Conditioning, Composure and Strategy Tips |10 Minute Sparring Round

[@hard2hurt]

Question for viewers: Do you have any tips for conserving energy or maintaining composure?

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

To develop conditioning, I roll and spar with as few breaks as possible until I run out of people willing to go with me. Bag circuits with no breaks work well too. I'm not a huge believer in running, as it doesn't seem to really affect my fight cardio much one way or the other. Rolling and sparring to exhaustion is great because you have to push yourself or you're going to lose. Some of it is about mindset too. I always want to keep going and I always want to be the last off the mat. I'm no expert, but I have by far the best cardio in the gym and I've never lost the last round when I fight.

[@DocTarnation]

Always keeping in mind the adage: :Age and treachery will beat youth and talent every time." Treachery, treachery, treachery. It's much easier to stay loose and relaxed on the inside when you know you have a deliciously nasty surprise in mind for an overconfident up-and-comer who is sure he has the physical advantage. ;D

[@mrmalayweather4850]

I would definitely do high intensity sparring with very little rest in between, conditioning exercises and running and what not. But there are some days where I would spar or train with keeping a good composure or pace in mind and trying to be economical and precise with my energy and strikes.

[@matt19122]

In CrossFit we teach strategy for maximizing output/results which translates to better times/scores/etc. on Metcon type workouts or some that are longer that definately take athletes out of their comfort zones. The main tip I would offer is simply this, and I think you would agree @hard2hurt, is to train like you want to perform. If you dont actively train LONG extended highly strenuous cardiovascular/metabolic workouts...you can not realistically expect to be able to DO them well....SO TRAIN EM, DON'T AVOID YOUR WEAKNESS

[@matt19122]

The "THUNDERCATS" who stroll into my gym usually get their egos checked when those 10-20 minute extended workouts come around...Yeah bro, lets DL 400+- Im with ya there. The birds come home to roost when they are expected to run 2 miles and DL again and run...maybe 4x times? Its a different world when you mix Strength and Metabolic Conditioning in the same workout. Different processes being activated in the body...if those processes arent pushed they can't ever be pushed without a horrible result.

[@Vladimyrful]

He's hitting you way harder than you hit him. Cudos for staying calm.

[@hard2hurt]

We spar a lot and he knows what I am comfortable with. My job is to teach him and go at am intensity he is comfortable with.

[@Vladimyrful]

@@hard2hurt Awesome, loving the channel by the way, I've discovered it only recently.

[@hard2hurt]

@@Vladimyrful welcome man!

[@Vladimyrful]

@@hard2hurt Thanks!

[@ep7077]

Def the kid was putting a little more "uhmphh" behind his shots than mike.

[@Nepthu]

This video isn't about sparring. It's about showing off those quads. Go, IcyMike!

[@hard2hurt]

Rowr

[@timinniss]

I really liked this video. I liked the narrated sparring and you all sitting around talking. I'd like to see this sort of thing regularly

[@hard2hurt]

I try to mix it up. The formulaic technique videos tend to perform better but I personally prefer this type of content

[@timinniss]

@@hard2hurt it's definitely refreshing. Like all the content, man. Appreciate all you do

[@jeffmoore4940]

I'd love to see more of this... two years later, Icy Mike. This was fun to watch and I love actually putting yourselves out there for the world to watch.

[@lilredpanda3873]

"These little Thunder Cats that know a bunch of combos and shit." 😂😂 The best quote!

[@Nepthu]

My boxing coach made me his sparring partner a few years ago. We've gone 12 3 minute rounds before and it was a blast. We both felt like we were going to die at the end, though. ha ha! When we first started sparring, I used to get maybe 1 clean punch in per round. Now our matches feel more even because I can hit him a lot, but it's always clear to me that his skill is superior. I always respect the man who taught me all I know.

[@hard2hurt]

Very cool. A good coach isn't afraid to spar with his guys even when they get even or start winning. A good coach WANTS you to beat him.

[@Defender78]

i dont see any leg-catches during this, did you agree not to do kick catches/dumps?

[@MrTheTomahawk]

man i might get one good hit a sesssion lol. im starting to take practice more serious wel see how it goes

[@tnktsinik]

the thing you taught me in this video is that you are an amazing coach. the way you handled him going mad and throwing hard punches. the way you handled that says a lot about you as a coach and as a person! Good job! (subscribed just for that)

[@frankyturrizo4240]

Dam dude, your explaining made that 10 minutes go by fast

[@hagler7]

I am 58 and been involved with boxing and muay thai since i was 27, i still spar and i really glad i came across your wonderful videos and teachings. I can really relate to this video, wonderful professional video. Yours in sport Glyn. U. K.

[@florianrueger]

The pacing aspect is both obvious and overlooked often. I always tend to be passive and start to low key chickening as soon as I feel like the other guy is better. In this moments, focusing on (re)gaining the pace, is a great way to fight this behavior. Thank you for this interesting sparring video. As always as informative as entertaining! 👍

[@hard2hurt]

You can always slow things down when you feel like it, but it can be hard to "catch up." I used to start very passive... "feeling him out." It never worked for me.

[@rorypatrickwhelan]

This is super helpful, I really needed help with this. I'm at the stage in sparring where after a few minutes of decent work I get tired and make stupid mistakes, run out of ideas and creativity, and just don't notice what the other guy is doing. It feels at least half down to psychologyand not just physical condition (which could always be better). What I got from your video is not only to pick a pace, but to make him mentally uncomfortable so his mind is working harder, not just his body. He was having to fight going backwards, you weren't rushing in, you were picking your shots, experimenting... The whole time you were exuding confidence and dominating him. You were giving him stuff to react to then countering that, or just staying out of range. You made a great point about opponents returning the move you just did. That could be very useful in dictating the pace, like using long kicks and staying just out of range while he tires himself doing the same. Something I wanna work on is feints and drawing my opponent, and also using footwork to avoid stuff rather than have to block or parry so much, to conserve energy and give time for deeper relaxed breathing. And lastly to try using light shots that might land, to set up harder ones that almost certainly will land, and maybe provoke him to go heavy and tire himself out (... Wait, did I just try to explain "rope-a-dope"?) This has given me lots to work on and think about, much appreciated as always, keep it coming! Big thanks for all the golden advice so far :)

[@hard2hurt]

Yep everything you're saying is right in line with what we are working on in this video... in particular the range. Always knowing that range was a huge part of this gameplan.

[@dmz4128]

Hi Mike, I'm 33 years old and just started boxing a year ago, and now I'm a member of USA Boxing and am going to be fighting in a tournament in about four weeks. Your videos and teachings have been a great thank you

[@hard2hurt]

train hard, fight smart and listen to your coaches at all times

[@-Anthracite]

You are really one of the best trainers i saw I hate it so much when the trainer gets frustrated and beats the crap out of you if you land a shot that surprises and hurts him You did such a well job really teaching him the art of fighting never went easy on him but not using him as a punching bag Well done!

[@louisjolliet3369]

"we missed the glove touch". That's so hillarious. Great narration, BTW.

[@sukitez1000]

Use that lunging side kick to set up a spinning back kick to the body or face. They teach this a lot in TKD. It's all about getting creative with your striking!

[@esodn762]

1:30 Wing Chun works guys confirmed by Icy Mike

[@hard2hurt]

Was it Wing Chun?! The kick and the parry and the straight punch?

[@esodn762]

@@hard2hurt I don't know, I don't like Wing Chun so I'm not that deep into it

[@ryanmcdonald5944]

That ain’t wing Chun 🤣😂🤣😂

[@cihancakal4963]

4:45 is a great example of a Wing Chun kick. Great timing on that. Defended with an attack.

[@ryanmcdonald5944]

Cihan Cakal no 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@neodemon283]

This is an excellent vid. Set your own pace to make your opponent or trainee get on your level and breathing is awesome. 10min is amazing. There are some people I spar against that cant last 2-5 minutes because they are trying to go for the win by throwing hard blows. I'm a counter/defensive and this vid was an awesome lear in curve. Thank you sir for posting this. I know this vid is 5 months old, but it's still awesome to watch

[@giancalub]

These are some really good tips. I remember my first Kyokushin competition and I had really good conditioning and strategy, but I had no composure. I got destroyed in that tourney because I forgot my strategy because I lost my composure. And because of the mental breakdown, my conditioning was all but lost and useless. I really need to take notes from this. Also #sidekickswork at 0:50 hahaha keep up the good content bro!

[@ekrgable]

As a martial art master, you have showed the appropriate self-control during this training fight.

[@jkinerk]

What you said about how to handle an over-eager sparring partner with less experience is so dead on. I hate it when guys throw someone a beating who is still learning. It's your job to teach them control BUT ALSO keep them motivated. Combat sports has a lot to give, I'm glad someone is out there on behalf of the sport and not themselves. Kudos!

[@MrPatspp]

I think that everyone who wants to learn fighting should learn this since the beginning. I know it comes with time but with time you slowly find it. If you learn this since the beginning you condition yourself to be tempered. Subscribed now!

[@eldelsanti9925]

Beautiful SIDEKICK in the first minute

[@josecarbia8181]

You mentioned the double taan sau you did was wing chun. Yes, you're right! It can be found in the Chum Kiu, the second form which means "bridge searching", which seems a perfect description of what you did. At least, the technique can be found in wing chun and many other places. Certainly the thai clinch double grab is analogous.

[@wiseguy10017]

Extremely informative video. For example; Student's guard examples 1:50, 5:49: arms up, gloves protect face, turns to side, can't see opponent Teacher's guard examples 5:11, 9:09 - arms up, gloves protect face, maintains fighting stance, never takes his eyes off his opponent

[@chrisjackson9626]

Great vid. The young dude was loading up quite a lot on his shots. You're right those tired but heavy bursts can be dangerous.

[@theoretickle2084]

H2H...there is a huge and down-to-Earth reality factor about your training and your videos!

[@s3hooligan]

Stumbled upon your channel to see a crossbow and ended up finding invaluable content. Subscribed👍

[@Gentleman_of_Leisure]

this is amazing camera work

[@RDG22]

9:03 that head movement clean asf

[@blaidd2769]

so true, rly good and something you can only learn with sparring over and over again. but there is to mention as he said himself: the studend is mad. Mad means often and easier to read movement, so keeping calm is very importen, specialy against an experienced fighter. to be said i am not an experienced fighter so please correct me if i am wrong

[@shinji_ikari]

Probably one of my favourite Hard2hurt videos

[@volgsivorsky8796]

Don't you just feel so proud and awesome that you help make someone fight that good? When a student outclasses you because of you makes me feel proud

[@coachryanmartialarts435]

That's the pre-workout out me and my coach use, good stuff. Keeps you feeling clear headed not like normal lifting pre-workouts that make your heart explode if you don't lift something heavy

[@PinkSparklyGamer]

One of my coaches likes to have me do 30 minute sparring rounds. It's super fun and really helpful for my endurance. I wouldn't recommend 30 minutes to everyone, but longer rounds is a great way to avoid getting gassed.

[@robbanbobban2]

That stuff you commented about maybe being Wing Chun... it actually more or less is! First stopping the power of his kick with your front leg, then trapping his jab, and then immediately following with your own punch with the same arm you trapped him with, still controlling his arm so he can't easily recover. Good stuff by the way! Nice endurance and composure.

[@ArmorPiercingTyrant]

Great education here! I'm thirty-four; started martial arts at thirty. I'm feeling this approach. Love the channel!

[@stevenward6413]

Mike! Always Epic! Coaching, mentoring, sparring, training and learning partner.... Love your ability to always center yourself in mindfulness towards all of your predisposed goals, lessons, alternative perspectives, media presentation and individual workouts. Next level competentcy and inspiration. Thank you!

[@michealwilliams7757]

This video solidified for that this guy is a stud muffin at this. He knows what he is doing

[@thejamman4070]

You know what, respect to both these guys.

[@jeremymilburn8457]

This video shed so much light on why you're such a great teacher. Love the vids.

[@hard2hurt]

Thank you so much

[@seanfrancishenry]

"You old guys..." yup, speaking straight to me. I really appreciated the ideas on cooling down a pissed of training partner. Being playful can change the intensity. Also I can see you answering his bombs with powered down but skillful set-ups and combos. Great stuff!

[@terrychamberlain6336]

Youngster has some pop in those punches. He was letting those dogs out when he got tired. Great video 🙏

[@44556613able]

I loved this video. I am 47 years old and my biggest challenge is when I sparr with a newer and younger guy who goes full power...I don't want to hurt him but at the same time I don't want to get hurt so I always talk to them.

[@iku_1013]

Of all the things I learned about fighting, the mentality you have while doing it is very new to me. In other words thanks for this video, it's awesome.

[@billyrealsorealsmith5672]

Very good as a old guy just learned something very important thanks

[@chentaijiatlanta9816]

Good share!! I work with younger guys and teach my team with a hands on approach and really enjoyed. The reality of pacing and ability to stay composed and understand how to not let the sparring session get out of control. You shared the pyschology of sparring in terms of understanding how to change the tension levels so it stays productive. young guys working together turns into a mess of ego and power expressions at times.

[@hard2hurt]

Thank you so much. You got exactly what I was trying to get across.

[@micway71]

Man I caught this vid a little late and I have seen several of your videos. I especially liked the hook one. But as an older guy (49 y/o) this one hit home!! I am glad I stayed with it to the end as your advice gave me a different mindset. First you said you will never be as fast as Furqat. Secondly, you state the goal is not to beat him, but to survive. Thirdly, you pick the pace. All your advice was spot on and bulb popped on. I used to be into various disciplines of martial arts and backyard box a little. Running is out and getting a heavy bag would be a good workout for me while trying to get my skills back. Good ass video man and thanks for posting shit like this for us older guys. An inspiration indeed!

[@rhockinstone]

Mike is terrifying in the video. That constant steady approach with a dead pan face. Feels like the Terminator is squaring up

[@zornhutsjourney]

Really enjoying this channel! This is the type of school I’d love to train at 💪

[@hard2hurt]

If you're ever in myrtle beach!

[@bobbymercier7113]

That was awesome man you were calm and collected the whole time you stay that your pace you you really work your fight and I think that's important for amateur fighters and self defense artist to make sure that they are making those points testing out the water keeping the flight to a minimum and not running out your gas tank right away cause you don't know what that other guy in the streets has in his gas tank

[@brycekeeney4995]

Good golden point on keeping composure. Does not mean not getting hit, it means not coming off your gameplan when hit.👍👍👍 Love this comment.

[@RobYu]

Appreciate both the tips as well as the in-line commentary, this stuff is great

[@rogermayerapm5641]

Good advice I am 62 still sparring the young fellas, unbeknownst to me that is what I have been doing. Picking the pace, make them work when I see them gassing out. Breathe and fake it lol Respect.

[@skip741x3]

almost 60 here brother and still spar with 20 and 30 yr olds myself.. ..Ive learned to conserve energy in many different ways...having experience and skill and composure help balance the scales when sparring with young dudes who are way more fit than me ...lol

[@bronzetiger3837]

Another Real Good vid from you!!Good commentary good technique and not going out of your way to down other styles;And I know why:its because you are skilled and knowledgeable yourself and don't need to boost a fragile ego with clownish comments. I am now a subscriber sir.

[@hard2hurt]

Ummm... allow me to apologize in advance...

[@southendbusker7534]

7:27 in 0.25 speed :O love it. Nice how you lifted that back leg for the boost, perfect tech.

[@robotsrevenge56]

This is how I spar with less experienced guys too glad you made a video on this.

[@xxttakret9045]

That's a cool kick block! Could you do a video on how you guys drill that and other kick counters?

[@hard2hurt]

It's been requested a bunch. We will probably do that soon.

[@AztecUnshaven]

It's a great technique. Very emphasized in Wing Chun.

[@AstralS7orm]

Check kicks are pretty ouch. One reason why we wear higher foot protectors when kicking... sometimes. If it lands right it can break a knee.

[@dannyherbert4482]

@@AstralS7orm dont let icy mike hear you say that, he doesn't believe the knee will break, even tho I've seen shinbones snap from a checked kick and the knee is a lot weaker than the shin😂

[@colinrhee98]

Kudos to you for maintaining the flow of the session

[@Dangswoopman]

That blocking kicks with the kicks is a muay boran technique Love it

[@andrewfleming3567]

that knee chamber followed by the straight right was 🔥

[@irvinjaycarranza6828]

One of the reasons why I like sparring with a pro. They know how to control, consciously show your holes in your games. I get really nervous sparring with a fellow newbie like me haha 😆😂 good video as always! 👍🍺👊

[@raucoin98]

That was probably one of the best videos he has done... Enjoyed this one finally...

[@Aniontedone]

Thanks representing the older martial artist. You got great skills. The student does to.

[@luka2298]

Beautiful! THAT'S how you do a sparring session!

[@lettucetomatoonion]

I really liked that pre-workout suggestion because the product doesn't add bullshit ingredients ty man

[@pasquinilli]

Haha! Get after it old man! Great explanation and insight! Thanks for sharing.

[@Badge01Kenobi]

I've been training and sparring and conditioning since 1969 and this is some of the best sparring-sparring (slow) and commentary I've ever seen. It's C-M Boxing to the next level (Rodney King). All hail The Mike (and your student isn't half-bad either). Thanks!

[@dazzthepatriot8389]

A LOT of gold in this video. Thumbs way up!

[@Sora-is6cg]

Great video! Watched start to finish, instant subscribe. Really liked your commentary, was super educational, relaxed, and the spar was awesome. Thank you!

[@panchopantera7]

I agree with every single word this man is saying...Very knowledgeable and obviously experienced. Love that stop kick. First time visiting this channel. I like it here. I think I'll stay. Great clip! Keep On Rockin' //;)\m/

[@CombatPIG0311]

Another great video. I'm a 42 year old MMA fighter (recreational level) and of course my class has a lot of young fighters. Constant pressure and pretending shots don't hurt me and that I'm not tired is a good strategy against them. Occasional hard shots on open targets reminds them of the threat and keeps them from applying their own pressure.

[@joyb4833]

Thanks for this video - good advice! Still TKD sparring, over 50. It is all about composure...

[@lazyjab283]

Advice taken thank u

[@alexanderschmolke8796]

Good online lesson and outstanding work of both!

[@googlewhackthis]

This is absolutely fascinating. You can see exactly the moment when the guy decides that he's going to start throwing bombs, and hit much harder. I did the same with a boxing coach, who was an ex-pro, and was doing light sparring with me (1-2-1 session. Except my fitness - and skill - was so bad that he let me punch myself out. I vomited all over the ring, and spent ten minutes cleaning that up. That's how he dealt with me throwing so-called bombs.

[@betheball3165]

Your control is excellent. Respect.

[@sorro9384]

thats sparring 101!

[@apex9841]

Use your wisdom, that's something very valuable older people have on younger guys

[@hard2hurt]

True facts!

[@jkline999]

Great vid. For older guys, at some point you have to check your ego at the door. I'm doing MMA and BJJ, and about to turn 52. Every day I go to the gym, and survive, is a victory for me. The experience can be so frustrating, because your body doesn't do what it used to do. The aches and pains magnify. But, unlike most of the population, you are in the gym, giving and taking shots, making friends, and doing what most people your age can't do anymore. These 20 year old kids I spar with live in the now-- what they don't understand is there is no point to being a badass if you are crippled five years on. Take care of your body, stay in shape, improve your skills, and it's ok every now and then to get melancholy that your hair is thinning.

[@hard2hurt]

Are we the same person?

[@jkline999]

@@hard2hurt Lol... except I'll go by-- 'kindahard2hurt'. Best,

[@mustardman6104]

I've watched this video so many times because as a wrestler my striking is garbage a lead hook is the only good move I have many thanks on these kinds of videos

[@JEM-fo6rs]

Yea coach that was fun!!! Love to see work like that. Commentary was a bonus. Btw that low the stomp kick (“is it WC?”) you did was probably closer to the way Savate might use it. Not to say WC people don’t use it. Execution might be different from lineages to lineages. On the other hand that stomp kick your student caught you with is definitely a WC counter to wide kicks. When done right it’s painful ,but also jams your balance up. Young dawg was mixing in a little Mayweather. Again I really enjoyed that.

[@eylon1967]

After the first wrestling class I took this week I immediately thought that I have to get back to running because my heart felt like dieing after just a few minutes

[@klipser66]

Awesome sparring session! Very educational. Love your channel. Thank you.

[@HLSpence]

Good stuff! I think one of the keys maintaining composure is learning how to fight that "get-back" response

[@philiposwald780]

Love your channel. Thank you for the consistently great content.

[@theramirezboysfighthouse7429]

You are doing great work brother.

[@oniongaming88]

Okay Furquat 💪 miss this dude

[@MJFUYT]

Just seeing this. Great spar session. Thx for sharing

[@Impressive__]

RDA vs Kevin Lee is a good example of pick the pace if your're the older fighter

[@diljitjedi]

Listen up all you young Fighters take this for an old dog this man knows his s*** the best I've seen out there on the internet he even taught an old dog like me new tricks train fight easy

[@323v6]

That was a brilliant spar I'm a subscriber now !

[@seniorestus1344]

wow, he did really well. would love to see a rematch now in 2021. If he was this good 2 years ago would be a beast now.

[@cloud_monkey422]

I’m 35. I use my cardio to my advantage when sparring younger guys and it always throws them off haha They are always like “wait how is this old pot head able throw strikes non stop the entire time!!!!” Lmao that jump rope and double end bag and heavy bag. That’s how.

[@stillgotyourmom]

35 here too. im feeling you 😁 but otherwise my cardio lacks maybe cause it was always that way but the explosivness still s harder than much of of the younger ones.

[@cloud_monkey422]

@@stillgotyourmom if you have Instagram come check me out. I’m half way to my one year mark of 365 days of exercise in a row It’s dan_elgordito

[@triocha24]

Im in the same boat with you bro, the weed has made my lung capacity way better 😂 im 20

[@cloud_monkey422]

@@triocha24 lol that’s awesome! Haha just last night in class you see me bouncing on my toes the entire time while most are flat footed haha I’m the only one who was smoking one while walking in there haha

[@Bfolks84]

Nice sparring session. It looks like fun to train with u guys. You guys work the way I like to work.

[@hard2hurt]

I hope to kick you soon!

[@Bfolks84]

hard2hurt can’t wait to block it.

[@josephhwang1428]

Love boxing coach Bill burr. But for real. Thank you for these videos. 🙏 Keeps me motivated to train

[@419sinbad]

Awesome display of control and great advice at the end. Osss

[@IsaacLausell]

This was perhaps one of the most practical martial arts videos I’ve seen. The advice put to practice, that is integrity.

[@hard2hurt]

That is a huge compliment man thank you.

[@IsaacLausell]

hard2hurt I mean it man. This was remarkable. Your topic appeals to regular guys like me that go to a martial class a few times a week and got to spar with these young power rangers. Best of it all is the transparency, you are demonstrating your own advice. Thanks!

[@jayr.4179]

DAAAAMN....10 MINS👏👏.. Bro im pushing 40 n this video is video is MOTIVATING!! GOOD SH*T👍

[@fighternk13]

Lol, would love to train at this gym, love the energy and atmosphere!

[@naezjinra]

I have an instructor that says "what belt are you when you're tired? Everybody starts as their belt level when they're fresh and slowly lose skill as they tire. You may be a black belt at first but end up fighting like a white belt after a few minutes". So far, he's not wrong.

[@TenThousandMethod]

great control Mike! you would be such a great sparring partner. so good for learning