Is it likely my new sparring partner held back?

[Anonymous]

I had a new sparring partner (let's call him Mike) in class last Friday. It starts at a standing position and you're suppose to take the opponent down and subdue them until they surrender and tap the mat.

Prior to our match Mike was sparring with some other guy slightly taller than him. Mike is 6ft and the other was maybe 6'2. Mike put all his effort and beat him more times. Mike was the better opponent. That very same Mike beat someone else too, easily.

My match with Mike:

I'm 5'7 myself and it ends in an even match; with me pinning him down on the very last one, ending with 4-4. He had some difficulty with me but none with the other two guys. Secondly, it seemed as if there was less intensity in that match. Those two guys couldn't get an even match with him but I did. I'm wondering if this was really even or did he hold back some?

[LiamJHayden]

Probably. I tend to hold back if sparring with someone smaller and less experienced.

[Agape93]

Probably but they learn nothing if you hold back. Trial by fire. Pain is a great teacher.

[Karate_Aaron]

Which martial art do you do?

[Asker]

Judo

[Karate_Aaron]

Cool. With the style of judo that you do, is it 100% throws and grappling? or do you do punches and kicks too?

[Asker]

No it's not about punches and kicks. They focus on throws, holds, strangles and armlocks. You can trick the opponent by moving around a bit and making them trip. Your foot can act as an object they trip on.

[Karate_Aaron]

Ah, okay. So, if you don't do punches and kicks, and you as a 5'7" girl tied a 6' guy, then I'm pretty sure he held back.