The TRUTH About Sparring BIGGER Opponents

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

The main point of this episode (aside from some tactics as the shorter fighter) is don't get discouraged if you're struggling against someone taller and heavier. Very simply it's not a fair fight. You MUST rely on superior skills.

[@cassiuslives4807]

you need double the skill points per cm of reach and per cm of height the opponent has on you... as well as experience fighting taller and tougher enemies. I remember bouncing off the biceps of a particularly muscular opponent who was being "gentle" to me (he was trying to use technique, not strength, but his latent strength shone through), and I'm not particularly small myself. It required me to be much sharper with my leverage to affect his core.

[@maniblondelly]

My video froze at 'don't take a moment' while I wasn't looking at the screen and I thought Gabriel was trolling me

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Haha. That would have been good

[@denysholovatyi3149]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial do it next time :)

[@maniblondelly]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial thanks for your amazing content! I have a question, I've trained martial arts on and off all my life (mostly on these last few years), but don't really have much intention to compete at 32, having only done friendly interclub fights in various disciplines (judo when I was younger, kickboxing, muay Thai more recently). I love teaching more, and have taught community classes at various places. Everyone tells me I'm a great teacher, but I don't feel like I'm a good enough fighter with enough experience. What do you is am appropriate level for teaching mostly beginners? Given Im always honest about my experience and always try to be open about lesser expertise.

[@denisalexa4435]

​​@@maniblondellyIn my opinion, you don't need much experience to be a good coach, especially for beginners. If you know how it feels to get hit hard, how hard it can be to continue to fight even when you are losing and understand fighting in general, I think it's enough. I'm not a fighter tho, so I may be very wrong.

[@InjuredLionBoxing]

This guide was very needed and very appreciated. I'm a girl who fights at 50kg and the guys in my gym are as large as 120kg! We spar with everyone in my gym and I often struggle to find ways to land and get inside, so this will really help!.

[@nave94]

This is creepy. Last week at kickboxing I couldn’t get in range of a taller opponent without taking push kicks to the stomach. Now 2 hours before my kickboxing class you drop this. Thank you 😂

[@paulpelle3046]

Feints are definitely our friend too. 💯 The Thai hop is a fantastic tool for closing range (almost identical to the slide in this video), plus I absolutely love using a faked superman, or even a pulled jumping scissor kick...they almost always seem to shock sparring partners for a split-second...giving time to follow up with something 🙏

[@RomaYT999]

I am the shortest in the gym, oh gosh it so hard to close that distance. I found out that amgles works well. But if the taller opponents equally skilled its a waste of me time.

[@smokeclouds8]

Literally sparring tomorrow for the first time against taller heavier opponents! this video was dropped with perfect timing. Wouldn't expect less from Mr. Varga!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Perfect. Judging from the comments it was a bit too late for many others.

[@Gewoon_Henk_Man]

I always remember IcyMike mentioning doing extra strength training in preparation for one of his Streetbeefs fights against a much bigger guy. So his opponent would feel he's fighting another grown man. Especially in rulesets that allow clinching it's never a weakness to be strong. Being strong(er) isn't necessary, but it may slow your opponent down or make the clinch less of a safe space for them.

[@edwardanderson1053]

As a shorter but often stronger and with better cardio fighter I find feints very useful in getting larger fighters to gas out. Every missed punch is tiring, Also for those 3 inch and 1 inch punch fans being able to punch full power over a short distance is very powerful on the inside as well as oblique angle kicks delivered while throwing a punch combo. Thanks.

[@pingislife2653]

6:15 The advancing while keeping your head of the centerline was so graceful I watched that sequence a dozen times. I normally walk around at 62kg, so this video is very pertinent to me. Thanks!

[@chadwithautism]

Lateral movement to make them always adjust to you. Then find a way to break rhythm with your counters (preferably straight shots if the fight is still early) and when they readjust thereafter find the openings and start being authoritative with your jab. I find that guys a lot bigger than you mostly don't have the same mobility. Timing is imperative. If you can develop your speed with that then you can really become a problem.

[@lucasimo123]

Best online coach for muai thai/striking I've ever found. Keep these coming, PLEASE!

[@jcmoral1978]

As one of the smallest guys in the gym Fact 2 is so important when there is a very large size/weight difference. Once both partners recognise that dominating by brute force is easy and boring they can focus on other things and sparring becomes more interesting.

[@bartburg2112]

You are an amazing teacher, focussing on many of the areas not often teached. Very nice!

[@jeffs3119]

Thanks for being truly honest about the size difference. Size and skills matter, you have to get good and the margin for error is smaller. As a shorter person I agree defense and technique are key. You’ll have to learn and be better at more techniques than those taller than you. Volk is a good example so is DJ.

[@np494609]

Gabe you have some of the best instructionals I've seen. As a shorter stalkier figure to really appreciate these tactics

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Glad you like them and I'm happy to hear you think they are delivering high level instruction. Right now by myself I feel like I'm working at 50% capacity. Once I get my studio completed and have people to film with I'm going to blow everyone's minds with the content quality.

[@ajshiro3957]

One thing I've noticed that is a big thing with sparring smaller opponents, being the bigger opponent, is that they sometimes don't realize the advantages the taller opponent has as far as kicks and knees go. I hear a lot of times, because their shorter, they can get to the legs easily, but at the same time, I can reach your head easier with my kicks.

[@justinAclark2075]

Even though I practice stuff that's incredibly different from you, I have never been able to rationalize unsubscribing to your channel. You're very thoughtful in all areas of combat and practice, and I keep clicking because there's so much valid, quality content coming consistently through. Stay golden

[@rosemont5339]

One more thing I would add: if you are a smaller fighter and going against someone bigger and stronger, don't throw with abandon assuming they can take it or will ignore it. Your strikes will still hurt and if the big guy thinks you are going a 100% and starts to get annoyed he might start throwing hard strikes too.

[@danielquest8644]

Amazing video! As a 6’5” 280+ man, this is very helpful! Definitely makes me a better coach! Well done!

[@Pettski95]

Great video. As a 6ft3 person thats 260lbs, my sparring partners much shorter and lighter, sometimes half my weight. What i do to compensate for me and them, is that i welcome infighting, so we can spar properly. This is the times i dont abuse my reach or height advantage, instead i turn into a infight sometimes, which gives them an advantage, thus giving me a even better advantage since i learn so much from it. I do feel like with the hunched muay thai stance that height difference can be compensated abit since you can adapt how much you "hunch" lol. Tbh whats helped me alot is that i just treat all punches that come at me as KO punches no matter if ur 100lbs or 300lbs, compensates abit atleast for not having partners my size. Also they can sometimes have more fun since i tell them they can go 100% on body but we keep it light on the head, conditioning for me yey

[@gadimeydav8883]

As a very short fighter my favorite thing is to land high kicks against tall opponents, it always shocks them

[@genises200]

Theres a dudebat my gym whos super good. Hes like 6'8 dudes jab is nasty and so hard to do infighting. Distance control is great

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

That sounds rough. I would probably use palm catching off my lead arm to block that long jab.

[@genises200]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial definitely will try! Amazing guy too!

[@probablytachi8875]

Knee stomps and calf kicks are your best friends. Also leading with kicks

[@Effortis]

Very excited for the defense course ! Godspeed in your recovery and road to the Karate Combat/ONEfc Belts!

[@urban1562]

I'd like to see sparring footage from you. Maybe you commenting over it, think it would be quite informative seeing exactly what youre saying put into practise

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I have a guy who fights for ONE in town. He's 6'7" I was thinking of asking him if he would spar with me

[@urban1562]

@GabrielVargaOfficial yeah that would be great for showing these techniques. I'm on the taller side as well so I can learn to respond to these lol

[@Iychoenk]

I'm just 5'6 Hope this motivate me

[@Kuroiraven]

Rookie numbers, try 5'3

[@chrispariso1040]

Great tips as always! Just last night I had my first full gear sparring match in about ~15 years, and it was against someone with maybe 6" and 35lbs on me (not to mention, I didn't know I was going to be sparring when I when in...). Felt great to be sparring again and I did alright, but man this video would have been great to see a day or two ago, especially for the recommended entry!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Better late than never I guess 😀 Next time these tips will help though. Have fun with all future sparring sessions. They are fun

[@chrispariso1040]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial Most certainly! Sparring is every Friday where I train, so I have a week of drilling before my next round with them. I've trained off and on most of my life, and am just now getting back into more serious training. Your videos have certainly helped me knock the rust off and get back into things, so thank you for that!

[@spiritualtaurus7942]

I found in my kick boxing and Muay Thai training, to get inside and throw combos, be aware of their reach. This is just from my experience. Also being smaller you should have advantage of speed and yes, stay of the centre.💪

[@marcolechuga5292]

that part about beign faster because you're smaller is a falacy. it doesnt work that way.

[@jonathanplummer129]

​@@marcolechuga5292it's not always the case but it usually is...watch two fights in any combat sport..one heavyweight and one of lighter weights....it's almost always the case that lighter weights are smaller and more explosive and the heavier weights are slower and more powerful.....there's obviously exceptions but I'd say it's true most of the time

[@RV-jq5pb]

Awesome Gabe.Vacouverite here and wouldnt mind having a coffee with you sometime

[@sabageimsyt6192]

Thank you i needed this

[@swenic]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You're a pro and shouldn't need to defend your opinion..

[@Thesavagesouls]

Nothing hit as hard as a reality check.

[@ZenfulCombat]

When you’re the tall guy in the thumbnail 😈 😂 💯 👊🏻

[@wuhaowen1471]

Switch gap closing is a great technique

[@YT-algorithm-is-strange]

Gabriel's getting pretty big 💪

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

🙏 weights 2x per week

[@chrissyhaidar2792]

I'm a 5'4" female- usually spar w a few friends 1 being my teacher who is 5'11" 180lb man who has way more skills than I do....he usually will throw or kick from a distance where it's hard for me to counter or if I do get in close I get hit! Hard! But i have gotten better at catching his kicks! Thanks for the advice - next time I'm gonna see if I can lite him up a little more!

[@Pedrosamigo2]

Awesome Gabriel! Come to Hungary and make a workshop in our club for us!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

That would be amazing. I've only been there once and I'm part Hungarian. You can always pass my email onto your coach and we can discuss making something happen. [e-mail]

[@진서-k5p]

I think height is the thing that matters the least of all physical disadvantages. Weight and reach disadvantage is much more difficult to deal with.

[@yangmf49]

Watching this to know what to do against smaller opponents

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Donkey kong smash them 😂

[@alexanderokak5112]

Thank you for this video. I feel very blessed that you are uploading these videos, I learn a lot.

[@Ray01360]

Just to add something for those struggling. Work your tight defense and start working jab + kick combos. Use your longer weapons to match their arm length.

[@theboynurse]

Am I the only one that every time Gabriel says "combo" flashes back to Happy Gilmore's subway commercial?

[@russabbott80]

Looking forward to that course!

[@Harryspeople]

I definitely needed this, im 110kg and 5'10 and 2 sessions into sparring

[@blackhoodie4170]

"and, basically, whipe the floor with them" gabriel 🤣 incredibly scary dude

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

😂😇🙏

[@AlexN2022]

I find that for a shorter guy who gets wrapped up at close range, throwing knees to thighs is an underrated weapon. They do good damage and you can still throw them with somebody's weight on you and not get dumped for it.

[@joshreynolds9295]

Thank you,I will be sharing this with my nephews

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Oracle_insight]

Since it’s hard to reach tall guys; I make them think I want to box them and then fake a punch to land a leg kick. After a few leg kicks I fake the kick and jab or get inside and throw some boxing combos and exit quick like you said,

[@GN.89]

great video this is gold for me. if I can afford being a short fighter (1,68) I would have another system. I work a lot with low kick on the opponent's front leg, and I respond to his punches using low kick counters always on the same leg, as Liam Harrison usually does...Only on his roundhouse kicks/low kicks I respond with boxing coming forward in a more aggressive way. I think it could be a good tactic to strike while remaining quite safe. what do you think? I'm not a pro but I've been practicing K1 for 13 years. I'm Italian so I apologize if my English is not so good.

[@nightwalker6932]

Muay mat 🔥

[@stanostv]

Please make one for taller fighters

[@anthonyventura8465]

I’m 5’2” As long as I aim to approach the fight using my speed, and endurance advantages, and I don’t get greedy, I usually do very well against taller fighters.

[@MobaCry]

Very interesting and helpful ... 👍

[@AlexN2022]

Re: truth #2, this is a fair point if we're talking competition. But most guys and girls at a KB gym aren't competing, they're there for fun and *self-defense*. So from a shorter guy pov, when the bigger guy does the "jerk" thing, it's actually an honest and useful thing to do. That's how it's going to go in reality. Either finding a solution or at least recognizing that reality is a good thing.

[@nouralbirtani8081]

Hi Gabriel there's soo many videos on how to fight taller bigger guys on KZbin but I haven't come across a how to fight a smaller stocky guy. can you please make one. Thanks.

[@JehuMartin]

Looking forward to the defensive course!

[@remyhavoc4463]

When Gabriel of all people is talking about sparring bigger people, I know it's gonna be good because he will be the bigger person if we spar 😂

[@adamwalker5861]

Im 6_4 and some people shorter are difficult to deal with when ground fighting and finding spaces to pick at. But the leverage and reach advantage i have helped. I guess theres good and bad with being big or short. Its if used correctly that matters.

[@young420show2]

Love this I’m 5’6”

[@_Alfa_Channel]

thank you so much!

[@XxaltedDez]

i’m 6’7 180, people my height have at least 50 pounds on me. it’s tough but they’re significantly slower

[@thomasfahey8314]

Looking forward to the defense course!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Please get rigestered for the course here. It's a waitlist so I can email you when it's ready. Defense Course Waitlist!!! vargacombat.com/

[@calisthenicsform1917]

Pls after defense video do one video about all counter punches

[@nocaption5562]

Closing the distance agains't a 2m gorilla feels like a game of whack a mole but instead of a hammer it's a freight train that hits your mole

[@bigheadrhino]

I think there also needs to be some etiquette for smaller fighters, a lot of times a smaller fighter feels like they should just go all out. The problem as the bigger fighter is that I can’t use proper technique at the same speed without hurting the smaller opponent. I either have to compromise speed or technique. I can defend at speed but I can’t counter or attack at speed. Because it’s not necessarily that the smaller fighter is faster it’s just that the bigger fighter can’t fight at the same speed without being a total dick because moving mass at speed = power. It’s probably really tempting to use the speed advantage against a bigger opponent but that’s just treating them as a punching bag because they aren’t allowed to fight back at the same speed so please slow down against bigger sparring partners lol.

[@simonyu8838]

My theory at least at my gym is that a lot of our newer students don't know how to both go light and ensure both people have a chance to practice as opposed to treating it like a fight so the shorter and lighter people start getting frustrated and start to lose their cool. Just a vibe I get from a few of the smaller people I practice with, a few of whom are friends outside of the gym too.

[@peezieforestem5078]

The kid analogy is very nice. Given a small skill gap, there's not much you can do as a smaller fighter, which is why weight classes exist in competition. Superior reach and mass are advantageous. My tips are the following: 1) Being shorter doesn't automatically mean having less mass. If you're shorter fighter, one thing you can do is bulk up so that you have the mass advantage, and get on the inside. 2) If you're smaller in mass, but have longer reach, aim to stay on the outside. 3) If you're smaller in both reach and mass, then the only advantage you have is cardio - you have to have an infinite gas tank and constantly bait & pressure your larger opponent. That could give you an edge if your skill is also superior.

[@rileynoble8013]

As a big skinny heavy weight could we get a video on shorter stronger guys

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Got an episode for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqKuq4N4fLekqNU

[@gallaxseizor9216]

Itsa all fun and games until the bigger fighter Spars Mike Tyson

[@bobbob3458]

Speaking as someone lanky for their weightclass, nothing instills the motivation for roadwork more than having a pissed off dwarf get inside your guard when you're too gassed to make a clean exit. Especially if they're extra pissed from getting repeatedly jabbed/teeped while trying to find a way in. Short dudes with chin and cardio are scary when they know what they're doing.

[@ElDrHouse2010]

reminds me of the "im sure to win because my speed is superior" meme lol. There is some size differences that some wont ever overcome lets be real. Cejudo cannot take on Brock Lesnar, its just impossible.

[@magharninja1811]

Im 5'4 , 65 kg , most of the time undersize , but i do hard hard condition trainings to make sure they dont heart me

[@ulises6442]

hey is it just me or low kicks from smaller people have more of a sting? like bigger guys will send u flying but not really painful, but that smaller surface area ratio really digs into ya

[@niichama5759]

Hey, Gabriel! Was wondering your take on the whole Bradley Martyn situation and how some bodybuilders (with no fight experience) believe that they can handily defeat any professional striker (with no grappling experience) who weighs 50-100 lbs lighter than them. Not saying the bodybuilder can't win (always a chance with the variables) but moreso on the fact that it would be too easy for them to win

[@thomasarmstrong3917]

Hey Gabe will your defensive course cover long guard and small gloves? Will be super keen if that is the case, I'm trying not to rely on Dutch guard in kickboxing as I want to transition to mma. But if not don't let my one comment discourage you, you're a legend ✌️

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Absolutely going to cover that. It's going to be a FULL defensive course.

[@thomasarmstrong3917]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial Legend!! Can't wait

[@maverickcop]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial Where can we find out more about you hosting a training camp?I think it’s a fantastic idea, you’d do a good job of it. Would be a friendly fun experience. I would love to see a video with your ideas for it!

[@sociallypatterneddefect9580]

Story of my life I'm like shorter than icy mike 🥶🥶

[@adhdmed]

If fighting on the inside with a taller fighter, you must be very cautious of his knees and elbows

[@2PJRR]

I'd rather spar with people taller so it's a better learning experience but I'm the 2nd tallest in the gym bruh

[@MbisonBalrog]

Can you do a vid about shoulder/hip width and how it affects fighters? I think it is an under appreciated physical aspect. I have wide body, but short arms like Henry Cavill. Because of this I have a longer pivot, and I have to pivot more to reach compared to fighter with longer arms.

[@ciao9497]

I get lit up most times because there are people like 2-4 inches or 5-10 cm with 10kgs on me and its been tought because they also have more experience

[@funwithmadness]

Yep... This is me. The lightest, weakest person in the gym trying to spar with guys who outweigh me by 30-50 even 70 pounds. It sucks. It really makes you not want to bother. You don't really learn anything when you're just getting knocked across the floor like a rag doll. Oh... And you're constantly at risk of a serious injury even when they are going light.

[@RealRonniePickering]

I'm not a pro fighter or anything. But as the shorter fighter I've noticed using the hip feints that became popular from Israel adesanya has helped me keep my distance.

[@andrewtate8595]

Mike Tyson was smaller in height than his opponent

[@PazCristo]

About size and fighting ability, even Gabe Garcia fell victim to domestic violence, saddly.

[@cherryb0ng]

Hi Gabriel. I sometimes spar vs a 5,2 girl. But I'm way bigger and taller. I'm not very skilled though so is it so bad if I keep a distance or should I do some lighter in fighting?

[@kanyekubrick5391]

Volkanovski: not my problem 🗿 Thanks for this video. I’m 5 ft 7 and almost everyone at my gym is taller

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Apparently Volk has surprisingly long arms

[@madnomad2246]

Volk is a crazy speciman, very good reach for his height, speed, insanly strong, fight IQ. He is going down as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

[@jaspersheridan1710]

I don’t want tall dudes taking it easy on me, that’s not how I’m gonna learn

[@outerlast]

Gabe, some of us males are already over 30s and still undersized. LoL

[@AlexN2022]

Any pointers for getting in on a tall and big opponent, who keeps his long hands low and wide, funneling me in on the center line, and then just hunts my head with hooks as I come in? It's a long way in, so he has the time to target even as I move my head off the line.

[@N_M948]

Gabriel I commented on your previous videos about this question, but im a beginner in both Muay Thai and wrestling is training each sport 4x a week so 8 sessions a week ,want to compete in January/March time so far I’ve trained in both sport for 10 month (going in my 11th) do you think that’s i enough training or too little I’m still a beginner in both sports, I still have a bit of trouble getting used to Muay Thai because I’m transitioning from boxing ( I did boxing for 5 years from 13 no years old to 18 and I’m now 19) I flinch a lot when kicks and knees come at me, and with grappling I’m completely new.

[@sangsanprohmvitak3922]

If you're 170cm are you tall or short for a fighter? What tactics do you use at such height?

[@NNamesis]

Hi Gabriel. Greetings from Malaysia. I'm 49 yrs old and just got into Muay Thai and Boxing a month ago, for health wise.The thing is the coach and a student will always spar hard and beat the living shit out of me. If I stop, there goes hundreds of my hard earned money cause I had to pay a lump sum. What should I do? I don't intend to get brain concussion especially at this age. Godbless brother

[@doug2bitemore]

Your brain health is worth more than what you paid, if they cant tone down the intensity workout on your own until youre ready to try a different gym.

[@leoleoleo8829]

Why don't you ask the coach for do sumthing else than sparring? It will help you to not having brain damaged.

[@NNamesis]

@@doug2bitemore the coach doesn't tone down. I understand, money is not worth than brain health. But I can't afford to waste the money I've spent and let them easily take it away. But I can skip the sparring class and just do mitts and pads. Thank you bro. And I guess I'll try to look for another gym too

[@NNamesis]

@@leoleoleo8829 I can skip the sparring session and just do mitts and pad work. That's the only thing I could do. Btw, thanks for the advise bro

[@jayw8306]

This could of come out last week I just lost my first k1 fight at the weekend against a guy that was 6,1 and me being 5,5 I just couldn't get in and stay close to him

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Bummer. That is a massive height difference. Did you guys weigh-in at the same weight?

[@jayw8306]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial I weighed in at 58.5 he weighed in at 59.4 I normally walk around at 57 and he said his normal weight is 66. To be fair he was a very good fighter and I think he would of beat me even without the difference in hight but that really gave him the edge. it was a good learning experience and I can't wait for the next fight 🥊(thanks for the content I think I take something away from every episode) 🙏

[@RV-jq5pb]

What would your strategy be against someone like Semmy Schilt?

[@FJason]

Wilhelm jetzt gleich

[@milamotik3236]

How exactly do you choose your weight class?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Find the weight class about 10lbs below your walk around weight is a good start

[@travist2339]

What’s going on with your feet in this video?

[@jerm2614]

if youre a short fighter, wrestle

[@wjjwTheDemigod]

What about someone like Regian Eersel who is not only tall but has a whooping 77 inch reach. How do I, 5'7 65 inch reach, stand a chance to someone like that? *Note- I'm not fighting him, I am just saying.

[@YouEnlightened]

Footwork, in and out, pick his jab, use your jab, feint. Honestly if you’re slower and have mediocre power, there’s not much you could do you’ll get outlanded 3 to 1.

[@hamuss204]

what is your height?

[@JonathanccTCG]

gabriel what happened to your feet are they ok lol

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I just breathe shallow. They don't always get the blood flow necessary to avoid going purple.

[@JonathanccTCG]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial I see haha thanks for the tip btw I'm usually the shorter fighter in a fight

[@ydjbdhjeje7272]

Gabriel will you come to Germany one day?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Might be coming in May but for a bachelor party. Perhaps I can get some seminars arranged as well.