If you’re reading this, we’ll assume you’re already in month two of your training. You already know how things work, and you’ve started working on the basics for a while now. You’ve drilled the techniques a few times, and your body is beginning to get familiar with the movements.

Your coaches deemed you ready for your first sparring session. They see you can test your techniques in real time with an opponent. 

You, on the other hand, are anxious. Self-doubt crept at the moment you found out. You’re having a bad case of impostor syndrome. And that’s OK. 

Yes, you read that right. It’s normal for anyone going through the first sparring session to feel jitters. You’re jumping into unfamiliar waters, and there’s a chance (while very little if you’re in a good gym) for you to get hurt.