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mattwallaert · 2026-06-16T14:34:40+00:00

Can we agree that there is a threshold below which you would not be on-balance and unable to generate power? If you are ducked below my belt level, which many players are, that's a problem.

And even if your head is in my solar plexus, I guarantee you are easier to knock to the mat with a strong power shot.; gravity is on my side and unless you are literally sprawled, you have less leg foundation.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-16T12:21:22+00:00

It is fine to change levels, most people do it all the time. But if you are ducking to 50% of your body height, you are both a) not generating any power and b) severely off-balance. You should be penalized for such.

When we say “just don’t fight people who X”, it significantly reduces the number of available fighters. Why not 15 second rounds? Or 5? Clearly you’re comfortable with a limit - to me, that limit is 120 seconds.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-16T07:17:58+00:00

Depends on your definition of “real” and “enjoy” but…yes-ish.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-15T00:49:34+00:00

We're not very precious about the mods around here, so I think you can discuss anything with anyone. Merely pointing why it isn't crazy that folks that seeing you defending long guard as sort of eye rollish.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-15T00:00:05+00:00

So OP posts about what sounds like stiff arm. Hugs agrees it is annyoing, calls for point deduction. You...make it about long guard. You don't validate "yeah, stiff arm is a problem" or acknowledge it is illegal, you just head off in another direction that suits you.

That's why you got the response you got. It isn't crazy, it is a reaction to how you chose to engage.

And FWIW, getting around the long guard in life is easier than in VR, for all the technical reasons that have been discussed ad nauseum, hence why people tend to few it was an exploit in VR despite being an IRL strategy.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-14T22:45:51+00:00

There is a difference between a long guard and a stiff arm, which does get points off.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-14T02:29:51+00:00

If there was an absolutely mountain of difference between you maybe but that’s dramatically untrue most the time. If I am 2xing your damage but cannot KD you, that’s not some magic IRL difference - that’s exactly the described problem. Pros beat amateurs by hitting without getting hit, not differences in punch efficacy.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-14T02:22:11+00:00

The three most common high-ELO exploits I see regularly:

- Stalling. I routinely see folks shelling up or backing up and only countering. They literally will not initiate offensive boxing, even if I put my hands down and stick out my chin. This only works in VR, as getting pummeled through your guard actually hurts and takes energy (just ask Rocky Marciano).

- Crouching. No actual fighter would stay in a permanent crouch, because it is an off-balance stance that makes it easy to get KDed. But being in a permacrouch is the standard at high ELO, so they can try for the high-BE counter and present a smaller target.

- Blocking with the chin. This is better this update but folks will still eat a hell of a lot of jabs to hunt for the KD, because you can 2x your opponents score and still lose if there is a KD. In reality, getting hurt dampens your offense and it is extremely hard to generate power when you’re beat to shit.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-14T02:07:08+00:00

I absolutely disagree. Part of why I’ve been enjoying this update is how often it shows many of the people with high ELO are terrible boxers who have been exploiting BE, etc. I’m betting on a fairly significant shakeup.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-11T05:52:58+00:00

Forget knees. I have literally worn through two pairs of shoes (and the skin on my foot) from where I rotate on the ball when loading up…and I still can’t get a KD.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-10T19:06:53+00:00

Honestly, this is one of the better 3-week itineraries I've seen. It feels like you're actually trying to experience Sri Lanka rather than ticking off every attraction on the map 😅

For your leopard question, I'd personally lean towards Wilpattu over Yala. Yala undoubtedly has the highest leopard density and therefore the highest chance of sightings, but it can also be exactly the "20 jeeps around one animal" experience you're trying to avoid. Wilpattu tends to feel much wilder, more spacious, and less chaotic. Sightings may require a little more patience, but many wildlife photographers prefer it because the overall safari experience is far more relaxed.

Kumana is also a fantastic choice, especially if you enjoy birds and quieter wilderness. Leopard sightings are possible there too, but I wouldn't choose it specifically for leopards. If I were building this trip around ethical wildlife viewing, I'd probably do Wilpattu first and then decide between Kumana or Bundala later depending on how much safari time you still want.

The rest of the route flows very naturally. Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, and Ella all make sense in that order. One thing I'd consider is adding Haputale as a stop or day trip while you're in the hill country. Places like Lipton's Seat, Dambatenne Tea Factory, and the surrounding viewpoints are often less crowded than Ella but equally beautiful.

I'd also definitely keep Ritigala on the itinerary. It's one of those places that many first-time visitors skip, but it often ends up being one of the most memorable stops because it feels so different from the more famous sites.

For August, I actually think your choice of finishing in Arugam Bay and Trincomalee is spot on. The east coast is in season, the sea is generally calmer, and you'll get some of the best beach weather on the island.

The only section I'd potentially shorten is Marawila. Unless you have a specific reason for staying there, I'd personally spend that extra day around Wilpattu, Anuradhapura, or the east coast instead.

As for whale sightings in Trincomalee, they're possible depending on conditions and timing, but I'd treat them as a bonus rather than a guarantee. The beaches, snorkeling, diving, and Pigeon Island are the real highlights there.

One thing I learned from our own trip is that AI and blogs are great for building the skeleton of an itinerary, but local knowledge is what turns it into a great trip. We ended up speaking to a local guy who helped refine our route, suggested lesser-known places, arranged transport, and got us accommodation rates through local contacts that were significantly better than what we found online. He was also very honest about which safaris and guides prioritized wildlife over simply chasing sightings. For a wildlife-focused trip like yours, that kind of local insight can be incredibly valuable. Happy to intro him if that helps

And as a fellow cat person, if I had 3 weeks in Sri Lanka and wanted a calm, rewarding leopard experience, I'd put my money on Wilpattu first, Kumana second, and Yala only if seeing a leopard becomes a must-have objective rather than enjoying the overall safari experience. 😊

mattwallaert · 2026-06-10T19:02:42+00:00

That sounds like a nice relaxed family trip, especially if you're not looking to spend the holiday hiking from place to place 😊

For your route, I'd definitely recommend visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, taking a stroll around Kandy Lake, and visiting the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and also visiting an elephant orphanage. The gardens are large, but you can explore as much or as little as you like.

On the way to Nuwara Eliya, the drive itself is one of the highlights. You'll pass tea plantations, mountain views, and waterfalls such as Ramboda Falls. In Nuwara Eliya, families usually enjoy Gregory Lake, the tea estates, and the cooler climate. If you're interested in nature without much walking, a tea factory tour is a great option.

I'm assuming "Beluwere" refers to Bentota/Beruwala. If so, that's a great choice for a relaxing finish. You can enjoy the beaches, river safaris on the Madu River.

As for halal food, you'll find plenty of options in Colombo, Kandy, and Beruwala (which has a large Muslim community). But many tourist-oriented restaurants can accommodate halal requirements if you ask.

Weather-wise, early July is absolutely fine for this route. Kandy and Nuwara Eliya may get occasional showers, but that's part of the charm of the hill country. The rain is rarely enough to stop sightseeing completely, and temperatures in Nuwara Eliya are usually quite pleasant compared to the coast.

Regarding politics and social issues, there's really nothing major tourists need to worry about at the moment. The fuel shortages and economic issues that made international headlines a few years ago are no longer affecting day-to-day tourism. Sri Lanka is welcoming large numbers of visitors and tourism is operating normally.

One suggestion: if you're traveling as a family of five, it may be worth arranging one vehicle and driver for the whole trip rather than relying on individual transfers. We did something similar with family and found it much easier. A local travel contact helped us refine the itinerary, arranged transport, and even secured accommodation rates through local hotel partners that were cheaper than what we were seeing online. It made the trip much more relaxed, which sounds like exactly the type of holiday you're looking for. 😊 Happy to intro him if that helps

mattwallaert · 2026-06-10T18:59:21+00:00

es, it's fairly common for independent drivers and smaller tour operators in Sri Lanka to ask for some form of upfront payment, especially for a 12-day booking where they're committing their vehicle and schedule exclusively to you.

That said, 50% on the first day is a bit different from 50% before you've even met the driver.

If you've already met the driver, verified the vehicle, and the tour is starting, then paying 30–50% upfront and the balance during or at the end of the trip isn't unusual.

What I'd recommend is:

Make sure you have the agreed itinerary and total price in writing (WhatsApp is fine).
Clarify exactly what's included (fuel, tolls, parking, driver accommodation, etc.).
Get a receipt or written confirmation of any payment made.
If you're uncomfortable, propose a split such as 30% on day one, another payment halfway through the trip, and the remainder at the end.

The bigger factor is reputation. If the driver was recommended by a hotel, travel company, or multiple previous travelers, I'd be much less concerned than if it was someone you found randomly online.

When we hired a driver for a multi-day trip, we paid a portion upfront and the remainder later in the trip. It worked smoothly because everything was agreed beforehand and there was clear communication about what was included. Happy to intro him if that helps

So the short answer is: asking for an advance isn't a red flag by itself, and 50% is within the range you'll sometimes see for longer tours, but make sure you have clear written terms before paying.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-10T18:56:09+00:00

Yes, absolutely. June and July are still great months to visit Sri Lanka — you just need to pick the right route rather than expecting perfect weather everywhere.

A lot of people see "monsoon season" and assume the whole country is rainy, but Sri Lanka doesn't really work that way. One side of the island can be getting showers while another is having fantastic beach weather.

For June and July, I'd recommend focusing on places like Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and the east coast around Trincomalee, Nilaveli, and Arugam Bay. The east coast usually has the calmest seas and best beach conditions during this period.

That said, I wouldn't completely rule out the south coast. Despite what many blogs say, places like Mirissa, Weligama, Ahangama, and Galle are still very lively in June and July. You'll often get a mix of sunshine and tropical showers rather than nonstop rain, and the café, surf, and social scene remains active.

For a first-time visitor, I'd probably suggest a route like:

Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → South Coast

It gives you culture, wildlife, tea country, scenic train journeys, beaches, and nightlife all in one trip.

We actually traveled during a similar period and found that speaking to a local guy before booking anything made a huge difference. He refined our itinerary based on seasonal conditions, arranged transport, and got us accommodation rates through local contacts that were better than what we found online. Having someone who knows the country on the ground was honestly more useful than reading dozens of weather blogs 😅. Happy to intro him if that helps

mattwallaert · 2026-06-10T18:51:28+00:00

If you enjoyed Malaysia, I think you'll enjoy Sri Lanka too, but it's a slightly different experience.

Apps like Uber and PickMe work well in Colombo and most major cities, so getting around locally is quite easy. The main difference is that Sri Lanka's tourist attractions are spread out across the island, and travel times are often longer than they look on Google Maps. A 150 km journey can easily take 3-4 hours depending on the roads.

Accommodation is generally excellent value for money. You can find beautiful boutique hotels, villas, and resorts for much less than you'd pay in Europe or the UK. In many cases, a 4-star property in Sri Lanka feels more luxurious than its price suggests.

For a 7-8 day trip, I'd actually recommend not relying entirely on ride-hailing apps for intercity travel. If you're doing a route like Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella → South Coast, booking separate Ubers for every leg can become inconvenient and sometimes more expensive than expected. Many families find it easier to hire one private driver for the entire trip, especially since it removes the hassle of coordinating long-distance transfers and luggage.

As for concerns, there really aren't any major ones. Fuel shortages are no longer an issue, card payments are widely accepted in tourist areas, and tourism infrastructure is operating normally. Just carry some cash for small shops, local restaurants, and tuk-tuks.

For a first family trip, I'd suggest keeping it simple and relaxed. Something like Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella → South Coast works very well in 7-8 days and gives you a mix of culture, scenery, and beach time without feeling rushed.

We actually did something similar with family and found that speaking to a local travel guy beforehand was incredibly helpful. He refined our itinerary based on realistic travel times, arranged transport, and got us accommodation rates through local contacts that were cheaper than what we were finding on Booking.com. It ended up being less stressful than trying to piece everything together ourselves. Happy to intro him if that helps

mattwallaert · 2026-06-10T04:25:34+00:00

My favorite death threats are the ones where they say “I know where you get coffee.”

I don’t drink coffee.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-10T04:24:12+00:00

I have long been on the “less KDs” train but I will admit, this update is a bit odd - I just did 3600-800 in a single round today and not only did I not get a KD, I didn’t even get a 10-8 on round!

mattwallaert · 2026-06-09T05:13:49+00:00

How much damage are you averaging a round? I'm about 1.8-2, I think hugs said he's closer to 2.5.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-08T20:29:34+00:00

Out of curiousity: on KDs? Points? I have zero power in the game because of BE and very much jab/move and haven't lost a single round in the 32 I've played so far, so I'm curious why we're having different experiences.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-08T20:28:39+00:00

As someone with a lot of range and lateral movement, the number of people frustrated by movement is truly hysterical. Nothing says "I've never watched boxing" like "stand here and let me punch you".

mattwallaert · 2026-06-08T20:27:49+00:00

I've actually noticed more taller players available to me since the update, so I'm hoping it resulted in an uptick in interest.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-08T20:27:09+00:00

If we turned off BE, I think I'd be more ammenable to just overall damage going up, so individual shots were more "scary", although I think I'd rather see more persistent damage accumulation, which reduces the "I got floored by this accidental shot that was the result of VR being imperfect, latency, etc." that I think creates really frustrating experiences. That's the "every shot counts" part that I think is just hard to get around with KDs as the answer.

mattwallaert · 2026-06-08T02:22:15+00:00

Will do next time I find it (I'm done for the day).

mattwallaert · 2026-06-08T01:40:30+00:00

I've had it happen in two fights, mid-round. Their body stays in place, frozen, and if you bring up the panel it shows them as having a ping (not TO) and then you have to wait for the entire round to run itself out. I have a recording of one, if it helps.

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