Beginner Tips To Improve At Sparring FAST

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

What tip helped you improve at sparring? Please comment below and help others improve.

[@aaronamour6101]

Having full rounds where I throw no offense at all and just learn to take punches has helped me immensely! I had the typical beginner problem of closing my eyes and panicking once I started to get hit during sparring so forcing myself to become better at taking offense was very helpful.

[@allenwiththeMK7.5]

One that has helped me is the double and triple jab. I also started throwing at different speeds so it's not as easy to time. Also looking at their chest rather than watching their hands or head.

[@artemat9503]

Hello, choose a defense, work on it and build beyond. I sparred today and it worked well. What i miss mostly is the timing for counter but I see you got a video about it recomended beside this one.

[@paulpelle3046]

One word: RELAX. The most helpful thing I was ever told, and a constant reminder we all give eachother in our gym. Constantly self-check during your rounds. 🙏

[@whoknows8223]

Things that helped me improve a lot: - KZbin videos (technique videos with explanation, fight breakdowns) - a lot of technical(!) sparing. No ego, try new techniques (from youtube) not only your best combos "to win the round". If they work add them to your repertoire. Since lockdown in gyms I have really started to educate myself through youtube and it is really amazing how much I have learned/improved since then...but it only worked in line with sparring with a friend where you can practise what you saw.

[@SG-MT]

One of the things that drew me to Gabriel's channel is that he is a master strategist. I noticed it when he fought and beat one of the most evasive Muay Thai fighters, Lersila. He explained how he studied, trained and prepared to beat him. I was completely impressed because that's the type of fighter I want to be. Much respect and thank you for all the tips Gabriel. 🙏

[@ORIGINOLINDIVIDUAL]

My Biggest tip for getting better at sparring is *actully show up on spar night*

[@ives3572]

Me and my brother love to spar all the time, but just light and technical

[@CJ-vj7pm]

The sparring tip that helped me was to watch my breathing because I have the habit of holding my breath. Breathe in through the 👃, out through the 👄, it enabled me to get through a three minute round without having to lay down afterwards ( I'm a little on the older side NGL 😂)

[@kadarr7953]

Thats why we exhale a bit in every strike, that not only contract our core and make hits even stronger, it actually helps in breathing.

[@CJ-vj7pm]

@@kadarr7953 yes thanks, I forgot to mention exhaling on punches & kicks, that has helped too

[@SG-MT]

I have similar issues. I am well aware of how important breathing is in boxing, sparring and fighting. However, I still catch myself forgetting to breathe properly and consistently. This is even more important because I have a deviated septum (nose), which causes breathing difficult. Still trying to make it a habit.

[@CJ-vj7pm]

@@SG-MT yeah, sometimes I find it easy to forget breathing when trying to avoid taking shots to the dome 🤕

[@marcvic_1595]

LMAO at the 'practice solo' forms motions. And the sounds of cutting the the air while striking 😂

[@kadarr7953]

Bro Gabriel you are the best, its incredible to have a world class champion like you teaching all us for free. I see your videos everyday and i learn a lot (even more from you than from my coaches hahaha). I have to improve my combos because im used to read my opponent first and then throw something based on his reactions, but i dont have my "go to" combos.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Amazing to hear. Thanks for keeping up with all the episodes.

[@bardrasmussen9550]

Tip for getting better at sparring; learn variations of your favourite combos to confound your sparring partner. I use the 1-2-roundhouse to the body SO much, but then I just switch the kick once in a while, for instance 1-2-sweep, 1-2-low kick, 1-2-hikick or 1-2-BasRutten front kick. So many times your partner will go to block the middle excpecting the roundhouse to the body while you connect cleanly somewhere else. 😉👊

[@KennethDuff-hj8ig]

I love sparring! Weather im competing or not i love to spar. It is so much fun. I have good partners i train with and that is a huge blessing

[@ivanrpribeiro5725]

Listing some combos really does help! I picked about 3 that I feel comfortable to throw every now and then on sparring. But one thing I sometimes struggle with is how hard to strike, because on the beginner level, people will just throw random counters if you go to light

[@thehighcommunity247]

Thanks for these video man. I have come so far in 9-10 months of sparring, so I can only imagine how much more I will grow. I remember watching these before I ever stepped foot in my gym.

[@alexkickboxingadcock8550]

Hi been training in kickboxing for 16 years and have improved massively since watching your videos so I wanted to take time to say thank you

[@GoldShortsBoots]

What tip helped me improve at sparring? Throwing feints and varieties of combinations so your opponent doesn't know what could be coming. Practicing these combinations through shadowboxing/heavy bag drills, before trying them out in sparring, helped me a lot. Thank you for the defense tip! I'll be sure to incorporate it next time I spar.

[@CJ-vj7pm]

Question for Gabriel: how do I know when to make the transition from blocking/parrying/shelling ↪️ slipping & head movement? Is it best to start with the former to get a read on the opponent & then get to slipping? Thanks

[@josemeneses5173]

I think so get their timing down first

[@MrStimpson38]

It really depends on what you feel most comfortable with. Head movement should always be part of your game plan, but slipping is something that takes you having a good read on your opponent. Are they always leading with the jab? After getting a read by shelling up, maybe you do want to slip and counter, but ultimately it comes down to your comfort level and how well you're reading your opponent.

[@SonOftheBattleCry]

Just have someone throw combos at you and you practice blocking them than parrying then slipping

[@CJ-vj7pm]

@@SonOftheBattleCry 🙏

[@CJ-vj7pm]

@@MrStimpson38 🙏

[@nvanguy6868]

I think i worry to much about being countered and im looking to counter, so the opportunity passes me by , thinking and worrying to much, im trying to just let my combos go

[@LucrativePerson]

Thanks I’ll give it a shot tonight

[@scottloughton5107]

Really great advice Gabriel!!

[@whoknows8223]

Gabriel can you please do a technique video on your "No setup, step-in liverhook" which you also landed before the TKO in your MMA debut? How are you not getting countered while leading with a body hook? Tips to land it, like you? Please explain the timing on footwork and the liverhook thrown. I tried to rewatch it in slowmo and do same in shadowboxing...can't get it down. Greetings from Germany 🙏

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

For sure. I'd be glad to share insights on that.

[@whoknows8223]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial thank you looking forward. For someone who learned to first step to the side and then throw the liverhook it's difficult to break this habit.

[@شاهينبوستة]

Thank you Mr. Gabriel

[@arkapravakargupta5189]

Omg this video answer a lot of question

[@andreassyvertsson2667]

I needed to hear this. Thx.

[@vindicator75]

Haven't sparred in a while. Looking to get back into it

[@hunterlogan2913]

Good stuff. Good stuff... basic but a great outline of for an even greater game plan and then results! thanks

[@LionBsl20]

As always, major keys from you

[@acemuaythai8098]

For me finding what style I have has always been something I struggle to know I feel like I have a lot of different techniques to be offensive or to fake out my opponent I just don't know which to use everytime I think I figured out what I like I remember something else and I'm not sure how to fit into my style

[@naixnas7555]

Lmao, about to have a session today, love your videos

[@kadarr7953]

Good luck bro ! Learn a lot !

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Rock it!

[@thehighcommunity247]

Have a blast man. 🤙

[@rolandotillit2867]

How do you improve your awareness? You have a limited attention span, and your concentration is limited. If you have to think about things other than what you're doing, you're going to devote brain power to those things. We are poor multi-taskers, alternately, we are good at parallel processing one specific thing. So if you have to think about what move you're going to use, then you're using up brain power that could be used for judging the perfect timing or distance. The point is, like your video says, you have to have a go-to combo that has a high efficiency rate for you, that way you don't have to think about doing it and can focus on other things. Basically training and experience builds up a memory that you can build on top of, you have that foundation set so you can start focusing on other aspects of the fight more clearly. You have to focus on the fight itself, where the opponent is and where you can deliver that strike, and not worry about the strike itself. That's why you train, that's why you build your cardio, your strength, so that none of that gets in the way while you're fighting, you don't have to multi-task, you can just parallel process the fight itself.

[@marcosofyanbiz]

So true

[@mahdihasnaoui2831]

amazing 🤩

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Thanks 🤗

[@goronsaki2174]

Gabe I got invited to a muay thai gym and I'm nervous. I get really sweaty and I'm very self conscious about it. What can I do to control my sweat especially in this heat???

[@benlugo2804]

Embrace it. It shows how hard your working. I use it know to tell how class went for me. You can’t control it I’m a disgusting sweater as well lol

[@michaelhighnote7139]

I leave muay thai with my shirt totally soaked in sweat. It's inevitable and no one cares. You won't regret joining, just do it!!!

[@Demonstormlord]

It's Muay Thai. Literally no one cares that you are sweaty, because one, they are too, and two, it's inevitable and frankly, expected. So relax, you'll be fine. I hope you enjoy Muay Thai, it's really fun!

[@whoknows8223]

Maybe you have a friend who would like to accompany you on your first training, so you don't feel so nervous? But sweat is completely normal in any sport. In summer my shirt was completely soaking wet.

[@Adrian_Real]

Don't worry about it dude. I sweat like a monster, it turned into a joke, all good. Now I say it's my secret weapon during grappling.

[@Beast_editz-yk8qq]

When i throw a combination i get countered right away before i get to throw my combo. Tips?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Fake before your combo Could be telegraphing your entry (loading up on attack or starting from too far away)

[@whoknows8223]

I totally feel you. This video gave me an insight about this. It's about changing the rhythm (of throwing). kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIWkp6eHmM6sfdk Like for example lets take the 1,2 (jab, cross). Usually what you do is throw your jab with lead hand...once its completely out you start retract and simultaneously as you start to retract you start throwing out that cross, right? So its one, two BUT what you can also do is throw a (throwaway) jab and as you completely reach out the cross is already halfway out. So you throw it on a halfbeat like explained in the video. Onetwo It might be not the most powerful, but it's way faster and therefore harder to be countered and you will notice you will lamd your cross way often. Good way to practise it is to go on the heavybag and say "onetwo" as you hit. It should not sound like "one....two..." Or also not like "one,two....three" If the pause between the punches is too long you will more likely get countered. And of course fakes as Gabriel mentioned🙏

[@edgarjryo7071]

Yo could you make a video on how to keep shoudlers relaxed? I have a tendency of keeping my shoulders too tight. What cues or mindset do you use to keep shoulders relaxed? Thanks

[@nvanguy6868]

Whats the best way to block the strait left from a southpaw, i got one bastard in my gym who goes hard and keeps nailing me with this

[@FM-dm8xj]

When i spar and use my guard to block punches i still feel hard impact even tho im blocking-is this something u just get used to?i do close my eyes often thogh too

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Try clinching your neck and jaw. Actually you need a fair amount of muscle tension through much of the body for that style of defense. But you have to be able to relax quickly to get counters off.

[@kadarr7953]

He have a video about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/g16uaJ-ZfLqLgZY I hope it helps. And about the guard, yeah its normal to still feel the impact if you have a really thight guard, its not the best for your brain. In a fight its okay because you are not getting hit but i think you have to learn some distance defense, know when to use a long guard and when to use a thight one. Parry and dodge is also very important.

[@FM-dm8xj]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial thank you boss! good luck on KC fight, rooting for the win.

[@Nergal123]

I had this problem but i started utilizing a sort of modified guard where i stacked both my forearms so they blocked one side and shifted my hesd behind that block while also shifting my neck and weight towards my rear foot. Gives a stable base and their will be a gap between your forearms and your head so you won’t feel impact on your face when absorbing punches. It does leave one side of the guard open to left hooks though so. For me this isn’t a problem i just invite them to throw the left hook so i can counter it but it is something worth noting. Hard to put this block into words but in general try shifting your head away from your block, but keep your eyes on your target still and and don’t off balance yourself by putting your head past your rear foot. By keeping your head unattached from your block and your weight shifted towards your rear foot you’ll be quite balanced and sturdy to absorb punches and your head won’t feel the impact from your guard.

[@whoknows8223]

In my humble opinion shelling up is not the best option to defend yourself. Staying stationary makes you an easy target. For example if someone shells up I will attack his legs. Or I will clinch pull down the head and throw knees...my point is you are still vulnerable despite the guard. I like these defensive alternatives instead: Do the long guard. Post the lead hand on the forehead of your opponent while angeling out the left. Especially effective against smaller guys. Most aggressive guys "rush" in in a straight line and will have to rearange once you're angled out. Waaay better than going straight backwards (they will catch up on you as going forward is always faster than you going backwards). Another similiar option is throwing (lead) check hooks while angeling out, if someone attacks you. You can watch videos on "check hook". A good counter to a punch is throwing a lowkick when someone punches. Look here (your kicks have higher range than a jab from your oppponent...leaning a bit back while throwing a hard lowkick works great, disbalancing opponent and breaking their posture and mostly stopping their combo). Watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3mwiaatrpebf5I Also teeps are amazing to stop offense from your opponent. But not only to the body but I have huge success teeping the front leg (see Jon Jones for reference). Shelling up is not my go-to option for defense...it's rather a last resort. Think about it this way...if your opponent does not have to be afraid of counter shots, he will not have respect to attack you and swarm you way often. Often (defensive) offense is the best defense.

[@blockeduser9441]

Sparring footage plus breakdown ?

[@CHAMP-pz2ow]

Please make video for superlek kiatmoo9

[@ArthurJohann]

Why I can’t find the Gabriel vs Faustino fight? Does anyone know where I can watch it?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I have it. I'll try to get it posted.

[@jjun2891]

I understand point 1 and 2 but I'm a bit more unsure about point 3. Do you mean we have a more natural style for defense and we should stick with that in the beginning? Or do you mean we slowly figure out what defense that works best during sparing? I can't really figure out any good defence so I struggle a bit with this.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Find your preferred defense method. Example. I like the turtle shell. I focused on that initially and then started to work on head movement once I got more advanced.

[@milumber]

Hey Gabriel, really enjoying the channel, I have been training kickboxing for many years, recently I have moved gyms and begun training MMA, I have an upcoming tournament (novice event) and the ruleset stipulates no headshots (either standing or or the ground) as well as strictly no knee's and no elbows,) As someone who is predominantly a striker I feel this ruleset favours the wrestlers, do you have any thoughts on adapting to this ruleset as a striker? I'm leaning towards allot of front kicks , leg kicks, and trying to step in with a left hook to go liver hunting. But would love to hear your thoughts on this

[@CHAMP-pz2ow]

Please make video for superlek kiatmoo9💥

[@jjun2891]

By the way Gabriel, a question for your next Q&A: what's your advice to swoon a girl? 😆

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Haha. Not my forté my friend. One day I'll get my wife on the channel to talk about the best way to approach girls.

[@ickypicky5993]

I cant believe your content is free. Feels illegal to watch.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

🙏🙏🙏