you do today?
The reason we get scared in martial arts is because we're overwhelmed. We have no control over an attack. That's when we end up running and hiding, which is completely natural!
The trick to overcoming your fear is to give your brain something to think about. For example, when you spar, focus on just your breathing. Or keeping your eyes open to see what's happening. Just one thing at a time!
The fact is you can’t improve everything at the same time. Your brain is terrible at multitasking! So, focus on one skill. Approach sparring like a meditation where you stare at a candle. Here's the big idea-- the more you control something, the less you’ll fear everything.
As you progress, add whatever techniques and tactics you like... one at a time. Maybe spend a whole class just working on your jab or a specific combination. The key is to not overwhelm yourself! Build your skills one at a time. That’s how to reduce fear and increase confidence in your sparring and fighting.
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Keep fighting for a happy life! :)
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#fear #sparring
WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program. 
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"The more you control SOMETHING, the less you'll fear EVERYTHING" love this quote, gives me lots to think about.
Awesome, sir. It sure helps me!
Quote of the year
@@AndoMierzwa I love the quote "the greater the cause, the sharper the claws"
@@haidenjordan4660 Thanks, Haiden!
@Ryhan Akthar Khan I don't know what to add!
In my first sparring session I took a straight punch to the nose.
After that I realised that getting hit wasn't so bad.
Ross Mantle until mike tyson hits you
Same here bruh, I got 🥊 & a 👃bleed like five minutes into my first sparring sesh... strangely enough it was liberating & I fought less nervously (relatively speaking) for the rest of the class
Your sparring partner probably hit you lightly you get hit right I bet you won't be saying that it's not bad
I’m 13 and got whoop by 11 year old
@@jcole8766 hahahahahahaab lol
When it comes to sparring, my fear is hurting my partner too much or becoming violent. It's why I wind up going too easy on my peer and accepting defeat often if I can't avoid the request/situation in the 1st place which I usually do.
We all have an issue or two to work on... at least you know what yours is!
Ando Mierzwa Thank you
orangeowl greendragon I pretty much have the same issue , but it's more so with commiting to my attacks . It's like before I actually punch I pull back a little .
Asheru Assiene Same here, I hesitate way too much
Kill or be killed
I just wanna add a quick tip! Here it is: GET GOOD! Train more and you'll get good. But that doesn't happen overnight so if you want an automatic boost then you need to take a deep breath and be confident.. control the match. Don't let your opponent bitch you around.. something I have learned!
Absolutely. Preparation is the root of confidence! Thanks, Julian!
I have a black belt girl in my karate class,whenever I fight with her I get scared..she’s really scary to be honest.
@@mikantsumiki8946 Even if u have the skills u'd still be scared just to hit her probably do judo classes
@@reginaldshaw2287 I don’t like judo. Your right lol but I improved a lot now
"Get good"
Gee, thanks, I'm cured!
I didn't click on this video to take my fear away for fighting,but Your videos are too awesome to resist
That's awesome. Many thanks, sir!
Same here. :D
Sir the sentence "YOU ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR" had a deep impact. Thanks🙏🙏
It’s true! 👊🏼💥
off to Karate now... I'll be doing some "no flinching" practice today. one thing is a helpful idea.
AWESOME! Hope it helps!
Ando Mierzwa r/whoosh
No flinching😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒lol
I do HEMA. Having a steel sword swung at me repeatedly creates a lot of flinching. This is very helpful.
I'd flinch, too! :D Thanks for the comment. Battle on!
I needed to hear this. Thanks.
My pleasure, sir. Thanks for watching!
Same
I have to pause the video within 2 minutes to say this; Thanks. I always learnt something different when I see your video.
That means everything to me! Thank you, Jo!
All your videos are excellent! Simple, to the point, no nonsense advice. Most importantly - real and achievable! Thanks.
That is exactly what I try to do! Thank you for the feedback, Victor!
Brother, you truly have a gift of teaching. I have studied & sparred from a young age, yet I still find wisdom in this vid. Thank you.
That means a lot to me, sir. I practice teaching as much as I practice martial arts, so glad to know it's working! Keep fighting, my friend!
Thanks for the video, the "focus on one thing at a time" tip was really helpful. There are so many techniques in martial arts and trying to learn everything at once can be overwhelming. You helped put things back into perspective for me.
Awesome! Be patient with yourself. Small investments now will pay off big time later!
Great tip sensei, i'm currently working on controlling my flinch response, a flurry of punches flying at you can be overwhelming.
That is a great goal, sir. Once you can see, you can think!
You are doing people a really good service. Thank you - please keep them coming.
Thank you for your support, sir!
Thank you for this lesson sensei. Your videos pop up at random once in awhile and there has been times when I feel its very helpful. This lesson I wrote down on index cards and plan to spend time going over it and strengthening myself in these areas. I will definitely bring my cards to class for a quick review the next few weeks to try and build up that state of mind. Thank you again. Keep up the good work!
That means a lot to me, Frankie. Thank you for the comment and happy training!👍🏼
ty sir i am doing my kickboxing practice your video helped me a lot tysm
Great to hear that! Keep going!
yes sir you are good master
Working on it! Thanks! :)
This is great. You sound like a good man and a great teacher, thanks!
Thank you, thank you, and thank you! :)
I get the sense that everyone can be a little afraid in spars. Could be because of the sheer anticipation. I clicked on this video because it’s meant to teach you how to reduce fear. Reducing fear will obviously give me better focus and control.
Great bit of advice Ando. I always went in terrified and with a defeatist mindset. Focusing on that 'one' thing really helps with not focusing on the negative. I recommend this tip to anyone.
Glad it helped! Happy training!👍🏼
"2 dudes jump on my mother" 😂
Thank you . This video help me sooooo much .
That means a lot to me. Thanks for the comment!
Advices on this channel are truly precious.
I appreciate that, sir!
Thank you sensei, I needed this. I am a chicken when it comes to sparring but I need to pull myself together. I always learn something! You are great :)
Ha! But who doesn't love chicken? :) Yes, just get into sparring one step at a time. You can do it, Zsófia!
Zsófia Dóka nem tudtam hogy magyarok is nezik 😂
nazim nangyalai ó dehogynem :D Zseni a fickó, imádom!
I just tell my mind that the guy I'm sparring harmed my mother. It's a really wierd tip but helps you reduce your fear.
Obviously I'm not gonna hate the opponent
Psychology is everything! Keep it up!
Ur the best teacher I have ever seen in my life... Ur a good explainer and ur understanding of martial art is very deep.
Thank you for the kind words, Parthiv! 🙏🏻
This was some real powerful words and advice. Thank you man. Subscribed
So happy to hear that. Welcome!
I’m super shy and nervous all the time for some reason. Hopefully this helps! :>
You're great! Keep making content, u'll grow fast soon
Love, Senpai
I appreciate your confidence, Senpai! Love to you, too!
You gotta love Ando!
Much appreciated!
THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR!!
I have a fight this weekend so I really needed to hear this!
+Argon Kirizaku I hope your cause is a worthy one! Be safe!
one step at a time one punch at a time one round at a time one step at a time one punch at a time one round at a time one step at a time one punch at a time one round at a time one step at a time one punch at a time one round at a time
Yyyeeessssss! :)
Hello again, Ando! Well, I'd click on a video of yours regardless of reason, as you never know what you might learn.
I love how adaptable Martial Arts teachings are, the fact that I more often use what I learn from it on my daily life instead of fights per say is a wonderful thing.
In any case: Thank you for another great video, so how have you been doing, my friend?
Truth is truth no matter where you find it. Apply what you know to everything! Nice to hear from you, sir!
Thanks Sensei. You know, that´s why I follow the ways of the martial arts, to face the fear calmly. When you are weak, you get afraid, when you get afraid, that´s when you become cruel and unfair to others. Well, I think so at least. Thanks for this video, Sensei Ando, you are getting better and better¡¡
I always appreciate your feedback! Thanks!
you are really a true sensei. Wise and to the point. I always enjoy your videos. Thank you. keep up coming with these nice videos.
Thank you for the kind words, Moussa. Keep fighting!
The connection you made between meditation and practicing one skill at a Time was really helpful for my students to understand. I have a great amount of respect for you and love all your videos.
Thank you for letting me know, sir! And thank you for sharing the arts with your students. Keep up the good work!
I want to know something, what's more important in a fight?
Your balance,
your strength,
your movement,
or your mental stability?
Also is a T position with your feet okay?
I see it as my less dominate foot behind me sideway-ish and dominate foot straight forward; then I usually straight punch with the hand that's aligned with my dominate foot. But what I want to know is, is it okay to step forward with the dominate foot while punching?
Wolfhaven Master you have the answer.
Wolfhaven Master I would say mental stability is top priority, followed by balance + movement, then strength. There are times when I spar that I'm not focused or am having a rough day and don't do so well. I've been training for 13 years so I feel pretty confident with sparring, and even I have my off days. Balance and movement are super important for obvious reasons. You can't apply power without good balance and you can't evade or find openings if you don't move. Strength is last because you don't need to be super strong to cause damage to someone, but it definitely helps.
As for your fighting position, when it comes to positioning yourself in a fight, you want to be in a stance that's natural and comfortable to you.
I usually spar sideways with my feet parallel to eachother because I throw lots of kicks. But if I'm planning to throw lots of hands at my opponent, I'll square up more by turning my lead foot forward and bring my back foot out to the side more to turn my hips and chest forward.
Moral of the story: your stance should adapt to your fighting style. If you don't have a fighting style developed yet, find somewhere to receive some training and after a while you'll figure out what types of techniques you're better at.
That's like asking what the most important part of you car is... the wheels, the engine, or the brakes! You need all of them.
As for your stance, sure, you can lead with your dominant foot. Bruce Lee preferred that method, I believe. If it works, don't doubt it!
Love all that. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Wolfhaven Master always try sparring but don’t just do the same stuff all the time
Switch it up and find what works and if you find your T stance best then keep it
The only wrong way to fight is the way that kills you
Good information and a new perspective. I personally haven't thought of training sparring in this specific way. Of course, we try to keep hands up and so on, but to train yourself to focus on one thing to keep fear from setting in is a fantastic skill to know.
I hope it helps! It sure helps me. :-)
Keep em coming. Great stuff, sir
Thank you kindly, Sifu! Hope we can battle soon! :)
I fear the prospect of fighting. That's because fighting is dangerous. I fear the prospect of fighting for myself, or in defence of somebody I love dearly. That's not to say I wouldn't fight if it was the only option, but I think fear is both natural and essential. Fear keeps you sharp. Fear is good. Panic on the other hand...
All that said, another excellent video. I love the idea about focusing on one thing at a time during training. I'll definitely be taking that one on board.
Thanks for the comment! For sure, I don't want to fight, either! :)
2:03 I was dying of laughter😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks for letting me know! :)
This is a great video. A big journey starts one step at a time. Sure, you can be thrown into sparring and could probably figure things out eventually, but it's a lot easier if the mind is focused. A focused mind leads to a calm mind. A calm mind leads to a relaxed body. A relaxed body can move more easily.
You are wise, sir!
Beautifully said Sensei. Every word was powerful!!! Love your vids man. Respect from UK LONDON
Thank you! Love and respect back to you! 🙏🏻
"I would fight anybody to the death, preferably theirs" XD
Right? ;)
Ando - do you have recommendations for improving front foot hook kicks? I love throwing hook kicks against a bag or while shadowboxing and I'm trying to improve my accuracy and power without sacrificing my balance or positioning
Hard to say without seeing you in action... but it's all about the set up. Nothing works if they see it coming. Figure out how to hide it!
Ando Mierzwa thank you sir! I've been using it as part of a combination by following a jab --> cross --> then using my jab hand as an open palm to "blind" the target, and after the hook with my front (left) leg I finish with a rear (right hand) spinning hammer fist. Bit over detailed but that's the plan!
Great plan! It's all in the details! :)
I'm curious. How does a front foot hook kick work? We sometimes practice them, but more for conditioning the muscles and balance than for actual use. I can understand how you could achieve either speed or power with a front leg hook kick because I can't see an opportunity to generate significant momentum with it. This is not meant as negative by the way. I'm genuinely intrigued. If you can effectively pull it off, I can see it being really useful because nobody would be expecting it. I'd love to see how it could be done without compromising speed, power and balance.
I don't know how to answer that! A technique only works if you do the work to make it work. If you don't like the front hook kick, then focus on what you do like. Simple as that!
Great tips! Thank you Coach!
I appreciate the comment, Ryan! Thank you!
Is good to hear the reasons why everyone should think to be great
Time for humor/martial arts.
They go together like coffee and pie! :)
fifth and great video👍
I appreciate the thumbs up! Thank you, Lamarcus!
This is the best explanation I have ever heard from anyone on RUclips!! I was get other people saying start breeding think about this or that!! Thank you for your tips
Glad it made sense. Keep fighting! 👊🏼
I needed this video. I practice MMA but the idea of getting in a real fight always makes me feel nervous.... until now. I'll make sure the cause is worth. Thanks.
Glad you found it useful, Enrique! Stay safe out there!
2:02😂😂😂😂😂😂
klicked for the humor
Glad you did, sir!
Thanks man. I recognize everything you just said.
Thank you for the comment!
Powerful message in there.
Thank you for watching!
0:59 can I still take you up on that offer for coffee and pie?
jk
Anytime, anywhere! :)
👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽it was just what I needed. Thank you Ando.
My absolute pleasure! :)
This really helped me gain a lot of confidence thanks a lot! It’s weird because I got nervous before I spar but as soon as I touched gloves I stopped being nervous.
Awesome! Keep it up! 👍🏼
This guy deserves my sub like no one ever has b4
I am honored. Welcome, Timothy! 🙏🏻
The greater the cause, the sharper the claws.... I LOVE THAT! If you don't mind sir, I would like to use that! And thank you for your tips, they really help.
Say it all you like! Thank you for the comment! 😁🙏🏻
so right, thanks Ando!
My pleasure, sir!
Thank you so much for this vid dude, it really helped!!
+mostly martin That is awesome! Thanks for letting me know!
this really helped, thanks! lost my confidence when I broke my wrist sparring couple months ago and now I’ve moved up a category😭
Ouch! Sorry for your pain, Jenny, but it sounds like you’re pretty tough! Keep fighting! 👊🏼🙏🏻
Thanks alot, you help me so much! Keep up the good work master! Much love
Love to you, too!
Ando Mierzwa ❤️😄😙
This is really helpful! Thanks Sensei Ando!!
My pleasure! Thanks for saying hello!
Thanks for the tips. 🤙
your videos are wealth of knowledge and they are lots of fun too 👏
I appreciate that, sir! Thank you!
Damn, Sensei Ando thank you!
Beign into Kali/Silat i never do sparring but now i think i'll give it a shot!!
Confidence boost right here! :)
Sparring with foam sticks, then empty hands is a great day! Thanks for the comment, sir!
This is so accurate this is so underrated
Thank you for the comment!
I genuinely could watch days of your videos.
Ha! Then I better make some more! Thank you! :)
That is actually a realistic and pragmatic instruction on how to manage fear. I'd even go ahead and say that this is applicable to many situations in life.
I also like the "snarky" vibe of the channel.
Good work.
+Cybernetic Synthesis Thanks for the kind words. I was trying to hide the snark though! :-)
great video...thanks!!
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!
Helpful! Thanks.
This is real deal coach..your examples are one of the best✌️
Thank you very much, sir!
"The more you control SOMETHING, the less you'll fear EVERYTHING".
Excellent quote!
It reminds me of this one: "there is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time."
The principle stays the same: reduce all of your fears, by reducing one fear at a time.
Excellent! Thanks for contributing! Now, back to that elephant...
This does work, a couple weeks ago our instructor told us to only attack when we could see an opening, I was so focused I didn't have time to worry about being hit, I was also calm and didn't get worn out like normal during sparring. Good advice, thanks
Great advice. Give your mind something to focus on and life gets a lot easier! Keep fighting!
Sensei Ando you are a legend sir!
Ha! Thank you , Sam!
Thank you for another great video!
Thank you for another great comment!
Man you have some great videos, your students are very fortunate.👍
Thank you very much, Reg! 🙏🏻
Thank you for posting the video. I think it'll help me out when I'm sparring against my Tang Soo Do classmates.
I hope so!
I'm from Portugal and I love your videos! I practice krav maga, and, to me, your vídeos are real usefull. Sorry for my english. Continua! = Keep going!
Your English is way better than my Portuguese! Thank you!
You're the man, Ando.
I appreciate that sir! Happy training!
Thanks for the great vid👊it helped a lot
My pleasure, Miki! Thanks for the comment! :-)
Thank you Ando for this video. It is very very interresting and it was pretty usefull for me, all your tips and the way you bring it to us.
You are a real sensei of martial arts, physical tech' & spiritual tech' also. Thank you very much and keep going on your amazing vids'.
Thank you very much for the kind words, Phoelipe! Keep fighting!
Excellent video Ando! Those are some great quotes to remember! - Daniel
It's always an honor to hear from you, sir! I hope all is well with the FTF. Keep kicking!
Helpful as always
Thank you very much!
thanks for giving confidence,sir
+taruna arya And thank you for the kind comment!
Sensie Ando thank you so very much for your advice it's very helpful thank 😊 you
You're very welcome, Kimmy!
Hoy aprendí algo más con este video, thanks for this material
Thank you for watching!
Great vid, no bullshit and came straight to the point. You sound very sharp and professional in what you do and I'm sure you're amazing trainer, I subscribed to your channel and I'd love to hear more from you :)
Very kind words… thank you! More videos on the way...
100% legit concept. Works with everything by the way,i personally was using it even to get rid of the fear of height by snapling. Thanks,sensei!
Yes, a focused brain works with everything. I'll have to try fear of heights!
Ive heard rumors that skilled adept can even try to battle one's fear of women!
No comment. :)
Sounds useful. Will try it!
Hope it helps, Philip! Happy training!
I'm afraid of fighting for myself but I'm not afraid of fighting for others... wow that really hit me hard. i needed this a lot
:) thanks sensei (no pun intended)
Thank you for the comment! Keep fighting! :)
You are worth fighting for... damn I needed to hear that
We all do! Keep fighting! 👊🏼
Good tips, Ando.
Thank you, sir!
Awesome as always sensei..very very helpful video :) ...and yep i am worth fighting for myself
Glad we agree on that! :)
Yup sensei! :D
Very good points
Thank you very much!
Excellent as always Sir.
Always appreciate your comments, sir! Thank you!
You are welcome sir. I wanted to comment further but there was simply nothing of value I could add. Everything was there. Keep it up.
High praise, indeed! Thank you!
Sound advice good sir. Thank you
You're very welcome! Thanks for the comment!
That is true I used to be terrified this far. Now that I've started sparring in class I'm not scared at all anymore I don't know why I was ever scared of course I haven't been hitting that hard or hit hard yet. When I was a kid I was picked on all the time I have no idea what I was scared of. I wish my parents had given me martial arts when I was a kid my life would have been much better. Martial arts is saving my life
I totally get that. I wish I had started younger, too! Everybody should! 😁