Hi Ariel,
I agree that mindfulness is for all moments and that realising this difficulty is part of the process. Also there are specifics that can only be done with a partner that Ashe was refering to, but I think if you are harmonized within yourself then when you are with an opponent you only need to observe and flow with the point of contact.
Incidentally I've added juggling and object balancing into my practice, the angles are different but there seems to be an improvement in sensitivity and awareness.
Also I believe that the benefits of practising this art are beyond being able to fight, it looks to the truth, to being an aware being.
Steve