I went to a class that I’ve been visiting for a few weeks now on Saturday. The instructor is not from MMA but has an established Taekwondo history and put this class together for beginners. Along with his son we're probably the most experienced out of the lot when it comes to fighting; not necessarily MMA.
Had one guy turn up a week ago who sat down at the back just to watch. He was over six feet tall and just as wide. I was kinda hoping that he didn't sign up cos I wouldn't really wanna fight him. But I should have known, of course he turned up this week! He had the look of a doorman and I reckon was in his late thirties.
The warm up was as ever stressful and knackering, but we soon got into the sparring. Pairing up we just roll until one of us taps or snaps. Sods law, I had two relatively easy fights and then the big guy made his way over to me. At this point I was proper whacked and concentrating on my breathing. We soon started sparring and I guessed that he was from a Muay Thai background as he constantly kicked my front calf, trying to sweep it so that I would go to the deck; and the floor is the last place that I wanted to be, especially if his weight ended up on top of me. Not sure what happened next but for some reason when he came in close for another leg sweep I just grabbed his head in a choker style grip. I then somehow managed to throw him to the floor and mounted his back, getting a good rear naked choke hold on him until he tapped. I wasn't sure where my strength came from but I was quite shocked and pleased.
I helped him up to his feet and he showed great humility by shaking my hand and saying that he had to tap cos he couldn't breathe with my lock. This bloke was a friendly, truly nice guy and the fact that he got up and shook my hand for choking him just goes to show that this sport isn't as barbaric as it's been portrayed over the years. I've seen people from all walks of life at the classes I attend; from Doctors to Teachers and Police Officers to Students, young and old alike.
This class in particular was really good, with everyone introducing themselves and some even swapping mobile numbers in case others wanted to get together and train out of class times. Plus, the good thing about these classes is that it doesn't matter how experienced you are, everyone always walks away learning new tactics or moves. And yes, my calves were killing the following morning from the big guy’s leg sweeps. A technique that I will attempt in future classes I think.
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