During sparring classes the atomsphere can change drastically from one pair to the next. They have 3 minute bouts in which time the person who has landed the most semi-contact hits to scoring areas (sides of the head and chest). Different members of the academy take it more seriously than others.
Due to the sudden movements of the sport it can be very difficult to set up a good composition.
I decided to use my flash gun during this shoot to get a better exposure. Although it was distracting they did well to continue regardless.
This is my favourite image from this shoot. I'm happy with the composition and that it's captured during the chamber of the leg, you can also see his rear leg twisting on his toes, he this is good technique giving him extra reach.
I like the stand off implied in this image, but once more the clutter in the background is present.
Here you begin to see the differing atmosphere between opponents. She giggles as he attempts to spar with her.
Portrait taken during the class. no flash this time I feel that the punch bags and targets have added character to the image. If I were to shoot again/had more time I would've used my flash off camera and under exposed the background.
In this image you can see the competitive nature of the left hand kick boxer. Moving in for the point as his opponent twist away.
here you can see what's called a point each side. One scores to the head as the other scores to the chest. At the same times as these are competing you can see another kick boxer taking a break. It would have been good to take this image from the other side, but you never know what's going to happen during a sparring match.
Punching the wall in frustration after taking what was quite a nasty uppercut. This is a rarity at the academy, but accidents happen and emotions can run high.
In stark contrast you can see here a sequence of images showing the playful side of training. She taunts him jumping up and down.
He runs in to push her over
Then stands victorious. I will be uniquely to use these images in the book, but it was quite funny.
