OK /asp/ies, I need your advice

I've recently joined a kickboxing gym with a great record of producing actual fighters. I won't lie, I'm just an amateur hobbyist and busy grad student who loves combat sports. I'm not that good.

In a few of the classes, I've run into one the experienced members (actually trains to compete and stuff). I have some sparring experience, but even in the technique drills he wrecks my shit, and I cannot keep up with him.

Usually, I'm pretty comfortable telling a partner "Hey, can you take it a little easier on me?" But with this guy, I'm actually pretty intimidated. He never really says much (he speaks Russian to the coach) and after a month there I still have no idea what he's like as a person.

How do I tell him that while I appreciate his not taking it easy on me... that I do want him to take it a little easier on me...