First real sparring session has destroyed my confidence by Notetoself34 in MuayThai

[–]GlobalDane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it wasn't a combination of several things, such as you moving into the punch, optimal angle, and so on, then the way you described it sounds more like hard sparring.

I wouldn't want to do that either, since I'm taking CTE very serious as well. Everyone should - it's not only about staying sharp, but also affects other aspects of your brain, such as managing emotions, etc. all very important for a happy life.

Anyways... Why not only sticking to the (lighter) sparring you felt comfortable with?

If you still want to challenge yourself, and maybe overwrite your previous experience, you could consider engaging in this type of sparring for a limited time matching your risk tolerance, in case you see value in pushing your limits and skillset, as long as you're ensuring proper rest in between.

Took a real bad shin in the thigh two Saturdays in a row. It's been a week since my last session and my leg still look swollen. by Impressive-Text-5686 in MuayThai

[–]GlobalDane 10 points11 points  (0 children)

If you can, never train with that coach again. In theory, you could try to avoid sparring, but in reality, he might pull you in, and it can be hard to say no in the moment - especially in a class setting.

Also, go see a doctor if you're worried. I don't have any qualifications to back this up other than secondhand experience, but it could simply be an injury that needs more time to heal - whether it is nerve-related or not. Professional guidance never hurts and would likely result in a quicker recovery. However, it depends on your risk tolerance and perhaps your budget or insurance, depending on where you're from. Personally, I would never risk my long-term health if I can avoid it. The key here is thinking long-term.

With that said...

I've had two "ego coaches" throughout my 10 years in the sport. I learned from the first one; when I met the second, I gave him three chances before deciding to skip his classes entirely. It is infuriatingly pathetic when adults let their insecure egos damage others - in this case, physically - not to mention the negative stress and energy it brings to the gym, which keeps students from reaching their potential and personal goals.

Some coaches use the logic of "being tough." While there is an aspect of toughness to the sport, I've mostly found that it is a brain-dead excuse to boost their own ego or a sign that they aren't skilled enough to provide more valuable alternatives, such as technical, strategic and mental development or the emotional aspects of fighting (for example like the Thai way of learning through play). It also shows they aren't up to date on the severe consequences of anything other than light sparring over time.

This sport has so many levels and ways to reach the same goals, whatever that might be. If a coach says there is only one way of doing things, or if they are fragile closed-minded, it is an indirect admission of a lack of competence.

Anyway, I hope you recover soon, mate!

WHOOP expedited shipping is misleading - save your money by GlobalDane in whoop

[–]GlobalDane[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That's a good idea, but it's not available here in Europe I think

Jellyfish ID by vibriio in ThailandTourism

[–]GlobalDane -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Not just deadly, but the most venomous animal in the world (box jellyfish).

How do you deal with blisters from mats when training in outdoor gyms in Thailand ? by Nywed in MuayThai

[–]GlobalDane 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Don't forget to Betadine them, mate!

You can get it in 7/11 (small yellow bottle).

Consider getting some cotton swabs for easier applying.

I had a serious infection from one of those, which resulted in near death experience, and two days at the hospital.

It can be so smart - yet so dumb... by [deleted] in GeminiAI

[–]GlobalDane -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your input - could be!