When im sparring and i get hit especially in the head, i have a tendency to hold in air. i get tired really fast like in 1 round SO my question is, should you exale when "taking a punch to the head" or while blocking it? and also if so, does this go the same for taking body shots? someone please tell me both version, by that i mean both taking a punch to the head and to body. i know its better to make em miss but im not that good yet to do it alot. however im making progress in some drills.
You don't want to be inhaling when taking a punch to the body. The body is at it's most vulnerable at this time so exhaling is definitely recommended. As for the head I think that your natural instinct is going to be to stop your breath at whatever point you feel you are going to receive the blow. Begin your sparring sessions with someone you can trust not to bang on you. You have to learn to relax first or else you will be holding your breath all day long and burn yourself out.