Icy Mike Sparring with Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Sparring Partners

[@hard2hurt]

Get 20% OFF and Free Shipping at Manscaped with code HARD20 at mnscpd.com/hard

[@FightCommentary]

I just might get this.

[@hardcaliber19]

"It's not about proving yourself. It's about IMproving yourself." That's some words of wisdom right there folks.

[@Jor-El]

Yeah, I’m going to steal that pearl. Lol

[@Nepthu]

"You learn more about a man in an hour of play than a year of conversation."- Plato. I've always viewed sparring as rough and tumble play.

[@JLee118]

Plato was a chad, he wrestled at the Isthmian games, did extremely well and was well known. It kinda makes me wonder what he would’ve become if he didn’t become a philosopher

[@heirapparent5004]

Plato was a nick name meaning "broad shoulders" Plato vs Lincoln vs Roosevelt, Who Wins!? I say Roosevelt. Hands down.

[@heirapparent5004]

I have never heard that quote. That's awesome!

[@H33t3Speaks]

Knowing the Greeks, I’d really have to question what Plato meant by ‘play’ in this context.

[@brog5330]

@@H33t3Speaks 😂

[@SenseiSeth]

If you don’t know sparring etiquette, you can’t fight

[@hard2hurt]

I don't know about that one lol.

[@sym9266]

Spoken like a ‘karate instructor’ :p

[@stonk_boi9617]

If your balls stink you can't fight.

[@H33t3Speaks]

Directions unclear, partner unconscious.

[@letsgojake.4078]

@@stonk_boi9617 is that you derek lewis?

[@handler803]

I wish oldschool boxing trainers would incorporate light/controlled sparring that you, Firas, and Ramsey advocate. The thing with those coaches is that they wanna find their next champ as quick as possible so they encourage each other to go hard all the time and whoever wins get their most attention. Firas reffered to this as a "meatgrinder" approach

[@Mr.Omoplata]

Light sparring is one thing these dudes are playing patty cake

[@73kimura]

so true. and then boxing wonders why young people choose other sports. started teaching boxing classes at my school and the general reactions of students is "wow, i had no idea boxing could be so fun/challenging/creative". Meet a lot of kids who come from boxing gyms where they were literally thrown to the wolves. takes a while to build them back up again. this "what doesn´t kill you, makes you stronger" mentality is BS.

[@leftvassis]

@@Mr.Omoplata this is exactly what light sparring looks like

[@vVersatilevisionss]

We are brothers training Muay Thai, and would love any feedback from anyone, we just started are channel and would appreciate any level of support :)

[@duncanglen3452]

The low hands and the batman shirt let you know he's a ju jitsu guy ! Hahahahah love it

[@getwhatyougive]

[The thing about Icy Mike is that he's brutally honest about everyone... himself included. I've been watching for years and this content gets better and better.]

[@hard2hurt]

Thank you for that observation. A lot of people don't pick up on the self criticism... and they think I'm just an ass lol

[@matthewhowell8718]

'Strewth. Being brutally honest about your own shortcomings is the key to both getting better and a kind of instant charisma.

[@whitebeltcentral125]

When you follow your "corner's" advice on the second round of sparring, it is SO instant. I remember you talking about this in an earlier video - when your corner tells you to do something, they mean do it NOW. Really cool to see you practice what you preach.

[@hard2hurt]

Well I'm trying to teach him to do that.

[@Unity116]

"My patented special move that I always... Never land. Now I'm gonna get kicked in the nuts and try some capoeira." Gold 😂😂

[@hard2hurt]

You know, a normal practice.

[@excollector9963]

@@hard2hurt Hey, sparring is the place to figure it out, right?

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

"This was gonna be a sweet jump kick, but he put his nuts in the way"

[@hard2hurt]

Every time i see your profile pic i think of rake yohn lol

[@CombatSelfDefense]

also this music reminds me of the opening of House M.D, which makes me realize you’re basically the House of martial arts

[@hard2hurt]

I've never watched House but isn't his thing he always has an answer that nobody wants to hear that subverts expectations or is nontraditional?

[@CombatSelfDefense]

@@hard2hurt ye

[@brandoncarpenter5189]

@@hard2hurt he always right and no one wants to hear it lol it's a good show

[@hard2hurt]

@@brandoncarpenter5189 i will have to look into it sounds like my kinda guy

[@Azatdawn]

@@hard2hurt Also a misanthrope that's addicted to pain meds.

[@Ratamahata7]

One of the best sparring etiquette videos I've seen. Honest and straight forward. "Is not about proving, is about improving" That's a great quote. I'll keep it in my mantras selection.

[@LordBesteban]

Learned so much from y’all 🙏🏽 appreciate the love! That question mark kick was nasty btw!

[@jg1692]

Lol I thought I saw u in the background

[@gmkgoat]

Scylla and Charybdis? Damn, Mike proving how learned he is.

[@hootiehootheblowphish4109]

I know I'm not the only one who had to search what that is online.

[@SwordTune]

A common myth that most people still don't know about.

[@quandaviousvonheadsonzingl6453]

12:10 "im gonna get kicked in the nuts and try come coporeira" wtf that was unexpected as hell lmfao great vid as always

[@conker690]

Nice Greek mythology references while promoting a nose cleaner lol.

[@heirapparent5004]

Dude yeasheeeee

[@DarkwingDann]

Thank You for this. Not fully understanding the etiquette of sparring is a big reason why I don't spar. now I don't have to worry about it thanks Mike!!!

[@rolandfisher]

I absolutely love how you spar with beginners. You, sir, are doing wonderful things.

[@whalehunter1337]

great communication from ICY MIKE

[@CoolToMe_]

This is a really great video because as someone less experienced with fighting in general its a nice way to break down what is really going on.

[@zephyrox2]

I really like these sparing sessions with commentary. To hear your thoughts and tactics is super interesting. Please do more of those!

[@bolieve603]

Ah, the sweeping to the floor is an interesting one. I've never had anyone have a problem with it but I feel like it should be discussed beforehand because it's introducing a new type of injury risk.

[@hard2hurt]

Most people don't have a problem with it... but if you don't know that's what we are doing it can be jarring.

[@danielmejorado6098]

For me, I wish that I had been taught how to fall before the sweeping took place e in sparring. After sparring one of the advanced students, a couple sweeps, and landing awkwardly on my shoulder, trying to catch myself by planting on one arm, I had to stop and ask if there was a better way than just slamming the new guy.

[@procol83]

Yup, definitely needs to be discussed beforehand. Just got myself hospitalised when I got unexpectedly swept and landed awkwardly.

[@Jedi_Jed]

I like these training videos. I gotta make this final move to LA and then I'm going to find a gym that does something similar to what you guys do. I can really tell you care about your students. It motivates me.

[@miket4014]

Hey, want to give credit, legitimately one of your best videos from an informative perspective, I also appreciate the vibe and voice over.

[@RadicalLinguisticDescriptivism]

There were a variety of important quotes from this video.... one of my favorites is "I bet you my nose hair is longer than yours". Classic Mike.

[@TheMrchrstn]

Commentary is excellent. Also enjoyed watching this and Armchair's commentary of the same match. Very interesting and insightful.

[@trevorjenkins2553]

This was good to see the sparring with the different sizes. I appreciate the content you show us keep up the great work.

[@epramberg]

I really enjoyed this video. It was truthful, technical, and positive. This topic is a must-discuss in any gym.

[@GKJusticar55]

Yo Mike, does the Manscaped Lawnmower 4 take a Flashlight Attachment?

[@jeanackle]

Good question! And also... how effective is the Manscaped Lawnmower 4 as a self-defense tool?

[@hard2hurt]

It already has a flashlight

[@GKJusticar55]

@@hard2hurt does it diagnose STDs? Also I love you man.

[@jeanackle]

@@hard2hurt But can it be used to temporarily blind your oponents?

[@GKJusticar55]

@@jeanackle we need to know the lumens. I agree with Someone.

[@1x1HealthyEnergybyAndrew]

I just watched this same spar from both channels. It's hilarious the difference in thinking about striking.

[@institches2750]

Yeah, you can tell that the guy from Armchair Violence specializes in MMA/grappling. The way he keeps his hands low, gave up bicep control in favor of the underhook, etc. There's one moment you can see him thinking about a knee block to takedown combo. Mike notes them as errors--and I guess they are in a pure striking context--but they're very much part of the MMA metagame.

[@hard2hurt]

That's weird. I watched it after I recorded mine and was amused by how similarly we observed it. So I guess it happened again.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

When someone corners against me, I throw my sparring partner at them. Is that good etiquette?

[@jeanackle]

That sounds wrong, but at the same time, right.

[@malkomalkavian]

I think that's catch wrestling :)

[@robbybee70]

@@malkomalkavian sounds.....CRAZY....to me

[@mongoslade245]

😂😂

[@CoolToMe_]

This is like a 13 min version of those slow mo fight scenes in the sherlock holmes movies with RDJ. love it.

[@josephwaller2035]

The narration on this sounded really clear, and I learned too

[@ems.dk_]

6:04 So that's the reason my trainer keeps saying "never show that you're tired"

[@Nepthu]

I've always felt sparring was about improvement. It's an addiction. I have a small crew of friends that train and spar(pre Covid anyway) and it made me dislike going to an MMA gym where some if my partners would spazz or cause an injury.

[@Featherinmycap]

Love the music, Mike! The editing and presentation in this video is amazing! And so are the tips, as always!

[@sallad2645]

I like how he let the first guy get some shots off. Pretty important to give as much as you take in my opinion.

[@thisisclaudiawang]

A girl got concussed in a sparring round here and was off work for weeks… she refuses to come back. Complete beginner and I was upset for her cause that’s not how it’s supposed to. This should be taught everywhere at MMA gyms. Period. Gold content thank you.

[@eintracht691]

I like how this shows up after a video on insta of kids not hitting hard enough with leg kicks. Valuable information for all ages! Make the strike mean something, but do not try and obliterate your sparring partner. Keep up the great work!

[@hard2hurt]

There's a balance

[@akapantsusenpai181]

I love these kinds of videos. It comes at a perfect time when I'm back in the gym and allowed to spar.

[@mikeholmes7184]

sparring should be about some stress and learning. Good job verbalizing that concept. Some gyms don't

[@danielmejorado6098]

I really enjoyed this video. I have a nephew who does Muay Thai and Jujitsu tournaments. Ive watched his fights and the worst part has been his corner. The advice is always knee, knee, knee or forward, forward, forward! Never any deviation from those 2 mantras from the corner. I was glad to see my nephew start winning when he realized midfight that his corner was being more of a ra-ra cheerleader than a technical coach.

[@ben-arte8936]

really cool to see a coach who's that coachable as well!

[@gerhardengelbrecht9116]

Last time I was this early my wife was disappointed.

[@Jay-ho9io]

"...Intermediate and Advanced." WELP. Not anything I've got to worry about.

[@jamielondon6436]

You might surprise yourself … :-)

[@hard2hurt]

Yet.

[@leonbozzini6551]

Wow, loved the Scylla and Charybdis reference :)

[@evan5944]

I never thought of non-verbally showing a beginner what to do, like with that telegraphed, slow head kick. I always end up verbally saying something like "hey mate you want to watch how low your hands are." followed up by some positive affirmation like "doing awesome! lets go"

[@KairosDBT]

Not about proving yourself, but improving yourself. Sagacious.

[@mr28086]

I need me some manscape. It's swamp balls season in the UK

[@crazyboom2759]

Honestly bro I'm sweating a family size bucket everyday

[@SD-ym1rt]

The music was especially good in this video. Just started sparring again as of Monday (UK meh) this video arrived in perfect time

[@hbriem]

Best hygiene product ad I have ever seen. I usually fast forward over ads, but this was great.

[@hard2hurt]

I try to make them palatable.

[@jamesrichards9567]

Cool video. Interesting to see the different styles and levels on display. Keep up the great work!

[@lusdaco]

Nice lil sneak peak at the end

[@shortdogsc4452]

Well explained. I’m in my late 30’s and just getting adjusted to some sparring after a long time.

[@bjed21]

The matching intensity thing. Can easily turn into a gym war. Because it takes one hard shot for both guys to start throwing 100%.

[@brucie8a]

0:52 *mike doing a side kick then it hits him*

[@_Bread-_-]

no matter what sport you play, listening to your corner is great advice, most of the time, they're focusing on a different aspect of the fight than you. for me, when I fenced, my coach always gave advice on footwork, while I was always focused on bladework, that combination leads to wins.

[@ns...73]

Great Tq and I love the combination, Keep it up coach..🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

I've definitely done what Mike says when sparring/rolling someone less experienced. I did have some good sparring sessions with a couple guys more experienced than me, but also not pro level either.

[@lukecarpenter9006]

You're the coolest coach! We'll have to clone you.

[@pyrokinetikrlz]

I'm loving these sparring voice-over videos!

[@steviek1980]

Love the comment about newbies being a spaz!

[@yungkimchee7172]

nice mic upgrade mike! that quality is so crisp and clear!

[@Kikolonius]

That just looks way more fun, than the boxing sparring I'm used to. Its probably Just my gym but thoose sparrings were brutal

[@akashuriken]

...only channel where even the sponsorbits are fun.... BALLS:D

[@knightandlord]

Classy ad switch

[@mind-numbingtasks1575]

It's about flow fighting vs. full contact sparring. I believe flow fighting is better for both fighters in the long run.

[@hjb2221]

great and informative sparring video, really good environment as well!

[@Hexogentrinitro]

Thank you so much for making this video!!!!!

[@UnauthorisedGamers]

watching this now, and I never realized how intelligent Nate is. Always seemed like the sub 100 IQ guy you got to punch melons when you were scared to hurt yourself, because you knew Nate was gonna punch those melons.

[@althill7407]

'Building tension music' *DRAMATICALLY CUTS TOENAILS*

[@zshakur]

VERY nice work gentlemen!

[@wl7291]

Mike with the sponsors, lets get it

[@mikewright8255]

Great vid Mike, the voice over just seemed classy. Worked really well

[@navajasrs2402]

11:35 Esteban is also a "bit" larger than Mike like Ron Jeremy is a "bit" larger than me.

[@danguillou713]

As for the smells and grooming, I don’t mind a bit of sweat, but perfumed products drives me crazy. Sweat washes right off with water, perfumes don’t. That feeling when you’ve sparred with someone and you can still smell his damned lotion on your hands an hour later and you go and wash them with soap and it doesn’t help! Use regular soap and unperfumed products, please. And cutting your nails oughta go without saying. But I remember one time when a guy did a wheelkick and made a bleeding cut in the face of the other guy. Big toe nail was hanging out a couple of extra mm. That was nasty. Our coach paused the class to talk about it for five straight minutes, he was pretty steamed :-) Um. Cool sparring commentary. I wish some guys I’ve gone against had heard it. Hell, I’m sure I could have benefited too!.

[@sugacanebeats17]

"I'm tired of smelling y'alls balls." -Icy Mike c. 2021

[@Ashbringer85]

Late but = It helps alot if your partner gives you feed back on how much power to use...as a big guy I really don't like to put much power into stuff especially when im fighting smaller guys.

[@granden2077]

Thumbs up for the 'Eagles' shirt! 👊🏻

[@sadrobot7144]

@hard2hurt This video was by far the best I have seen from you. It had all the goofy Mikeness, yet it was informative and entertaining. You should consider doing more of the commenting stuff.

[@chabi.senpai]

3:11 "Toasty!"

[@treymascarello8463]

Is icey mike a nine nails fan? Your always talking about quake a.d now you good the nine inch nails sounding instrumentals in the background. I love it trent Reznor is a god

[@great4061]

0:34 lol at the kempo chop

[@hard2hurt]

HIYA!

[@waltersteyger1215]

I like the control on the headkicks. I like to spar a little bit harder but headkicks is a no go unless you have control like Mike. I hate it when guys a lot taller throwing headkick like they need my head off my neck.

[@michaelhanrahan738]

Not gonna lie. The ear/nose trimmer was my favourite part of the video. I can relate. This getting older business is for the birds.

[@yarakharam5343]

the irony of your ad at the beginning is that shaving will most definitely INCREASE the stank and amount of non vapourized, still liquid sweat.

[@zulphur]

Give and take, stick and move

[@threebestfriendsstudios9858]

This is the first time I didn't skip through a Manscaped ad

[@MJRLHobbyStuff]

Eddie Bravo always said, if you are the more advanced player, work on your defense but let the lower guy catch you sometimes, if you are the not better guy work your offense, be aggressive, to find things that work for you and against you. If you are about equal play ping pong, attack a bit, defend a bit. Both guys have a responsibility to help the other get better.

[@kingsway731]

I had a couple of guys right at my level who would go hard with me. I feel like you really need that to get used to the intensity of a fight. It trains your mind to focus under pressure and to control your adrenaline.

[@TITANia69420]

Man, those look so fun

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Seth did a Capoeira ckass, your turn, Icicle Michael!

[@nickarnold1622]

Daaaamn icy got that manscaped sponsorship you know he's up there now

[@hard2hurt]

More like Manscaped got that Icy Mike sponsorship so you know they are up here now!

[@nickarnold1622]

@@hard2hurt true true true

[@Alekth85]

15% boxing, 30% legs. Teeps, low, mid kicks, and similar. If i get a clear hook or something i even bring it down to like 5%. I train muay thai in thailand, and its just so common on every level. If a bloke went harder than that, he would get KICKED right out of the gym. Endurance, balance, speed and clean technique.

[@neonjesus8831]

During the part with the advanced partner, all I can do is watch Seth bully the Intermediate guy in the background.

[@meaningfulmindfulness15]

This was awesome and valuable. 🍻

[@BusterReeko]

This should be required viewing at gyms

[@joblogos2367]

One of the reasons I quit my gym is because the coach always felt the need to throw harder than necessary. When you're that good you should only be tagging someone to let them know you could have, not to show you have power.

[@institches2750]

It's interesting to see how people's backgrounds influence them even if they're practicing a specific subset. For example, you can tell that the guy from Armchair Violence specializes in MMA/grappling. The way he keeps his hands low, gave up bicep control in favor of the underhook, etc. There's one moment you can see him thinking about a knee block to takedown combo. Mike notes them as errors--and I guess they are in a pure striking context--but they're very much part of the MMA metagame.

[@Sgtvalentini]

This was a great video, you're a good teacher