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Giants Have Taken Over the Dojang!
Posted On: 06/03/2008 04:51:25

Over the last year it seems that our adult class has grown to include a good many tall people, those over 6'.  Well, I'm 5'2.  I am the second shortest person in all of the adult class.  The shortest person is actually a kid who just moved up from the juniors class and is probably one protein shake away from a growth spurt that will surely have him towering over me anyway.  :)  So, we've got at least four men who are 6'5+!  And we've got probably three or four women who are 6'+.  Genetics...arrrghhhh!

Anyway, I find myself sometimes struggling to find new ways of wading through the sea of long legs to actually land some surprise techniques on some of my tall classmates.  Our instructor gives us really good sparring combinations that we drill on, but I find that much of the time that I couldn't actually use those on, say, a 6'5 man without hitting illegal target areas.  I can kick at MY head level, but I'd need some sort of bionic limb enhancements to use those techniques on a partner that much taller, without hitting them illegally.  I like to be a clean sparrer and a good partner to all, but lately I find myself really frustrated when sparring the men and women who tower over me.  Grrrrrr.  I'm getting tired of simply waiting for them to drop their leg or get positioned in a really bad stance so I can slide in and light 'em up. I'm also getting tired of staying in so close that they can't pick up their legs to kick, because my head is getting slammed with their punches.  Plus, they're catching on to all of it!   

I need something more...something new!  I would say that I'm pretty fast but not exactly light on my feet all the time.  I like to dance when I spar, meaning that I change up my stance and shuffle and move and switch lead legs and such, which sometimes confuses people...sometimes.  I'm strong, so I can tag someone and they'll know I was there.  I'm good with my hand techniques--quick and precise.  I do okay with kicks (front leg, back leg, and spins), but I'm not so much a jumper as I am a land-based creature.   I'm not sure what recipe of devastation can be cooked up from that...

I mean, I keep hoping I'll one day grow to be at least 5'7, but I'm starting to doubt that it's going to happen despite the fact that I take my Flintstone's Gummy Vitamins daily.  :)



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Viewing 1 - 4 out of 4 Comments

From: narcsarge
06/30/2008 12:48:49
I just now found this blog...

You have your genetics and you are as tall as you are.  Can't change that.  I will tell you that I always hate sparring smaller people,  You are a sneaky lot!  The trick is to get into your range where your kicks and strikes are effective and you negate your opponent's height and reach.  You have to have a better then average defense to get inside though.  Throwing combinations of kicks and strikes while closing will usually get the job done.  Once in range-  STAY IN RANGE!  I have found that getting past long legged kickers is rather simple.  Getting passed long legged STRICKERS is a whole other problem.  You have to watch out for uppercuts, short jabs, and hooks.  All of which your opponent can rain down on your wittle head.  If your opponent's head is just not a target (person is way to tall for head shots of any type), keep your head down, hands up, and go for the body!  Bury your head in your hands and arms once inside and do your best to land body shots.  Front kicks and axe kicks will score but make sure you moving right in behind them if you throw them.  You don't want to knock your opponent back out to where they are able to use their legs effectively.  Hope this helps


From: taekwondojunkie
06/21/2008 18:41:02
im sure you have already done these things considering you are a higher belt level than I!!!


From: taekwondojunkie
06/21/2008 18:39:53
or also try clutching up on opponent (nothing wrong w/this move) and when they move back to get a shot you will already be in "the zone" blast away.


From: taekwondojunkie
06/21/2008 18:38:22
remember this, when it's a life or death situation, the knee only bends one way!!! hehe no matter how tall they are!!!!!! in class do you step side?? not many dojangs teach that tech. it's usually front and back!!!! atleast that is what always seems to score our dojang points at tournaments. step side and bam w/roundhouse!!! works for me on a bigger opponent!!!! good luck!!


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