Do I Instigate Hard Sparring? Why don’t I fight anymore? How to be a Good Coach Fighter?

In this video, I have a conversation with @hard2hurt and @SenseiSeth about who instigates hard sparring, why I don't fight anymore and how to be a good coach/fighter!
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[@MMAShredded]

Just to clear a few things up, the reason why I haven't taken up any fights is the benefits just don't outweigh the risk vs reward. I've got a lot of projects on the go, so I'd need to take 5-8 weeks off for fight camp, and honestly... ONE Championship pay cheques just don't cut it. We've been in negotiations for years, and conditions have never changed. All in all, being in fight camp really takes the fun out of training. I really enjoy being a marital artist, exploring different disciplines, and training when I want and however I want.

[@ynghuch]

Cheers for answering this Jeff. I’ve heard from other fighters that being pro is financially hard. It’s a wonder there’s any pros at all. I wanna compete myself someday just to test myself, gotta do it at least once. 👊

[@MMAShredded]

@@ynghuch doing it for experience and knowing what its like is definitely something I recommend, just not for a full time job!

[@Ason19]

Jeff will you ever explore capoeria for the channel?

[@deangelo3342]

Crazy is I felt this only recently. Tried being a fighter, suffer a concussion this year, and seeing how that affected the people around me change my attitude on what I should really be doing. So as I'm still recovering, I'm taking a step back to simple enjoy martial arts instead losing that enjoyment, and be a teacher of it while still learning so many things about it. Seeing this, learning so much this year, just help fuel my understanding of how to temper down my ego, that warrior spirit that wants to compete the best of the best, and think about my future better than I use too

[@SandaBoxing]

@@deangelo3342 concussions are a common occurrence if you want to be a fighter. also there are different levels of concussions. light to medium concussions, you just have to get used to them.

[@hard2hurt]

We really peeled back the curtain on this one. I'm excited for your viewers to get to know you a little better.

[@kYA00h]

he seems to genuinly care about his audience, replies to 99% of the comments. hooefully spar with him someday and use his own techniques against him

[@MMAShredded]

Thanks Mike for the knowledge. I mentioned it in person and I'll say it again, I learned a lot of things from you by just having a conversation with you. Wise man!!

[@MMAShredded]

id love to get some rounds together one day!!

[@kYA00h]

@@MMAShredded fkkn eh!!

[@ilovefighting348]

@@kYA00h it's true one of the best youtubers, him and his wife do an amazing job.

[@PHIplaytesting]

I love how Mike is sitting down running his mouth, Seth is fully reclined into hospital bed/TV snack binge position, and Jeff is just pumping iron the whole time. Excellent video. You all have such unique and entertaining personalities and so much to share with all of us.

[@MMAShredded]

LOOOL. they were such great people to hang out with and learn from!

[@altaydogahan342]

True bro circle

[@yessr7535]

This feels like an ol classic gather with the boys, just throw a beer on each hand and it can be a normal day on the garage haha

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

There's 3 types of guys...... Lol.

[@amorfati9519]

This comment. You have this kind of guys in every dojo or gym. My advice to any practitioner: avoid wasting your time. Train, spar and leave.

[@crankl]

Jeff, I think I speak for a lot of your viewers when I say: There's lots of MMA guys on KZbin, we like/watch you because you're NOT one of the meat-heads. SUPER technical, humble and always bringing awesome content. Keep it up!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you Liam, means a lot!! :)

[@meesert]

Not a meat head but also not just an entertainer with fighting theories, but a actual online coach.

[@jacobhochstetler825]

Same here, keep at it!

[@Teddy-se8qb]

jeff only instigates hard sparring with fitness students. we seen what he does when hes in there with someone whos better than him. he plays sissy foot and throws those "dont hurt me punches". but if its a fitness student. he uses his whole toolbox and tries to knock them out.

[@iCandyGB]

His real life personality actually reflects well in his videos if you truly watch all his content

[@KevinLeeVlog]

I can say Jeff is by far one of my favorite people to spar with!!! Technical ability and cardio level are off the charts! And the best part? It’s super fun!!

[@MMAShredded]

❤️❤️ you are too bro! Can’t wait to visit Atlanta !

[@peterfan8650]

Jeff, I think your sparring partners mistakenly equates your high speed as the intensity which is controlled, so they try to be as quick but have less control and therefore hit harder. Then It just esculates from there. A tap in the face at high speed sometimes feels a lot harder than it actually is due to the shock factor.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for understanding!

[@Ashton_Speaks]

100% Peter pan As a bigger, athletic, and strong dude, with almost zero martial arts training and ability I've seen it on both ends, myself turning it up just to try and touch the good dudes who can read my every move and twitch and accidentally really laying it on em the one or two times I actually land something in a round. Or I have to massively use my attributes to even attempt to close the skill gap.

[@boshirahmed]

Correct moving fast against some people makes them fear u, thinking u will hit hard, it's a natural reaction. That's why some pros only stick to the same sparring partner as it's safer and they know what u r trying to do.

[@Idkchangethislater]

Yep did an inter club yesterday (15th round) couldn’t tell if I was being battered or blitz 😂 I hands down will say I may have increase power

[@Kiezkollege]

Very good point

[@BuddyHashpants]

Honest conversations like this would make the world a better place regardless of the subject matter. The practice of being a better version of yourself consistently will take you very far🙏

[@MMAShredded]

I agree :)

[@Hwg84]

I struggled with students being better than me too for years before I could accept this means my job is well done. I still need to show them they won't beat me easily but yeah, if they don't become better than their coach that means that coach is holding them even if's not conscious. Finding peace with that is liberating. Thanks for your awesome contents.

[@MMAShredded]

I agree!! thank you!!

[@DylanJo123]

It's like when a father makes the realization that his son is not longer a child that needs to be protected, but a man equal to or maybe even superior to him. Can be a bitter or a proud moment depending on how he takes it. Good comment brother

[@honestlee9921]

@@DylanJo123 i have this same thing with my father. i never want to outshine him ( he used to coach kickboxing but hes 70 now). But its hard to hold myself back sometimes. I know he sees me getting better and i think it sorta bothers him a bit. I ALWAYS give him respect though. I always make sure he knows that he gave me the foundation to get to where i am now. Its definitely a hard pill to swallow for him tho. I almost want him to watch this video, he may relate to it. hes not much of a youtube guy tho

[@Ponder_lust]

Id quit if I can't whoop at 70yr old

[@williamOldpine]

Why do you need to show them that they cant beat you up easily? I'll tell you why: ego. Imagine if Cus D'Amato brought that shit to Tyson. You're a coach, you don't have to be hard to beat up, your job is to develop your guys without stroking your ego.

[@MaddaTheApache]

Jeff, you have now reached the point in your internet journey where statistics are just kicking in. You are at a number where, no matter what, someone is going to say something negative without fail. It is par for the course in this industry and on this platform. It is important to take in what Mike said about the quality of feedback. Would you rather focus on negative feedback from people who probably don't even train? Or would you prefer to revel in the fact that so many of us get so so so SOOOOOOOOOOOO much from you and your content? There's a reason we engage with you. There's a reason I am taking time away from my desk job to type a comment out on a youtube channel HAHAA. You provide value in your content and for who you are as a person. Cheers as always Jeff!

[@MMAShredded]

that means a lot man, thank you for your support! have a great day at work :)

[@micahbodha6129]

Very true brother. Most negative comments come from guys who's only relationship with violence is virtual,so take no heed what they say.

[@danielteixeira3417]

Turns out you have big guns bro u jacked

[@MartialArtsJourney]

We are seeing an MMAShredded video that is not about fighting. I love it! And I love the fighting videos too

[@MMAShredded]

hahahaha

[@JohnDoe-rb6yj]

This is an interesting breakdown. For myself, I usually hear non fighters with big egos trying to impress on others like they know how to fight. It’s usually accompanied by things like,”i see red when I fight” or “I black out and just go crazy”.

[@MMAShredded]

true! hahah

[@CookMeSomeDamnEggs]

You, Seth and Mike in the same room is a good mixture of brains firing off. So much can be learnt. Jeff you are a great teacher, that's why we stick around. hard sparring is just the cherry.

[@MMAShredded]

thank you man that means a lot!

[@titusespinoza5310]

What's hard is nobody wants to look like they lost on video or they want to look their best, therefore they go hard. It's great that you guys are all conscious of it. Much aloha! Love your sparring and your thoughts.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching :)

[@Dude3275]

I've done a variety of martial arts for over 15 years. From my experience there's a huge difference between sparring hard and someone trying to hurt you. Knowing the difference can often save a lot of hurt feelings and bodies. Knowing a sparring partners is critical or a quick chat with a stranger goes a long way. Obviously you can't always avoid the "lets spar light" type of bros... lol.

[@MMAShredded]

hahahahaha yeah I agree!!

[@paulhammSOLD]

Im coming back from injury. Out of shape and rebuilding confidence. My ego is really being checked. Losing to people who im technically better than but they've been showing up to practice. Im a competitor. I want to win and when i dont, it bothers me. The end goal is to be a coach. I know that this part of the journey will help my future students. This conversation is EXACTLY what I needed.🥋

[@MMAShredded]

im glad to hear that!!

[@TheSantos173]

What kind of injury?

[@paulhammSOLD]

@@TheSantos173 Torn lateral meniscus. Tore it on the treadmill unknowingly and really sealed it in sparring. Pretty much took a year off and ate whatever I wanted. 😵

[@crisalcantara7671]

​@@paulhammSOLDget better soon brow😊

[@tjames2222]

Jeff I take your online classes and I 100% agree with Mike and Seth. If I had the opportunity to train to learn your style and coach others in similar techniques, I would be all in. You have something special in your coaching abilities and I'm excited to see how they evolve over time. Great work Jeff

[@MMAShredded]

thank you so much Theodore !!!! feel free to email me if you ever have any questions!!

[@Teddy-se8qb]

a coach should teach what hes capable of in fights. most of jeffs techniques dont work in real fights unfortunately. he likes to do all these fancy things that only work on fitness students. when he actually fights he keeps it super basic. and at the end of the day his basics is very sloppy and far from refined. nothing wrong with basics, the biggest problem is when you suck at the basics like jeff.

[@Ninjacob00]

Ultimately Mike makes a great point in the end about you coaching. It may seem that you’re kind of stuck in the middle as a fighter and a coach, but ultimately that’s what makes you unique. You’re essentially a player coach but have a unique perspective stylistically that to Mike’s point, can empower them to have successful careers while minimizing long term damage to their bodies. Keep doing what you’re doing and eventually I see you figuring something out that we may have never seen before

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for the comment :) I appreciate it!!

[@ghlu9408]

Man i love this. Jeff being open minded, Mike being the older wise man, seth adding in what he can. This is dope

[@MMAShredded]

:) they are awesome people!

[@paulohara9937]

Absolutely love the honesty and humility that these guys demonstrate. Thank you and never stop educating. 👊

[@visarmakolli2240]

Love this video like really love seeing you reflecting about your sparring and the mental part of being a fighter. Great video!

[@thekidsallgrownup]

I love this conversation. Experienced Fighters, from different walks of life, talking about how to measure your ego during a sparring session. This was awesome.....

[@MMAShredded]

:)) thank you!

[@martialartsgeek6540]

Been watching your videos for 5 years now Jeff, and everyone is educational relatable and entertaining you've helped me so much with my martial arts journey.

[@MMAShredded]

thank you for your support!!!

[@thetalantonx]

I love these three so much, man. What a great conversation and an honor to get to hear. So much of it is applicable to other disciplines.

[@nickgeffen8316]

I am so moved and so inspired and so honoured to watch such honest, encouraging reflections from such extraordinary martial artists, fighters and coaches. The humility, the discipline, the commitment. You're all so real, so invested; you accept your rough edges and play to your strengths, trying your best every step of the way. May we all be as devoted. Long live, all of you! OSU!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you nick!!!

[@elahiconcha1057]

This was such an amazing debate to watch. A casual setting, mutual respect, and people from different backgrounds all chiming in make a great combination. I learned a lot from hearing all you guys' different opinions on coaching vs fighting and finding your purpose. A thing that in my opinion hasn't been talked about enough is that you are already one of the best in the world at something that isn't neither fighting nor coaching, but teaching strangers about fighting. You break down techniques and fights in such a unique way, and that sets you apart from everyone else in the world of martial arts. There are millions of people that have become better fighters because of you. So no matter whether you end up fighting or coaching, your channel is already a part of your legacy, and the work you do here will endure. Keep up the good work Jeff!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you Elahi!! that means a lot :)))

[@hungv4375]

The ultimate question is: When will we see you fight again at One FC? 😃

[@dominikb8430]

Yea, Jeff should have have a belt already.

[@TheTonyCAcc]

This would be sick

[@TheTonyCAcc]

But Jeff has so much footage online that his opponent would have an edge

[@tigerbelly2152]

we all thought so. but he alr said he retired bro

[@MrMalzers]

Said he's pretty much retired

[@Bladieboeba]

THIS IS A GREAT VID! LOVE IT!

[@noborikoon]

This is such a honest and good conversation to have. Thank you for this!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you for watching!

[@mistaperfekt]

This is an incredible video. Anyone who has pursued martial arts and sparred to any degree knows this feeling. Jeff perfectly explains the fire inside a fighters heart in this video.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for understanding man!!

[@leon6135]

Love the open heart conversation, your journey is inspirational to watch! I would love to find training partners that are as fun and caring as you guys. Amazing conversation! I also wish i had a coach like Mike, been struggling to find a gym with a good coach because of him, he's setting the bar way to high hahaha

[@MMAShredded]

Mike is a gem man! I learned so much from him

[@noelaxton4941]

This was super interesting. Loved the interaction. Thanks for the share.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching!!!

[@Anktor1]

If I wasn't already subbed I would sub instantly. This is what makes you great. The doubts, the putting it out there, the respect, listening for advice. Thank you for sharing

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching!!!

[@charlesdourado8292]

The amount of things I've learned by watching you is amazing from basic combos to footwork to head movement to grapling,, you're literally the bast martial arts KZbinr and a great coach and i didn't even meet you in person and yet you teach me so much

[@MMAShredded]

thanks man that means a lot :)))

[@er98ah]

my nickname in the gym was bully. i never meant to but always ended up sparring hard. it's easy for the temp to rise sparring unless you are really trying to go 30%. now in my early 40s my body has given out, and my cardio consist mostly of arm cardio and walking. they call me cripply now haha!! content on this channel top notch thanks!

[@MMAShredded]

haha thanks for sharing!!

[@ajw9975]

I'm 46. Don't give it up. Keep training, keep learning. Most of all (I realize now I'm older), rest/recovery and gradually notching up the intensity bit by bit makes for a (hopefully) sustainable martial arts journey.

[@er98ah]

@@ajw9975 thanks. I’m working out everyday just limited. Had two meniscus surgeries from kicking heavy bags and now I have chronic patellar tendonitis. Might as well cut my leg off lol. Only thing I can do is walk and it’s been years Just lift a lot and do the ski machine and other hand based cardio

[@ajw9975]

@@er98ah Sorry to hear that bro. Happy to hear you're keeping active. Keep up with the mental wellness most of all. Best wishes.

[@er98ah]

@@ajw9975 true indeed thanks. You still training ? I had to do some soul searching. I always excelled in athletics and in my youth it sort of defined my character and who I was. Combination of knee injuries and even worse, concussions have forced me to redefine myself as I can’t push myself to do the things I used to excel at. The worst part is my kids are young and I can’t physical teach them or play sports with them. Aging ain’t for the weak but humans have an amazing ability to adapt, so all in all I feel very fortunate

[@JonathanSlatt]

Great instructors and great conversation. Thank you!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you!!

[@adrianors89]

Please do more of this because damn that was good asf, Great to hear different insights from martial artists in different times in their journeys.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for the feedback!

[@poodleman3356]

I wish more people I sparred with would watch this video. Its so true about the percentages.. bigger guys thinking going 50% against a smaller opponent is just wrong because its literally 70-80% that they are feeling. The issue with being the bigger guy sparring someone smaller is that now you have a big speed disadvantage. So the lesson is try to spar someone as close to your weight as possible, and if they go hard then it's on them

[@MMAShredded]

I hope this gets spread then :)

[@cruzcontrol720]

Awesome conversation. You’ve written to me before and I’ve been to quiet a couple of gyms now because of your advice. I follow you, mike, Seth and was so happy to see all of you collaborating and introducing me to some that I haven’t come across before like Kevin. I put it out there that ima meet all of you one day just gotta figure out how lol. Any way great video as always.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks man! :)

[@michaeltrimble7680]

You guys jive so well. This whole project was amazing!

[@MMAShredded]

:)

[@nurglematthew893]

Thanks for the breakdown. And clips. Really strong convos to be able to have. Have a great one, Team.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching!!

[@itpugil]

Man, this was awesome. The discussions and all, our gym does this too and our coaches point us to the right directions. I hope all gyms adopt this type of constructive brainstorming. I like how Mike was talking and Seth was just filming it while being on the ground and Jeff was still training. Damn Jeff's dedication is relentless, and I am sort of like that too. Always learning, always improving. Pushing myself closer to a goal each time and when I am nearing it, moving the goal post so I can keep continuing. To the point where my friends keep telling me all the time to tone it down.

[@MMAShredded]

hehe thanks man!!

[@itpugil]

@@MMAShredded if I can attain at least a fraction of your skill and talent I would be damn happy. Thank you for you content Jeff, you are an inspiration my guy.

[@MMAShredded]

@@itpugil keep it up bro you will !!!

[@mariomma24]

Thank you so much Jeff I've really been waiting for you to come out with a video like this because I think a lot of people have a one-sided perception of you. And as a fellow martial artist I don't think enough people give you enough credit for your skill level and dedication to your craft. Keep up the amazing work Jeff again I cannot wait for the day that I train with you It's going to be an honor 🙏🏼💯

[@MMAShredded]

thank you man I appreciate it :))

[@pingislife2653]

This video is definitely top shelf material, Jeff. The perspectives and insight you guys shared here is extremely valuable. Thanks!

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching man!

[@TheBiscuit501]

This video really made my day. Just super heart warming and encouraging talk between some of my favorite KZbinrs

[@MMAShredded]

:)

[@Alexei-im6dq]

These types of discussions are fun to watch u should do more of these time to time :)

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for the feedback :)

[@TheCoconutB]

Thousands of hours of training, drills, sparring, and watching footage between these two men. Loved you guys setting the ego aside and having an honest talk and allowing us to watch. Appreciate the content as always Jeff

[@MMAShredded]

thank you brother!!!

[@c2itutis]

One of the best videos you guys have. A true heart to heart.

[@MMAShredded]

thank you!!

[@petertran4480]

Thanks for being raw and honest. Appreciate it so much.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching Peter!

[@thefightphysician]

Good video man. I stopped training striking years ago (still doing judo) but I enjoy seeing your journey.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for the support!!

[@mdyzward8553]

Worried about your brain?

[@erictrcn3132]

Hey, I honestly don't watch your videos often, I just like to watch some good sparring sometimes. But this video really resonated with me, with that ego stuff etc. This new psychologic aspect that you brought in this video show your wiseness and can help other to get to this path. So thank you for this video, keep going man !

[@MMAShredded]

thanks man I appreciate it!

[@twan5555]

Jeff you are a credit to fighting, teaching and being human. I see you at Glory (I'm just an old blue belt scrub lol), and you come off as one of the most humblest dudes I've ever encountered. I fucking LOVE your stuff; yours is my favorite channel on YT. PLEASE just keep doing these videos, because there a tons of dudes like me who get inspired AF watching you. Please don't EVER stop. I am 55 and your content keeps me going. For real. Dude, last thing: PLEASE DO A BIO VID! We NEED a "This is who I am, this is where I'm from and this is what made me me." Bro: PUH-LEEEEEEZE!

[@raymondhague7762]

one of my favorite videos you've ever made. i feel like I finally know who you are in a sense and it was no surprise how genuine you are. love this man. can't wait for more

[@MMAShredded]

thank you for your support Raymond!

[@kjthreehundred8911]

I'd have a similar problem back when I did train. My partners would think I'm going hard but I would just pick my shots carefully and a lot of the times they'd run into shots which would make my punches feel a lot harder than the actually intensity I was throwing them with, then they'd get pissed and start going hard.

[@MMAShredded]

dang! thanks for sharing!

[@wagutoxD]

Such a healthy and mature conversation with great shared insights and reflections! Super cool video! Gold! Really enjoyed this one! Love this kind of exchange! PS.: I would like to see that session with Rokas you guys talked about! Hope there's a video on that!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you man im glad it was filmed by Sensei Seth so we could share it!!

[@timmydiesel]

Wholesome, loved this. Great to hear you in conversation Jeff I recently listened to your podcast from 2020 with primal MMA and appreciated your perspective in long form. Hope to see more in the future!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you Timothy :)

[@michaelmartinez3893]

I absolutely LOVED this conversation!😊

[@MMAShredded]

thank you!!

[@uktenatsila9168]

Great little get together. My dad used to call that "talking story". Where you can be relaxed and free to exchange thoughts and feelings with no stress. I love your videos. You have great control. And explain things clearly. I don't understand some of the gripes from those viewing your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@MMAShredded]

thanks so much!!!!

[@carterfisk9571]

This is a great and honest conversation that I wish more people would have when it comes to sparring.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching!

[@carterfisk9571]

@@MMAShredded Also, I agree with Mike. You are a great teacher. I've taught jiu jitsu for a long time. I understand the urge to think you have to be able to smash your students. That fades with time. Your ability to teach effectively ages much better than the body does.

[@jontruei]

A great conversation, I’m glad you guys kept it rolling!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you!!!

[@AshyLarry13403]

Been a long time viewer and fan, this was a great video with good people to have an open and honest conversation relating to something many people shy away from. Hard sparring is something that is required at certain points in a camp or training cycle to check and push your boundaries along with technical abilities in a situation where you are pressured to perform, after all many people are training to compete and no one trains to lose. The biggest take away is when you guys touched on ego, its something that you need to have to a certain extend, but also need to know how to keep in check, time and place for the hard sparring with a willing partner. Letting someone who can't control themselves goad you into a hard round is something that everyone can learn from because its the easiest way to injure yourself or someone else unnecessarily, and no one ends up looking good.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching!

[@kickyourfacification]

Jeff, I’m a bigger guy (210+lbs) who’s been in traditional martial arts most of my life and getting into MMA style gyms in my 30’s. I honestly feel like I can’t go fast without hitting some what hard. If I want to hit lightly I lose most of my speed as a result. Most say “well u just don’t have control.” I like ur explanation Jeff it makes a lot of sense. If they go 50% and I go 50% they will feel like they need to bump it up to 80%.

[@MMAShredded]

im glad you understand that and agree!! the best way to go about it is keep your hands unclenched in the glove, that way you won't actually hit. You just kiss with the pads of the glove!

[@skip741x3]

I call it "taking the Tail off" ur punches.... like jeff said , its throwing with speed, not slow motion, but when you hit the surface of ur opponent ,instead of transferring all that energy into the target, you pull it off the punch.. the end result is full speed but minimal Transfer of the kinetic energy into the other person... take practice... many people who cant do this just throw slower to minimize that energy at impact..however the result of that kind of sparring is its unrealistic as far as real speed and reaction times go...

[@hotsauce0606]

This is a REALLY good conversation. I think Mike & Jeff especially nailed how it feels to be a smaller guy in sparring and how that affects how you train, the expectations on your partners and such. I’ve honestly never thought of Jeff as someone who has a tendency to spar hard. I see him as being pretty reasonable, including having that ego of not wanting to back down. Jeff’s got a lot of control though so I don’t feel like I’d be necessarily scared to spar with him. I’m personally torn on my own ego and training because I do find myself, again as a smaller guy, having to up my intensity to be able to keep up with bigger guys who are also skilled, either at my level or even a bit below. I find this in both BJJ and MT. However, I know from my experience that the biggest periods of improvements I’ve made in my game were when I focused completely on my own game, and getting better at all costs. Which includes exactly what Mike mentioned, which is being a grown man and telling your sparring partner to go lighter (I’ve only had to do this in MT, in BJJ it’s easier to go light and let your partner spaz out if they want). I’ve started to realize that I honestly just don’t get a lot out of hard sparring unless I’m training for a competition, and it puts me more into a mindset of having to prove something rather than getting better. This is a great reminder for me to check-in with my ego again, ask myself what do I care more about - winning or learning? And will learning actually allow me to win more?

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for your support and perspective!!

[@mellonhead9568]

Beautiful conversation!!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you!

[@DanielGarcia-xx9qy]

This was a good topic,i watch all of your technical sparring,i learned alot of the moves you do.This is a very relatable and wish coaches would talk to their fighters about self control

[@MMAShredded]

thanks man!!

[@jonkofficial7597]

I felt the same way since I've started teaching back in 2016; but have nve been able to articulate it like you guys have. Sometimes i do doubt myself and skill level of teaching when i got way better guys but i always tell myself and verbally the students that we are growing together and you nve stop becoming a student.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for sharing!

[@peterk2735]

I’m an absolute amateur, so whenever I’ve had the honor of sparring real pros like yourself, I always keep it respectful. If we spar I’m fully aware that you’re bringing yourself down to my level to give me a chance to learn and I’m mindful of the fact that if I push you, you can effortlessly beat me up. I don’t think it’s ego on your part, people just need to respect the work you’ve put in. 👊

[@MMAShredded]

Peter Kuo? You give me the hardest time in sparring!!!!!

[@peterk2735]

@@MMAShredded Wish I could be someone that gives Jeff Chan a hard sparring, but no, just a lucky coincidence in the initials. I’m from Bulgaria, Eastern Europe, just a fan who’s been following your fights and channel for a long time. All the best brother 🙏

[@MMAShredded]

@@peterk2735 thank you bro!

[@benjaminmiller3075]

This is really helpful context for all his sparring videos. Excited for more

[@MMAShredded]

thanks :)

[@guillenlandburg]

Love to see this part of your journey man ! We want more fighting, but we NEED more talking about sparring and fighting! Really ! ❤ Love your content brother ! Your struggle is much appreciated

[@MMAShredded]

thanks so much man!

[@hzzlfkr]

i've been watching your videos for quite a long time and have benefitted a lot from your vids, i didn't get the impression that you are someone who spars hard or mean. The majority of what i've seen looked controlled and technical to me. :)

[@MMAShredded]

thank you for the support my man!!

[@hzzlfkr]

@@MMAShredded thank you for the great content 😁

[@colemanbrown8570]

I personally am grateful for Jeff’s channel, I’ve watched him for years and I appreciate the content he provides us. Jeff is going to the top MMA gyms around the world and his sparring partners are passionate about becoming better fighters so they should be thankful jeff is there to work with them. Most of his sparring partners are high level athletes, watch the video of him sparring in Korea or Argentina. Your speed is very deceitful and people mistake it for being to aggressive(big guys)

[@MMAShredded]

thank you Coleman, I appreciate it!!!!

[@josepioful]

I truly see how each of you guys train. Sparring is a discussion. A conversation. If your ego gets hurt that’s you.

[@JackMcCarthyWriter]

It's great to see three of my favorite MA KZbinrs just chatting and sharing opinions. I've been loving the USDC over on Rokas' channel. I love watching you work, Jeff, and how you break down your videos.

[@MMAShredded]

:))) thank you!!

[@newordermma7021]

I don't know you personally but my first impression was you're a humble and respectful individual who wouldn't take liberties on someone just for views on youtube. Of course, this was just my opinion of you. Add to that, your content is always top notch. You've been an inspiration to me and I'll be a subscriber for life.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for your support man it means a lot!

[@KaweilK]

I fucking love your mentality guys, i really feel like it's hard to find an healthy gym with the kind of relationship that you guys talk in the video, by that i mean, let's say you're a coach and your student beat you up, it sucks in a way because for you even tho you have a great fight iq that you can offer to this student, a lot of people have this "ego" where they like "oh i beat you up why would you give me any advice" but like you said ufc fighters are better than their coach but coach can see what the fighter can't see inside the cage. Love the video jeff like always, greatest mma youtuber of all fuckin time! hope one day i'll spar with you and of course gentle technical sparring haha ^^ have a good one..

[@MMAShredded]

thanks so much :) I hope more people can have these convos!!!

[@mitchg9002]

Jeff i started training again after several years off due to back and neck surgeries. Your videos have been a huge help to me. I get hit to the head far less than i used to and i feel like i am absorbing and understanding what im learning and working on way better. Also i have a huge amount of respect for the level of humility and honesty you approach everything with. You are a true martial artist and really embody the values that should be important to any practioner. Its ok to make mistakes and slip up if we are self aware and learning from it.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for the support, I appreciate you watching and glad its helped!

[@madmaxiemartialartsnerd485]

Hey Jeff, just wanted to say, I think you are a great gift to us fight nerds with your insight, and that you are always a treat to watch. Keep on doing youtube and focus on what makes you happy

[@MMAShredded]

thanks so much for the support :)

[@watkey785]

So interesting to here from your perspective. As an MMA hobbyist beginner who's pretty small, I find controlling strength vs speed so difficult, but would have assumed I could go somewhat hard against a pro and expect something a bit lighter back 😅 I guess it's my assumption I couldn't land anything and would be boring them if I didn't put up any challenge..

[@MMAShredded]

keep it up man!!

[@RyuSenninTKD]

I love this video for so many reasons. LOL Jeff casually lifting weights during it is hilarious. Also more self positivity for Seth! Us big boys are great #ChubbySuprise

[@PHIplaytesting]

Sometimes I think about, if any of these guys wanted to hurt me, which one should I be most afraid of? Jeff has a fusion reactor for a heart and could probably Little Mac KO Punch me before I could tell what was happening. But Seth's combination of sheer size AND athleticism AND skill is NOT something to take lightly.

[@RyuSenninTKD]

@@PHIplaytesting I would love to spar with Seth 😭 he needs to do another seminar

[@MMAShredded]

hahaha Sensei Seth doesn't give himself enough credit, you'll see when I release our video !

[@michaelcrutledge]

This was really helpful 💪💪💪

[@hannibalbarca2939]

Jeff, you are such a gem. Truly, you are amazing.

[@MMAShredded]

thank you for your support :)

[@coconut7719]

My respect for you grew over the years I followed you. I would have loved to see you compete more because I think your style would give a lot of guys problems. I wish you all the best with your career!

[@MMAShredded]

thanks so much!!!

[@jaYD13473]

I sparred with Jeff in TX. We went at a medium rate but went light (I usually pull my punches to the head and give lightly to the body). I’m careful initially because people sometimes mistake speed for going hard, so I’ll internally slow it down a few notches. That said, I have control and we had two rounds. Both were great. Also, he landed a head kick, he pulled it back as I caught it, but I gave him the nod to acknowledge “yeah. You got me.” And I just put his leg down. (One of my pet peeves is when sparring partners don’t acknowledge a clean hit that would have rocked or even KO’d them and they keep rushing me and hit my back harder.) And we continued. In fact, he gave me some pointers to look out for next time. Jeff was a great sparring partner even though we only got two rounds in.

[@MMAShredded]

oss bro! thank you for the comment!

[@ginopimentel5843]

I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who struggles with this haha seen so many martial arts youtubers talk about dealing with sparring partners who go too hard and just telling them to tone it down and honestly I see the need for those conversations but also it's just so hard for me in the heat of the moment when I get hit hard (especially repeatedly) to just turn it up and show that I can keep up. Thanks Mike, Jeff and Seth for your refreshing honesty around this topic. I think ego and finding the right balance is a struggle for a lot of men and fighters especially.

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching Gino!

[@bradlwykfulbright]

I HAVE LEARNED SOOOO MUCH FROM ALL OF YOU! Would love a spar sesh with Jeff, We go 20% or less(pretty sure we are same size, Im 142 pnds @ 5-11" )😅😅 I havent been beat up since junior high school, so we go easy 😅😁🙏. Again, thank you for being you!! Love ya'll

[@TaoistSwordsman]

You’re a good five inches taller than Jeff actually lol.

[@MMAShredded]

that would be a perfect pace :)

[@RamanSingh-zo5hf]

I always keep my ego in check when sparring. If I wanna go hard I verbally tell them beforehand and most of them bail out 😐 But this avoids unwanted escalation because everybody here lets their ego take control. But not me Jeff. Not me. Learned that from you Sensei. 🙏🏻

[@MMAShredded]

LOLLL :P

[@justin7375]

You’re free footwork guide started my martial arts journey I’m still learning but I believe I can be the best too never doubt your influence🤝

[@larryjrmckenzie7179]

Love this, masters of the craft coming together and sharing their experiences, legendary 💯

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching!!

[@itzbebop]

H2H - you seem like a terminator Jeff - curls biceps and flexes like Arnold

[@MMAShredded]

LOL. the convo was filmed while we were lifting in the morning. unplanned

[@pamlemm903]

You know something. As a new kickboxing student i had thought that speed came from power. My coach mistakenly thought i was always trying to hit hard. When she said to hit more softly i mentioned how i thought that would make me slower and she then was able to realize the mistake i made. She taught me a speed is about being loose not about power. And it was crazy how much faster my punches became! Lol

[@MMAShredded]

awesome!!!

[@activeevolution300]

This is EXACTLY what I was hoping for! More content with you / Icy Mike and Sensei Seth ! You three would make a great team of content creators!

[@MMAShredded]

:)))

[@10tive]

Thank you guys for sharing this really good and quality discussions among coaches/teachers/mentors of martial arts. 👍👌🙏

[@MMAShredded]

thanks for watching :)

[@iheelhookday1whitebelts22]

Jeff most people don’t even train let alone fight in the words of Floyd Sr. “Most people don’t know shit about boxing” same for all combat sports can’t even give those people the time of day people who have actually fought in a ring with people watching know wtf it is and we respect you

[@MMAShredded]

thanks brother I appreciate it!!

[@thedude3288]

Love the video content but pretty please to whoever is editing, can we please get fewer jump cuts? theres like 20 jump cuts in a single sentence. even philip defranco videos dont have this many. I know we're in the age of tiktok attention spans but I don't think people are going to lose interest in what's being said without those cuts. having them on the other hand is really distracting. 9:20 is crazy cutting out the pause between "spar" and "hard" and then "span of" and "five months". edit: 10:55 gets pretty crazy too.

[@MMAShredded]

lmaoooo I tried to make this as short as possible. the conversation was originally 45 min long

[@ben-arte8936]

You're a real one for posting this!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you!!

[@irawhitlock1084]

You’re humble and an excellent fighter. The fact that you posted this conversation is a testament to that. I think you should just keep doing things the way that feels right and natural to you.

[@MMAShredded]

thank you bro!!

[@Reflectionmaterial]

Lots of stuff seems sketchy here Jeff Chan travels to new gyms where most folks do not know him. He spars with that high paced overwhelming style that makes a lot of people escalate the intensity of the sparring. Then instead of slowing down he escalates right back and it turns into hard sparring where he and the other guy take hard hits for free. (He makes money over his YT channel so perhaps just the other guy). He no longer competes but basically admits he has a ego problem and needs to show he is the top dog in sparring and escalate back if someone hits him hard. The goal of sparring should be to learn and prepare for a match etc, not a match in itself. 2:43 In some other video he explained how he ramped it up after a sparring partner tried to spinning elbow him without elbow padding. Again, if someone breaks the sparring protocol it seems best to calm things down or talk instead of having a gym war. He also said he thinks he has to be better than his students. Which is a massive red flag for any kind of combat sports coach. Your teacher wanting to be better than you often means he (subconsciously) will hold back on teaching towards you so you will not surpass him.

[@MMAShredded]

What is sketchy about that? I totally admit I have an ego and I totally admit im working on it.

[@Kwert]

What’s sketchy about this? To me it sounds like he’s giving his perspective on how things escalate, but also admitting fault and saying he has things to work on as well. Everything you just described are things he literally admitted to doing.

[@Reflectionmaterial]

@@MMAShredded kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZi2an19hNuel8U This was three years ago yet you seem to have the exact same issues back then. You seemingly turn a stand up sparring session into an MMA match to get a submission on the guy and assert dominance. At first you guys reset after each dump or takedown. Then suddenly you continue on the ground till you get the sub. In another video you point out him trying to slam you while you are triangling him as a beach of sparring protocol, while you seemingly broke protocol first because you started grappling during a Muay Thai style sparring match. That seems ego and being annoyed at being unable to dominate the guy the way you would like to. You also point out that you feel disrespected because the guy went hard while joining YOUR striking class. I will adress later how this feeling applies similarly to the sparring partners in the gyms you visit. I am not saying you are malevolent or you or your sparring partners make a conscious decision to escalate the sparring. However the choices you repeatedly make seem to create this outcome: -you show up at a gym where you do not know the people -you bring a camera to film the sparring -you then use a fast and overwhelming style in which you seemingly try to assert dominance The folks at the gym: -that is their gym, that is where they are many times each week -those are their friends and peers that watch on as they spar this unknown guy -you are filming it, you do not just make them look bad in front of their peers and friends but might post the footage online -you are coming at them fast and hard with combinations In other words they feel threatened by you. How much communication is going on before the sparring in which you try to bond and explain your goals I do not know. You seem to say that you rarely if ever ask a guy to dial things down or stop using tactics or moves that you consider a breach of sparring protocol. Instead you seemingly try to escalate it back at them. When you get hit hard or someone lands something significant on you you seemingly try to get back at them. Seems most folks who spar at a gym are: -recreational players who do not compete -competitors using sparring to prepare for specific competitions You however are different from them because: -you film the sparring -you use your sparring footage to promote and sell your products online. As a result looking bad in your sparring would damage your brand. This creates way different incentives and situations than when you would show up at a gym and would spar without a camera with the goal of preparing for a match or just to sharpen your skills. That way your sparring partners would feel less threatened and would not worry about you clowning them on camera and posting it for the world to see.

[@Reflectionmaterial]

@@Kwert see my other comment. As an example of sparring in a way that is the opposite of how Jeff does it check out Michael Jai White sparring with MMA guys. Constant praising of his sparring partners both before and after the sparring to not make them feel threatened Puts himself a bit there in the role of a fanboy to show he is not there to assert his dominance or that he wants to humiliate them in sparring or look good at their expense Almost no contact during the sparring Constant smiling and non verbal signals that he is there to keep it playfull Against Jones he kept talking and giving feedback in between kicks and actions to check in on Jones and stop escalation. Obviously this is an extreme example of light sparring but it shows everything that is NOT present with Jeff whose sparring escalates rapidly in both of them taking blows and even some knockdowns.

[@artnos]

this is one of the interesting channels, thank you for giving us an insight on what its like to be a fighter

[@MMAShredded]

thank you :)

[@joshuawinters6591]

This is your best video yet Jeff. I just want you to know your technicality was a part of my aspiration for fighting. Though you are indifferent to fighting in the ring, you teach things I use everyday. I’m 3-2-0 muay thai now and reaching for my next win soon. Thank you for your videos.

[@MMAShredded]

Thanks for your support bro keep it up!!

[@Shinbusan]

what a great bunch of guys. I really respect you as a persons. Thank you!

[@MMAShredded]

thank you!

[@carloscolon1279]

Great video guys! Great convo and all of us should learn from this. So much wisdom and exemplification of what martial arts should be about.. honest conversations, realistic applications, and relentless refinement.

[@MMAShredded]

thank you!!!!