wow that makes 22.5 stones, sounds nicer then the acutal pounds

Thanx Baby_Huey. It's such a weird situation - I completely trust my instructor and I knew that he could and would (and did!) stop things getting out of hand. But I found it so hard watching one person play by the rules and the other not that I think my fear took over - didn't help that I'd been riled a bit too so my heart was already racing, unfortunately my mind went with it!

It's ok now though. I've had a chat with my master and I think we both took something from it.

Oh and for the record, one stone is 14 pounds so that makes me about 115 pounds, they prob had 378 between them!

Jx

Jinxi, being scared is a natural response and something you should be afraid of.  I don't know what a stone is so I could tell you how much you were out match but like sarge said it's not your responsiblity. I've ran into a propblem with lower ranks taking some cheap shots (kidney punches are always fun...not) or hitting to hard, I've been told that if keeps up is to make solid contact with them by the asst. instrutor.  I don't do that because I don't feel comfortable doing that since I don't know how their bodies would handle a stiff punch from me.  I generally get into my intimdation mode (Rolling sholders back, puffing up the chest and angery face) and tell them to knock it off, it generally works.   

But even with not knowing what to do, it's your instructor's responisblity to know what to do and even part of that is calling it quits. 

Thanks narcsarge - I really appreciate your thoughts! I spoke to my master earlier so I've got a better perspective on things and knowing that he was in control (I didn't get a chance to speak to him at the time) makes a big difference.

Scary moments aside, I did learn a lot from the experience - like I have a foot 'tell' before throwing kicks and my face gives a lot away. Plus I've learnt that my hook kick is a pretty good weapon :)

Thanks again - I do appreciate it Jx

Well Jinxi it is not your place to worry about upper belts who should know what they are doing and should know how to react when lower belts are present.  Should you have stepped in if it got too heated?  That is a personal call and each of us would react differently.  Speak to your Master about the situation and ask him the same questions.  Find out what he would want you to do. 

I absolutely love the fact that you spar w/ upper belts and your mindset "it's where I learn..." is dead on.  Sparring w/ the best, if they are willing to share some of their secrets, lets you pick up on your weaknesses and strengths. 

Thanks Maddog - I'll definitely have a word with the instructor about it at some point, if only to apologise for being a coward. I don't mind taking hits (as long as not to thighs or ribs or something- ouch!) - I'll keep on getting up and doing my best. But I felt out of my depth when the others were 'sparring'.

I feel a bit better since seeing the other half (thankfully he was at home later on last night) so I'm out of the initial shock I was feeling when I wrote the above and thinking a bit more rationally - but I'm still bothered by it.

Things like, how do you get to 5th dan without self-control? And where was the respect to the instructor? Yes, he's a lower dan grade, but surely you should still show respect to the instructor no matter what your/his grade. And is using illegal techniques acting with integrity?

Thanks again Maddog - and you should totally enter comps... I'll come and cheer you on! Jx

Wow, that is harsh- that 5th Dan sounds out of order. What happened to 'self control'? And what was he playing at, doing grabs and sweeps? That's not part of tkd sparring.

I would have a quite word after class with your instructor and see what his feelings are about it all.......

The last extra sparring session I went to was with my old club and it was awful- I took a side kick to the chest and got a cracked rib for my troubles! I collapsed on the floor, gasping....it was so embarrassing. Particularly as I was being beaten up by a kid who was no more than about 18. He is the chief instructor's son, though and a 1st Dan. I ended up just walking out, totally ashamed, embarrassed and upset. Stuff like that totally ruins your confidence.

Luckily in my new club, they are a lot more relaxed and (not being nasty) there aren't any really good sparrers and contact is really minimal, so my confidence is much better.

They even say that I'm really good and should enter some competitions (I haven't done one since 2001)!!!