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Sparring with Newbies
Tell the newbie exactly what you are doing at all times.

 More of this Feature

• Part 1: Introduction
• Part 2: Eyes Wide Shut
• Part 3: Play-by-Play
• Part 4: Go Topless
• Part 5: One Dimension
• Part 6: One Attack
• Part 7: Learn by Teaching

Play-by-play

In this method you keep your eyes open--because you'll need to see what's going on at all times. Why? Because you'll give your opponent a running commentary of exactly what you're doing and what he/she is doing during the set.

Just as with a sports announcer giving the play-by-play for a football game, you'll vocalize each move and technique. No sneaking anything in without telling 'em!

For example, you'll say, "Ok, I'm trying to unbalance you by pulling. When you try to fend me off with your arm, that's giving me the arm to work on. I'm positioning my feet for a throw. OK, now that I've thrown you I'm going to get into the north-south position." And so on.

Because you're telling your partner what you're doing (and going to do), it reduces your advantage over him or her and thus makes the set more challenging for you.

Basic

  • Give a play-by-play of what's going on as it happens

Advanced

  • Explain what's going on as it happens and what your next move(s) are going to be

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