Spar Better Than 90% Of People

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Status the very best earphones I've ever used. Noise cancelling, wireless and fantastic sound. Head over to www.status.co/Varga10 and save 10% using promocode "Varga10"

[@ag7487]

Best kickboxing channel ever!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Wow, thanks!

[@xhonatanblini]

Agreed

[@anthonywarpecha4017]

@@GabrielVargaOfficialwhat are your thoughts on bouncing or the pendulum step during sparring? You also don’t want to do it when in range right?

[@FrodeFalch]

I agree. Mostly because you Gabriel is very good at keeping your content varied between many different (but important) topics. 👊

[@textndrive_martialartist]

Watched Varga at the start of my martial arts journey and I still watch him. He gives timeless advices and is a great man overall.

[@sourceglory]

The torso/core tightening point you mentioned is so underdiscussed. It takes a lot of muscle-mind training to make it feel like there's a shell on your stomach while you're still able to breathe correctly with the expansion/contraction of your diaphragm. Great point brother 🔥

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Thanks. Like you said it's not talked about enough. I love having that shell feeling when sparring.

[@user-qn6fw8fg4b]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial yes this is vital, having your posture crunched forwards with your chin tucked and your shoulders high gives you real good defense for both body and head at the same time

[@epic1weavle]

Yeah for people who don’t know your punches will have a significant boost of power if you tense your core when it lands

[@jolier1313]

Breathing and flexing your core is a major part of kata training in karate. Traditional Okinawan senseis usually go around slapping parts of the body to ensure the whole body is tight and flexed. That's how I learned this component of training. 😅

[@narfed]

The best way to get better is to spar with someone you trust won't hurt you but can work at your limit so you can grow. This is technically working with a trainer in a spar session. They will throw the same move until you get your counter better under stress, and then test you again later to help you retain reflex. they won't keep switching rhythm faster than you can learn to adapt. Good sparing partners see your mistakes and give you options to correct them. Bad ones see your mistakes and punish it and move on so they can take advantage of you repeatedly. If you spar like you want to hit them you are just fighting. Whoever goes faster or uses more tricks will win and really you both lose.

[@jamielondon6436]

Good sparring partners are worth their weight in gold. :-)

[@kristianjensen5877]

In sparring I occasionally deliberately throw the same move or combination several times in a row to give my partner a chance to come up with a counter for the situation, especially if we're just going light on power and speed. We're sparring *partners* so I think we need to help eachother learn in the situation, even if it means sometimes deliberately doing something "dumb" (which isn't necessarily dumb if our partner keeps falling for it).

[@Creator_Veeto_PAEACP]

Thank you for a great way of articulating how a good Partner should be. Just like dancing, someone has to lead until comfortable and then you can switch roles as you please. 👏🏽

[@ulysses-pact]

That's actually very smart. You get more reps, they learn to counter that, and you learn the weaknesses of your tatics, so you can keep improving.

[@willolol3353]

For me to get better, I prioritize flow sparing to have fun, 20-30% power but alot more volume (combos), if the other person can "follow", we enter a equal flow and both can expand their technical abilities bc fear is no longer a part of the sparing

[@zdenekvybiral5940]

awesome

[@ZolPsyko]

6:05 This works so well for me as a shorter guy in most of my sessions. Most ppl expect me to walk into jabs and teeps to close the distance, but utilizing feints and fakes like Whittaker, Saenchai, and Volk have helped me a lot.

[@Azertylolz]

Just started kickboxing at 31 and i got my ass whooped in sparring lol. I'm eager to progress though. Your channel is a gold mine, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Ash__Adler]

I basically started at 37 and got bopped around in sparring for my first two or three months of that, but setting personal goals for each session helped me get better quickly enough that (about a year later) I've become good enough to productively bully the newer people and serve as a useful challenge in my own right for the competitive fighters. What I mean by "personal goals" is basically always going in with something to work on, like never getting caught with a loose stomach, using at least three different entry attacks per round, never doing the same attack more than twice in a row, adding a punch after every kick, finishing any offense with a lateral step/pivot, etc. It may make me predictable for that day, but in the long run, not only does that sort of thing help build good habits, it also helps with getting used to thinking while sparring.

[@w4rf4c39]

One of us… one of us.. one of us.. 🙌

[@nicholascarver1]

Im 42 started at 40. Best decision ive made in a ling time.

[@jkdfighter4964]

haha we're the same age. never too late to start. i started in 2015, when we were like 23 or 24. never regretted starting

[@ayske1]

Started at 37, and sparred about 9 months constant. Have slowed down but content sparring once a week. Still lots to improve on, but what the other 37yo said, have a few things each round you want to work on till things become second nature... Footwork, head movement, counters, strikes off the centre line, combos, tactics against taller fighters, tactics against those that block a lot etc

[@deividask789]

I found your channel the same day I started to train Kickboxing. I feel I am more educated sparring partner than others who started with me! thank you!!!!

[@Ash__Adler]

Top tier advice here (and also reassuring to notice that, aside from controlling rhythm, these points are pretty much all things that I'd set as personal goals for my own sparring in the past 🙂)

[@YTC766]

Feints and pumps are awesome. Good video.

[@robertpotts8032]

Great vid. I shall add pivoting when i practice my combos now!

[@stoneside.5450]

Been here from the beginning, champ. Hope the infection has subsided and your feeling 100 percent.

[@predestinarianism]

I really appreciate your videos gabriel. Big thanks from 🇰🇷

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Glad you like them!

[@Docinaplane]

Excellent points!

[@rakedos9057]

Very good video as usual! Thanks for all the (not so obvious) tips! It helps a lot!

[@chrissyhaidar2792]

Love this!!!❤ thanks Gabriel

[@sorearm]

Excellent advice, especially feint and angles

[@liamfoo09]

Buzzing for the defence course!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

So pumped to share some really fantastic, super detailed, information with you guys.

[@olimp1261]

Gabriel, I’ve been watching Your channel from several months now, listening carefully, learning techniques, following along videos, preparing to my first competition in few days on Sunday 03.12. Thank You very much for whole great content let’s see what I have learnt 🙏🐗💪

[@bonesx187]

The best videos brother appreciate it, I always visualise my moves while watching you 💯🥊

[@RamboRichardson]

The best Advice you could give any Student! 👏

[@CodingForPeace]

Excellent boil down of what you have mentioned before in different places. A fight concentrated cube like those for buillong, good job!

[@gamemak0r]

This was a really good instructive video! Sharing the pro knowledge instead of just the common mistakes, etc

[@elserpientethechamp2122]

Now these are exactly, what I needed, because in sparring, I get controlled by tempo a lot, and I did not understand, how to control the tempo of the round in my favor, but now, I finally understand how to do it, will be sure to implement this fifth tip in sparring soon Gabriel! 🎉

[@Morris-ov3rc]

The punch-kick combo @0:27 is so fast and smooth.

[@Afiso]

Awesome, bro. Good tips. Will kick there ass at tomorrow training. Thanks!

[@Emcron]

thanks for these reminders. been doing full contact karate for 19yr and the last point is the hardest for me. over the years i ended up being a reactionary/punisher fighter, or else trying to simply outperform the opponent in their comfort zone. got mixed results, but i realize i seldom take the initiative unless i'm sure i can blitz/overwhelm the opponent right at the beginning.

[@DJExcal]

thanks for this great video !

[@louieyorston863]

The last thing you said was so awesome. These videos are the gems you wish you had access to when you were up and coming. And now you make them for the new up and comers and i am so grateful for you. Thankyou for working hard to put these videos together for us

[@ToeMass123]

Cheers Gabriel 👍👍

[@kobe51]

Now, that was fabulous instruction. Thank you!

[@nvanguy6868]

After 5 years of steady training and sparring, i fully see your point about mixing attacks, i used to get countered on everything. Cause i didnt use feints and make my opponent guess by mixing attacks😂

[@WadeSmith-oe5xd]

2:00 good stuff. Half of my fighting style is designed to set up Front Thrust kicks, but real brown and black belts don't fall for the kick very often, so you need a good jab, cross, and hook punch and you need a good front snap kick to help disguise whether your about to throw the thrust kick. A good Isshinryu thrust kick from a 185lbs fighter leaves a huge bruise on the other person when done full force..I was so good at landing such a powerful thrust kick that sensei actually banned me from using it against anyone below Brown Belt in the dojo and he told me not to hit anyone who wasn't' a heavyweight above 50% what I had, because even 75% what i had would hurt people. We were trying to spar full contact, but sometimes that's unreasonable for some students against a real Isshinryu 1st kyu or black belt. 4: 00 yes. You do need a front side hook punch and a rear side hook punch and upper cut to be effective against brown and black belts. They eventually learn to block even the Isshinryu straight punch. However, fighters who over-use hook punches are very easy to counter. You need hooks, but just don't start 'spamming hooks" like some pro boxers used to do. 5:00 CORRECT. Okinawan Karate begins and ends with Sanchin body conditioning and breathing exercises. You must keep your stomach "taut" at all times. And you need to breath out and "usss" a low sounding kia when you take damage and when you attack. Tense everything, your attacking weapon, your stomach, your legs, your buttocks all at the right time and relax at the right time too. Body conditioning and tension is a HUGE factor in winning. Good straight kicks, when properly timed and aimed, will laughably destroy a boxer or even most MMA fighters. They simply don't have the tools to deal with it.

[@Ninja9JKD]

Agree with everything except keeping the stomach locked, I've always been able to tighten as needed. Locking the stomach reduces movement and provides a big target for a knife (combat/self defense is my training priority, not martial spot). Tightening the stomach with quick and small exhail is how I learned to take it in Shotokan, worked great in boxing and kicking.

[@superultimatewilly]

Just finished sparring perfect video timing!

[@nicholascarver1]

Its funny how i watch you videos and they influencing my training. I appreciate you.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

That's awesome. I hope it’s a positive influence 😀

[@nickcaton9987]

Thank you, Gabriel

[@victormwamba6407]

Right on time! Sparring today

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Great time to watch 👍

[@Amir_o89]

Excellent video as always. Thank you. Wondering if you might be able to do a video on creating your own strenght and conditoning routine with weight lifting.?

[@yvesnarbonne6688]

Great tips! Thanks Gabriel, I'll try to remember that the next sparring sessions!

[@allstarwoo4]

I started doing Muay Thai this year but I had a head start in body conditioning. I use to do Muay Thai sits ups for ab conditioning so going into Muay Thai I instinctively braced my core and controlled my breathing when getting hit.

[@zoarquail5102]

Good tip for body conditioning! An old sense called it “breathing behind the shield” Core tight and engaged but diaphragm relaxed and breathing easy

[@ErinMcCoy3]

The twitches are great for buying some time too:) Excellent content as always! I actually need more work on weight shifts (I move too much while striking - I know I need to plant) - anytime you have a moment to talk about that, I will be all ears/eyes. Thanks!

[@mexicanwaffleiron4858]

Hey Gabriel. I think you'd like Jon Di Bella, he is the Strawweight kickboxing champion in One. His most recent fight especially displays many of the same things that you often advocate for, good hands, conditioning etc. Would love to hear your thoughts on him. Thanks for the great advice as always

[@432001ttaylor]

We luv u dude!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Thank you 🙏😀

[@unwokesnake]

Thanks for that awesome content. I already were able to use some of your advice in my training/spar sessions. I consider to buy some of those earbuds, they look decent!

[@Sensei_Storm]

Brilliant advice- thank you!

[@marioputzer1046]

Thank you so much gabriel 🙏

[@jjun2891]

I always feel so motivated to get back to the gym when I see these vids

[@matthewmillette9898]

The twitch has served Rico very well since he adopted it. Awesome vid as always Gabe. Thanks!

[@Senkushi]

sparring in karate tournaments growing up, the stomach shot was my absolute kryptonite. took me out each time it landed.

[@andrewwoods564]

Whenever I watch you, MMAShredded or IcyMike I feel like dropping one day of grappling for some striking. I always felt like I suck at striking more than grappling hut it is so fun when you land hits you actually meant to land!

[@ascension1199]

Thanks bro 🔥

[@Jaemon4Eva]

Exactly what I needed

[@imactuallyimmortal]

Thank you!

[@JPMgeo]

Great video, really trying to move out of being a 1D fighter and level up!

[@ivanhannel]

Great tips as ever. Discuss the benefits of video-taping yourself. People hate watching their own tape, ha. But the truth is what you see.

[@Ensiferum888]

On variety, I've been kickboxing for about 5 years and I would say 70% of my strikes are jabs. I love jabs, I love straight attacks I feel strong and safe. Yesterday for the first time in sparring I threw left hook-cross because I saw Tyson Fury do it actually worked but I'm terrified of throwing hooks I feel so slow and opened.

[@shanobix]

Wsup Gabriel! Is it possible to train your solar plexus? I feel like the ab work I do doesn’t really target that upper ab area. Thanks for the vid 💪🏼✍🏼

[@meicc398]

I don't think that it can be trained

[@user-qn6fw8fg4b]

no but you can crunch your posture forward while bracing like gabriel says and then your sternum is hidden away in a pocket due to the curved angle of your body, making it much harder to hurt you to the solar plexus

[@shanobix]

@@user-qn6fw8fg4b that makes sense ! Thanks

[@gabe4131]

Thank you sir

[@laytzmakiha5341]

Love your vids bro thank you master

[@truthmaker1]

Thanks!

[@nahfam2661]

Best advice ever seen

[@timm285]

Love this channel

[@jebjeb7770]

Absolute Gold!

[@04alvas]

Thanks for your content as always 🙏🏼

[@dragonflicksgaming7534]

Great content love it ,would love to see some new backgrounds tho lol

[@adventuresofroadkill6286]

Can you do a more in-depth video on combos to angles from beginner to advanced plz

[@KYTICATS]

Good job brother keep up the good work 💯❤️🙏

[@indigo1421]

Great video thank you👊👊

[@seanfrancishenry]

Excellent advice!!!

[@epic1weavle]

For those who don’t know tensing your core as a punch or kick lands will increase power significantly

[@MynameisRandomlydumb]

@GabrielVargaOfficial can you do a video on finding openings and counters? Just overall fight iq (Best way to get fight iq?)

[@banks856]

That's a great video

[@captainrem]

that was awesome

[@RomanicusSparticus]

You have any suggestions (or a video talking about it) for a bag at home?

[@JohnWick-fl1fn]

Very interesting, it's better than what l've been doing at least

[@Blueshiso]

I generally do a half tense of my core, and full tighten when I see or feel a punch coming in, this is what I've been taught, are you saying you go full tense on your abs whenever you're in an exchange? just curious

[@simonsimonlabonte1110]

Super interesting ! 🇨🇦💪

[@lrwhiteley]

Do u have a video 📹 on conditioning 🤔 and strengthen the jaw.

[@ahmedalp3531]

Hey Varga . I wanna be n 1 at my gym. What should i do

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Watch today's episode. Work harder than everyone. Watch lots of fights and learn from the best. That's a great start

[@barbosa-music]

I want that 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/

[@statcmf4199]

Yep

[@crimsonfalcon07]

Would love to see a collaboration with Bazooka Joe. He's my other favorite for kickboxing.

[@Steve-iq2ux]

Pay attention guys, he spits truth.

[@Ornamentmountain]

I so want to be better at sparing. I’m nearly 50 so forget fighting. It’s all about becoming the old sparing master now lol

[@JackHanma]

Coming from Karate my biggest issue in sparring is staying relax. Most of the time I end up exhausted in minutes as I'm 6'4 and 215 lbs.

[@travesty-studios]

5:26 I'm literally walking to get lunch and practicing holding my stomach locked....

[@undesignated3491]

Best way to Spar when you start is move, then round 2 explode with all might. The regulars will expect the beginner to be static, test them, if you get popped, then you will remember not to next time. The brain learns from pain only, too many guys in those gyms that think a fight is singular and involves not recieving any incoming fire lol Throw a punch and see what happens !

[@dominikb8430]

Cool socks.

[@lrwhiteley]

U have the Dutch style. Very hard 2 train against

[@gabedonovan3318]

The long term stomach locking the whole match is blowing my mind but how the hell do you train that????

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

You still relax when you know you're safe. But during attacks don't sleep on a tight core. I say I'm fairly tight in the stomach about 50% of a sparring round.

[@Strummify]

ima start squeezing my stomach and talking to people... thanks coach

[@gheist8790]

Nice combat socks, that Venum? ;)

[@S.N.T.247]

And what if they're a D1 wrestler and they for the single leg?

[@nUmBskulLL]

Duuuude shhhhh im not gonna be better than 90% of people if they all see thia video! 😅

[@everettatkepgroovin]

Please answer this question. I am a long and tall fighter. If someone is being very aggresive I end fighting backing up and moving to the sides a lot but I still land hits, evade and I have good defense. Everyone at my gym tells me i need to be more aggressive. But everytime I do I end up getting hit a lotttt more. (I mostly do this against people who are heavier than me)

[@wongwu]

You mentioned sweeps and it's always been my biggest weakness throughout all my years of training. Many times when I try to sweep someone I just end up bluntly banging my foot or shin into their lower leg and they don't move. But when I see skilled people do it, they seem to do the same movement but the other person goes flying with ease. What am I doing wrong you think?

[@TheUberHammer]

Follow through with your leg, just like a normal kick. You sweep when they are stepping down or picking their foot up, not when they are planted. Just a something that helped me since I saw your comment.

[@talemuweke9036]

Id love to see a collab of you and Cory Sandhagen