I tried Sparring Shane Fazen from

Huge shoutout and thanks to ‪@fighttips‬ ‪@GabrielVargaOfficial‬ ‪@SenseiSeth‬ and ‪@hard2hurt‬ for the rounds. This was an awesome time and I feel like I improved as a martial artist. Lemme know what you all think!
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Metrolina Martial Arts
350 McGill Ave NW, Suite 2, Concord, NC 28025
Concord, NC 28025
Outro: Legend of Korra Ending Remix by Dj Cutman / djcutman
2:05 vs Shane Fazen
4:53 vs Sensei Seth
8:05 vs Gabriel Varga
12:20 vs Icy Mike

[@damanOts]

Gabriel looks like he completed the main quest and now he is wrapping up all the side quests he missed

[@metrolinamartialarts]

That's a great analogy lol

[@hard2hurt]

Omfg hahaha

[@markboorman9583]

😂😂😂

[@MJRLHobbyStuff]

Hahaha. He’s grinding levels before heading into the end game haha

[@vincentmccloud9598]

That is the best description I have ever heard haha

[@KevinLeeVlog]

I got distracted by my own self in the background. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Lol you're definitely having a ball back there 😅🤣

[@mallamuaythaichaiya]

I have to watch this video twice because of kevin & Gabriel too 🤣

[@fighttips]

Pleasure was all mine, sir! Thank you for your great control 👍👍

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thank you sir!! 🤜💥🤛

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Fun round Ed! The end was great 😜 I'm looking forward to seeing how much you've improved the next time we can get rounds in.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Me too!! I had a great time!!

[@mattiasniska7199]

Nothing like watching a world champion murder a smaller man. Good content!

[@SenseiSeth]

Fun round as always sir!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thank you brother for all the work!!

[@kevinlobos5519]

That little bit of Bruce Lee's impression at 13:49 made me laugh. There's a reason why everybody loves sparring and wants to always spar. When done right it's one of the most amazing things you can do with another person. When there's respect, control, good vibes and no ego involved, you are having fun yet at the same time learning and improving on how to friggint beat up/kill somebody else. It's such a unique and beautiful state of being that it's no wonder why most martial artists would love to do it all the time if they could.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks for watching!!

[@senoreldughez4277]

I love how you are talking all of these guys up, and you add the "But anyway, back to ME, cause this is MY channel" got the thumbs up from me =9 I do appreciate how you show the raw footage of your sparring. Does not do anyone favours when people edit and show "highlights" of their training. And yes, all of these Gents are beasts, and respect to you for taking the hits to share the videos. Thanks again!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks for watching!@

[@CombatSelfDefense]

You have a really good fight commentator voice

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks man! I really appreciate that.

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

All of you guys are in my eyes some very good professionals, each having a lot to offer from his own particular experience. I enjoy watching these practices very much because it gives me a lot of pointers. Cheers and keep up the good mood!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@emperortime4380]

I love how many videos sprung from this one collab

[@metrolinamartialarts]

I think like 40+ lol

[@waldocam10]

Awesome video! I know you mentioned it's your channel but even more interesting than Kevin vs Gabriel was Gabriel vs Jared. Being that Gabriel seems to have been brought up with a more kickboxing background, it was really impressive to see his boxing-only skills and his head movement! Crazy talented!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Lol Jared vs Gabe was fantastic! Gabriel is very good.

[@sunnysideupinhere2930]

you guys should definitely hang out and collab more!!! so lovely to see the group!!!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

I would love to!!

[@sunnysideupinhere2930]

This video is all. This is why we love martial arts. Thank you and all the awesome greats in this video, its just a blast to watch.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thank you for watching!

[@deadmeatgames2]

Looked like a blast. How cool to spar Mr Varga! And I dig the style of video.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks so much for watching!! He was awesome to spar with.

[@malkomalkavian]

Gabriel has a winning focus :) well done for surviving and having fun

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks for watching!!

[@smashonlamez]

this is great man, the z fighters have assembled

[@joshuaowens3611]

I think you did a great job here. You adapt to their styles fairly well. A lead left leg side kick (I know you say they don't exist) or lead leg teap would help would help compensate for the defensive issues you have on that side. Plant the kick mid punch. If you can't defend the head, make it costly to target

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks for the input Sensei Judo Josh 🤜💥🤛

[@corrugatedcavalier5266]

Looking good! Everyone was impressive but Gabriel just looks so efficient and accurate and...scary haha. Great video, thanks!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@deyraga]

Love this, also good that you guys went light. Learnt lots, you guys are some of my fav MA youtubers!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks so much!!

[@moneyfornothing3264]

What the heck Ed!!?? I missed this one!! All caught up now! Great video!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks so much!!

[@gabrieltoledo56]

Nice work man! Just two things(that I can relate to because im a wing chun instructor and i've been doing boxing for 1 year....) And these two things I am training to improve, trying to lost these same bad habbits just like you: more composure(don't turn your face, actually NEVER turn your face, because afraid of being hit) and pressure more(with icy mike you can see how much he invades your space), so pressure more forward, gaining terrain. It is very important to make the oponent RESPECT your strikes, so, more feinting, attacking, iniciative, pressure etc. Sorry my poor english, regards from Brazil dude!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks for watching!! Appreciate it 🙏

[@kuzushi_kev]

10:10 That sweep comes up everywhere and I’m here for it! It’s in Karate (Machida does it constantly).. it’s called Aiki Otoshi in aikido. It’s awesome to see it rear it’s ugly head across the disciplines

[@metrolinamartialarts]

It's everywhere 😅🤣

[@ElDrHouse2010]

Gabriel's defense is superb, reminds me of Dustin Porier's from the UFC.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

It is very good!

[@philosopherboy]

That throw is a dump - that are variations in a ton of arts. It's funny bc I learned both the Silat version (kenjit) and later the Capoeira version (vengativa). One of my favorite throws. It's always a cool feeling to discover new versions of moves you're familiar with. There are only so many ways to move and manipulate other bodies - but there are always little tweaks and new applications and interpretations. As always, good stuff. Learn and grow yo!

[@metrolinamartialarts]

You know it!!

[@Jenjak]

I saw it in capoeira, sanda, taichi, karate, Muay thai, every time with a different flavor but always the same principle, I'm sure every martial arts has its take on it.

[@alexmarques2398]

This is very nice, sparring different people from different backgrounds. It is brave to also share it. Most (fake grand masters) instructors are scared to death of the idea alone. It gives them nightmares, but luckily for them they don’t even try (the fake ones). Respect to all on the video!

[@pyroseed13]

Gabriel def has some of the best control I've ever seen from a high level fighter.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Yeah he's awesome

[@sunnysideupinhere2930]

the one with icy mike is all over the place lolllll and most fun to watch

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks for watching!

[@uktenatsila9168]

Thank you for sharing. Very fortunate to have Mr. Varga in there with you. Icey Mike is a fun character. I like his leg checks and knows how to chop his leg kicks nicely. Mr. Varga re-enforced the most sound of basics. My suggestion respectfully, is to dial in that jab, round kick and jab, cross round kick to the leg and body. Go through all the foot work for just those 2 combinations. You are doing us all a favor sharing the hard work you all put in there. It is appreciated. Wa Do (Thank you).

[@metrolinamartialarts]

I've got a long list of stuff to work on lol

[@mallamuaythaichaiya]

Nice ! I learn a lot from this video and your analysis Man ! It’s look very fun

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@BMO_Creative]

I could tell you were trying some new defensive stuff. Your head movement is crazy fast, but the other guys took advantage of that left head jab.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Yeah they did 🤣

[@astonprice-lockhart7261]

I've seen that hip sweep is universal within martial arts damn near. Great video, Ed.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks for watching!!

[@kevinlobos5519]

Yea, from the kung fu styles I have studied so far, that sweep is found in most styles, it's just such a natural conclusión to get to.

[@astonprice-lockhart7261]

@@kevinlobos5519 So true!

[@deyraga]

I feel you tend to almost philly shell a little, which is why you have problems with head punches from your left. You could try to shoulder roll them punches, parry with that right hand or head movement it, but that habit of keeping the left hand low is definitely something to think about! That stance isn't often used outside of boxing since it leaves you vulnerable to anything on the outside (kicks or takedowns)

[@gosunflower]

great sparring and analysis

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@Ventus_the_Heathen]

I love watching y'all spar. I had the opportunity to spar with Mike at one of his seminars and it was one of the most constructive and fun rounds of sparring I've ever had. I'd love to spar with you sometime too, your style is super different to most of my regular sparring partners (Muay Thai Kwon Do guys like me)

[@metrolinamartialarts]

That'd be awesome 👌

[@vishalseusankar9793]

Great job Ed.You are a good guy.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks!!!

[@aldojrradovic570]

@7th minute Seth was going with the chubby surprise...lol

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Lol definitely

[@Phunky1366]

Shane just looks like he could be Peter Parker

[@dobo9150]

When you miss with the kick scoop thing, do you ever pivot in with the other side's elbow? There was a moment with IcyMike when you missed several scoops in succession, and it looked hella like the Single Whip pose from taichi--which I now happen to think is a fun way to put an elbow into someone's face or guard, looking to clinch.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

No, I haven't done that. Sounds interesting

[@quinaiden8344]

Shane's striking very beautiful

[@metrolinamartialarts]

It really is

[@luunchbox]

Now i always appreciate a shoutout lol

[@metrolinamartialarts]

You rock! 🤜💥🤛

[@alexhuisman733]

Respect for putting yourself out there. Why the choice for boxinggloves over mma though? i would have loved to see some intercepting. But as long as we're boxing: have you looked into the piekaboo style? Its what came to mind seeing you spar and considering your statue.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Its Mike's gym, so Mike's rules. 16 Oz for Kickboxing is pretty standard. I have done a few things with peekaboo! Stay tuned for more!

[@dusandragovic09srb]

10:49 Mike! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@metrolinamartialarts]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ComicusFreemanius]

I can't fault your head kick but I think you should throw way more crescents. They're the foundation to spinning. Capoeira style spinning hook kicks are up there for me too because you can put a hand down to stabilize if you need to and it keeps your head pretty far away. Both are great dynamic stretching too.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

I love crescents but was hesitant to throw them as I'm not as good with them lol

[@ComicusFreemanius]

@@metrolinamartialarts you gotta do em in the mirror. Kick it up as fast as you can and rip it down as fast as you can. It shouldn't feel like your foot is swinging by a rope, same go's for hooks. A quick crescent will pull an opponents hands down and give you an opening.

[@ComicusFreemanius]

@@metrolinamartialarts I can only round at my head height but crescent I can get about a foot higher and it stretches and warms you up for the round.

[@a7699aaa]

Video starts at 02:00.

[@thelemon72]

3:48 that's an axe kick good sir

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Oh I see it

[@fighttips]

It was intended to be a hook kick on my end ☺️

[@thelemon72]

@@fighttips thanks for correcting me, I thought you just pulled it

[@jkdfighter4964]

Would love to spar with you guys. When's the next event like this?

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Where are you located?

[@jkdfighter4964]

@@metrolinamartialarts Hello, I'm on the west coast. I would have to fly over to meet you fighters in NC.

[@FrodeFalch]

I think most people want to see the raw footage without edition

[@lucascanzioli7712]

Cool video and everything but I got distracted from the dragonball medley

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Is that a bad thing? Lol

[@lucascanzioli7712]

@@metrolinamartialarts it's a plus

[@JeffForsyth]

I think the big thing you need to work on is using your footwork to compensate for your blocking issues. Plus I think you might do well with implementing more ABD.

[@JeffForsyth]

I can say that because that’s my big issues. Jamming Seth is a good idea btw.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

New Defense video coming our soon

[@brauliochavez2231]

if you are lvl 50 gabriel is lvl 90 that was crazy ¡¡ now i want to spar ¡ great content

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Yeah, definitely! Thanks for watching!

[@aldavedesierdo42]

Good video. I know the sparring with these guys are more of kickboxing style and I would like to see some JKD forms-style against these kickboxers. I know boxing is not your forte nor does muay thai but JKD style would be good to use against these fighters to let see us the contrast of the two styles. Anyways good sparring man!❤

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Thanks for watching!!

[@tree6835]

YOO THAT DBZF BROLY MUSIC

[@metrolinamartialarts]

So good

[@mathewpercy3292]

Ed I gotta ask, Whats it like wearing gloves for you? Nothing but respect for you but I’m very curious.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

On my left hand, I'd say it's pretty normal. On my right, I keep the pinky and ring finger nub in the right place and my thumb nub in the right place. The bigger the glove, the harder it is though.

[@dalton4816]

I think the cross block could help with your problem of guarding with your left hand since I have problems parrying and blocking with my left hand I started using the cross block mixed with a long guard and have had success.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

The long guard is awesome! Not familiar with the terminology for cross block though. Any examples?

[@dalton4816]

@@metrolinamartialarts George foreman, Ken Norton and Archie Moore were experts at utilising it, also know as the cross guard. George foreman started using it when he came back to boxing in his 40's.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

@@dalton4816 awesome I'll check it out

[@Jenjak]

I notice a lot of time you turn too much to your right, which gets you hit a lot in your left cheek. You're too sideways to defend and counter effectively, eiter you should square up more or use distance to defend in this position like a karateka. Anyway, great video and I think you will improve a lot after analysing those sparring sessions.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Yeah, I definitely noticed that! Thanks for watching!!

[@ElDrHouse2010]

If you want to get better at striking do more boxing and cardio in general you are going to get muuuuch better at these type of spars. Those triple jabs getting you, you can do them or learn to guard them also train defense like Gabe does. He has somebody throw at him and he just focuses on defense especially against a wall he guards with the elbows. I notice that almost nobody drills defense they only improv it during sparrying.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Cardio always important 😅🤣

[@redrenegade7724]

Why does ed have a rantsona now XD

[@metrolinamartialarts]

🤣🤣🤣

[@gw1357]

You pak sao to huen sao (sort of?) with your left hand alot and well (including off the long guard). Is that a product of your injury or are intending to do something off of it? You do it so well that I feel like you're leaving money on the table in terms of exploiting it. As often as you hit it, I think there's some dirty boxing stuff that you could do off of that -- like stepping into the open space with a (lefthand) shovel hook, elbow, or shoulder check. (RE: Gabriel round) The little parry/trap exchange at about 9:40 was really nifty. Its funny. You can tell that Seth and Shane are teachers first and fighters second, but not Gabriel -- he's a fighter first. Gabriel is a polite and honorable match (no disrespect to him at all), but there's a ruthlessness that he can't turn off -- when he finds something to hurt you with, he does it immediately and multiple times. (Re: that sweep -- its in everything. I've seen it in silat, muay thai, jiu jitsu, capoeira, and traditional Okinawan karate.) Great stuff. You guys must have had a great time.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

It was an awesome time! Thanks for watching 🤜💥🤛

[@user-qv4fp9vm8u]

Has anyone told you you kind of look like Simon Pegg?

[@metrolinamartialarts]

No but I'll take it lol

[@dvldgz6306]

Omg you drew your avatar finger nubs.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

🤣🤣 gotta be accurate

[@connorlammin8189]

Not trying be rude but what's up with your hands mate? Noticed in a few videos I've watched you've got less fingers

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Yup! I lost a few in an electrical accident 30+ years ago

[@connorlammin8189]

@@metrolinamartialarts oh shit

[@mntomovi]

It's capoeira. Silat sits more down less across

[@metrolinamartialarts]

No it's wrestling

[@mntomovi]

@@metrolinamartialarts vingativa

[@markmessi9020]

You're honestly really good. The biggest issue is your fitness tbh. You need to work on your athleticism more than anything. You're a JKD guy but movement guys ironically seem to give you the most trouble. I'm just a butthead commenter on YT and I know I'm gonna get crapped on for even saying this so you don't need to listen to me at all, but if this somehow gets to you, your fitness needs work more than anything else. TLDR: you're a great technician but to scare you, you're dangerously close to being that karate sensei stereotype with the huge gut. Fitness! Great vid anyways

[@metrolinamartialarts]

I don't think I'm dangerously close to a fat karate sensei.

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

No no, it's not silat or capoeira, it's Fiore.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

No it's Kenpo

[@tobias8826]

I first learned it as a Tai Chi move when I practiced tae kwon do 😄.

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

It's called vingativa(ving-ah-chi-vah) in capoeira.

[@coenh8735]

You seem passionate about Martials Arts and very willing to learn but man, idk how I feel about the way you carry your hands. Your defense was exposed bad in all of these clips. Maybe you should inplement some type of high guard. Stay disciplined man.

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Yeah, because if the electricity accident 30 years ago, I can't touch my own face on my left side. Which everyone here, rightfully, exploited lol

[@coenh8735]

@@metrolinamartialarts oh shit, sorry for being naive. Didn't looked into it that much just skipped to the sparring footage. It's actually inspirational in way that despite your incapability to defend your face you're trying to find different ways defend. Keep up the good work man!

[@xxthatoneguyxx2602]

First wooooo

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Woooo

[@ansonxulin2467]

If you really would land that headkick full power your toes would be clipped

[@metrolinamartialarts]

Lol 😂

[@coachtali5151]

I'm confused. How do you have a martial arts page when you can't fight a lick

[@metrolinamartialarts]

I'm confused 😕 why would you make this comment with 0 subs thinking it would effect me?

[@blaisehanon]

Gabriel is a beast

[@metrolinamartialarts]

He really is