Originally Posted by Splinter

I'm sort of like you in which I wait and wait to study my opponent while I'm in the ring. To be honest, I like the advantages of not striking first, but its very important sometimes to pull of the first successful strike.

I'll just parry my opponent and see what his weaknesses are, and I will try and do a lot of homework on him if I can (but usually can't). I'll try to see his stance and see what sort of fighter he is and adjust accordingly.

Look for open spots and weaknesses in his stance. Also try to figure out whta sort of fighter he is by throwing some small jabs and such as well as "false punches" just to see his dominant hand, as well as his dominant defense mechanism.