Alright, and thanks everyone. I know the basics of stance, turning, and some break falls. I know some basic techniques, but again, I'm like the odd man out. I know how to do a forward breakfall, sideways ones, but that's it. I'll check out that post though and I'll stick with it. I heard it takes years to get and now I can see why.

Again though, thanks for the input.

What happens with a tense opponent is that the guy is taking away the technique that you set out to do, so you should do a different technique. But, since you're just starting out, you don't know that many, or have them ingrained in you to flow easily from one to the other. That takes a long timne, so don't be discouraged. Eventually, the tense opponent becomes the easiest one to deal with. Trust your instructor.

The opponent to truly fear is the one who remains completely relaxed an on balance during the entire confrontation, even if it is just a friendly exchange of playacting blows, techniques and manipulations, or throws. That guy is VERY dangerous....