rogue

I've always had serious problem with deciding when to strike first. I've made it a habit (though maybe a bad one) to wait until he strikes first, and perhaps get in a counter, a tackle, or something of the like.

I'm just curious how you guys know when to strike first, or if you strike first at all. Also, what sort of benefits can you gain from striking first? It seems you are a great disadvantage if the opposing fighter can counter attack you.

Thoughts?

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.

Bryan

Splinter's right. Spend the first couple of seconds trying to study your opponent before you go in for a strike blindly. I always try to strike first, so I'm constantly trying to read my opponent before he can read me.

Bishop

It's always nice to be able to counter, but in the times that you can't, I almost always try to get a hit in when he is in between steps. I always try to get it in when he blinks, or he switches his body stance. That split center when he is vulnerable is quick enough to put in a jab, and hopefully draw a badly thrown counter, in which you can go for the win.

The MMA Guys

This is pretty much how we fight (spar). You dont have to be the one to throw first. Study them first.

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