The Importance of Initiative | Hard Sparring at RKM

This is a mixed skill level practice at RKM Training. This session is a little harder and more intense than what we normally do, but we are working on making ourselves fight back when under pressure.
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[@thesilverwolfofnyc5077]

Love how he said no showing off then right away sets up that sick kick💀💀💀

[@LionRVC1987]

Yep @ 0:57

[@kacklerot]

Deception

[@just_fightin_things]

Him saying that was the first part of the setup tbh 😂

[@thesadanimations]

"We are not trying to stunt on our partner, or show off, or anything like that!" *immediately throws cartwheel kick*

[@hard2hurt]

What? That's totally a regular move.

[@AltsekBUL]

I was searching for this comment

[@CaymanGiordano]

@@hard2hurt More importantly, it was *immediate*. It wasn't a cartwheel kick, it was The First cartwheel kick.

[@BWater-yq3jx]

Real-life trolling, lol. But actually a bit impressive.

[@sk8ratz462]

made me spit out my soup

[@SaltLight7]

Using D&D to illustrate a point in martial arts. What a nerdy thing to do. And I absolutely loved it!

[@tomnaughadie]

@@zachariaravenheart Add it to the warmups.

[@beardo6229]

@@tomnaughadie lol when i coach im always playing D&D.. "20 secs left!!!!--looks at stopwatch 30 secs actually left*

[@jedBSME]

Even hard sparring here looks safe. Heavier gloves, controlled contacts and protective gears. Love the techniques. Suddenly I'm in a mood to spar myself.

[@khairt1731]

Man I love your gym environment. Your guys are going 70% with good speed and they KNOW when to Pull back on their punches and kicks. High Level shit right here. Wish I was there.

[@hard2hurt]

We spend a LOT of time and effort on dialing in the intensity for each athlete.

[@khairt1731]

@@hard2hurt this is excellent. Good job. Wish I was there.

[@dylhemsley9458]

I wish I could train there, Such a great atmosphere and Icy Mike is an excellent coach.

[@dirtpoorchris]

10:00 She is definitely becoming much more responsive and starting to see her options. Your training is working pretty good on her.

[@hard2hurt]

Give her the credit. She works very hard.

[@dirtpoorchris]

@@hard2hurt ya in the end you can see her pretty damn tired but she kept pushin. Give yourself credit too your plan is workin pretty good.

[@nathanbarnhart7823]

@@dirtpoorchris well

[@nathanbarnhart7823]

But I agree

[@dirtpoorchris]

@@nathanbarnhart7823 @Well: Deep subject, usually the deeper you go the purer the water.

[@Ninjacob00]

Agreed taking initiative should be following whatever your gameplan is staying proactive and not being reactive to your opponents game plan

[@hard2hurt]

Yeah, reflexes and reaction are very unreliable compared to strong tactics.

[@Ninjacob00]

@@hard2hurt kinda crazy how this kind of stuff happens to even the highest level of fighters. I remember when Wonderboy lost to Burns and when reflecting on the fight he said “I should’ve stuck to my game plan and work the sidekick instead of worrying about the takedown”

[@Samuel-sg2iv]

I wish people would talk about this more. Being first is so incredible important. YOU CAN NOT WIN i fight going second with a good fighter. You will never win, you have to go first. And not only that, learning to be first teaches you such good offense and defense. I'll give you an example, just yesterday Glover vs Hill. Glover was not going first, he was just waiting for hill to attack him and then he would try to counter. DON'T wait for people to hit you, hit them first.

[@Gregbarlow04]

I know HEMA sees a bit of a mixed reaction, but I learned a very similar lesson years ago. In German manuscripts, they refer to the "Vor" and "Nach" (Before and After, respectively). They insist that you need to "Seize the Vor, never settle into Nach unless you are luring someone in to take back the Vor." I learned over time the lessons are very similar to unarmed fighting styles, just with different context. Those who act first, act with intent, and act aggressively will generally hold advantage. You highlighted it perfectly that even when you aren't dominant, you can still control the flow.

[@ObliqueReference]

Never thought I'd hear a 10 minute D&D talk in the middle of Kickboxing class. Thought it was just BJJ guys like me that were that big a geek.

[@hard2hurt]

We are your tribe.

[@ceruleanfive]

Was just about to say that it was a pleasant surprise seeing my two main interests randomly align.

[@Necrosythe2]

Love when you were like, she's exhausted I'm gonna put it on her, then she still comes like a bat out of hell with crazy volume. Future champ

[@hard2hurt]

She knows that she can get tired beating me up, or get tired with me beating her up. Those are the only two choices I leave her.

[@Stahlvanten]

Superb session with a good mix of training and education. Edit: When Cliffton puts on the pressure, yikes.

[@hard2hurt]

Yeah... we rarely show final form Cliff, but this video peeled back a few layers.

[@RedeemerNDestroyer]

The DnD reference explains your whole concept of "being first" so well - basically play to your strengths and use them to take initiative instead of passively waiting to see what the other guy's gonna use to "be first" If I understand correctly, even "actively waiting" the other guy to go first with the intention to block/parry/slip when you are good with those defensive maneuvers, so that you can then come back with a counter is a way of "being first"/"taking initiative"

[@nicolaslugo9357]

This was a great video. Between getting to see a sneak peek into what RKM classes are like, your method of teaching, and the amount of skill in everyone sparring, this was a great watch. On a semi-related note, I can tell how hard Natalia and Demario are working their asses off to get better. They’re already really good, i can see them going far in the MMA world.

[@hard2hurt]

They are both champion material.

[@HeavyHardDrive]

Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Charisma, Wisdom. Cast Magic Missile and Dominate Monster .

[@PlayingAy0]

What an amazing session! Everybody is on the same page! I'd love to train in this environment!

[@ericalger2288]

Your coaching, its honest...its non ego driven.....and i think its great! We need more coaches like you! God bless brother.

[@dremenzies5390]

Talking about how to gain the initiative in DnD terms was not what I was expecting, but it made the concepts clearer imo. Very clever!

[@crustybomb115]

that came out of left field, and was a very welcome(and accurate) thing to do...

[@Alexamdern]

The best possible mma gym environment. So unlike the atmosphere in many gyms currently.

[@nicholasb2218]

Man, this is fantastic stuff. Guys like you and Sensei Seth remind me how much I love and miss training martial arts.

[@gw1357]

That DnD analogy was great. The thing I tell my guys all the time is "Don't worry about him. Make him worry about you!"

[@hard2hurt]

That's a good bit of advice.

[@gw1357]

@@hard2hurt There's a great quote from Ulysses Grant, after he took over the Army of the Potomac. He said to his staff: “Oh, I am heartily tired of hearing about what Lee is going to do. Some of you always seem to think he is suddenly going to turn a double somersault, and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time. Go back to your command, and try to think what we are going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do.”

[@TM-ug3ci]

I saw the true warrior in the lady come out on her last round, especially around the time she threw the knee. This is why I love martial arts, anyone and everyone can turn into a badass w enough hard work.

[@tallguy2023]

One of your best videos, sir. Love the analogy for initiative, the support, honesty and obvious care you have for your students.

[@obiwanquixote8423]

Loved seeing how you run a class and create a great environment to train. Fantastic use of D&D analogies and I love that the "be first" lesson is constantly being reinforced throughout. Not just a one off maxim being shouted out onto the mat but brought up in every lesson. Guaranteed those guys are going to be hearing that in their dreams

[@whyareyoubothering]

This video is one of the most important for up and coming fighters. A fighter tried to explain this to me in simple terms “I’m just throwing it out there no matter what.” As a would be counter fighter I didn’t get it. It felt like that’s how you get countered. I wasn’t used to the fact that no matter what your gonna get hit especially facing experienced fighters. It’s about committing to your plan that makes the hit different. You don’t know whose gonna be the one getting dazed or shocked by the hit. The better fighter will be able to act on it either way. But one thing is guaranteed. You don’t start your plan they will. Dancing and waiting won’t do enough to the opponent. You have to throw something out there. Might seem obvious from the keyboard but in the ring, when you’re tired and a little scared the 1 second you pause to take a break and think it through is enough for your opponent to take initiative.

[@hard2hurt]

Got a video for would be counterfighters coming eventually.

[@pegstervegas]

A few months ago I somehow ended up taking MMA conditioning and kick boxing classes. I am absolutely hooked and can’t explain why. I love love love your videos and your approach to training. I can’t get enough of this. No, I won’t be stepping into a ring for real fight but I absolutely want to learn how!

[@PeterRSCFF]

Man the reward system for spar-drilling here is awesome. It’s so important to have language to communicate these concepts. Every time I learn a new way to communicate a concept, I get so excited to use it to help people get better around me. I’ve trained at world class MMA gyms and I still learn a lot from your gym. Thanks

[@thetalantonx]

I'm getting both vicarious battlejoy and coachingjoy from this, man. Being under good leaders and instructors, and then being able to turn around and teach my guys and see them get it, and then they go on to teach well even in little exchanges there's always room to learn and teach and it shows in your gym that you and your people have done well in creating a place to learn more than just techniques.

[@jeremiaschajtur2624]

I usually come for the self defense and the shenanigans so this was a nice surprise The spirit everyone showed is inspiring 👊🏼

[@morganwilliamson8707]

Appreciate everyone at rkm for the hard work and dedication not just to the gym but the Channel

[@stevenshar1233]

Mike over the years of doing content creation, you have gotten better and better as a martial arts teacher. You may not know me, but you will always have my respect for that.

[@danlewis7707]

Man. Much respect. I usually see the silly stuff but this was hard work and great coaching. Thanks for putting this up.

[@jasonfinnerty5711]

Your training and overall joy for The Lifestyle makes me happy. People in my life think I just wanna train to protect myself. It's to protect my self from myself !_!

[@giovannipinazza]

This is my favorite video on this channel now, followed by Natalia’s first match. You guys do things really similarly to gym, and I can tell you have a great relationship with all your fighters, Mike.

[@BigBoriWorld]

#1 Coach on KZbin hands down (no pun intended)

[@rylewmma553]

Great peek into RKM

[@hard2hurt]

I was nervous to put this one out... it's a pretty revealing look.

[@Priapos93]

The charm hits harder than the punches

[@slingshotmcoy]

Action is always faster than reaction, love the emphasis on it being decisions made right now.

[@taijumasta]

Your skill level at teaching a group and explaining deeper ideas for fighting is crazy. Referencing d&d? Priceless lol. Awesome job

[@belikewater2413]

Really good sparring and excellent coaching to bring out their best while maintaining composure 👊

[@CADClicker]

The D&D metaphors had me cracking up

[@Bear.imbolo]

Demario at the end just absolutely exhausted, I love to see it

[@hard2hurt]

Kumario works his butt off. He has progressed faster than anyone I have ever trained because he listens intently and always does his best.

[@MrRomanpa]

One of your best videos coach! Got me jacked up for Krav class later Thanks

[@raisnaix]

I LOVE your teaching technique! Wish I lived near your gym.

[@xassassin609]

This is honestly the best combat channal I've ever seen, nothing compares

[@justinAclark2075]

I absolutely love the complex sparring drills. genius

[@hernanmarin3904]

Excellent video! I've been practicing martial arts for 45 years, and that was the Best advice I've e er heard..."be first"... I like it! I'm with your permission, I'm going to start using your philosophy, it's AWESOME! Keep the goodwork!

[@CaptainCow9]

Absolutely love how great of a coaching job this man does he does a great job explaining everything works so well with his fighters

[@resilientkid]

If I somehow ever end up in South Carolina, I want to visit this gym. So glad I got to meet you at your Staten Island seminar.

[@MMDogTv]

Icy mike using d&d to explain fighting? Never thought I would see the day

[@hard2hurt]

Ahh you must not be paying close attention... there are some pretty frequent rpg and fantasy references.

[@MMDogTv]

@@hard2hurt I’ve noticed some others but blatant d&d just caught me by surprise! And I’m all for it. As someone with shared interests and who learns best by example or comparing topics to things I already understand , I wholeheartedly love its inclusion. Keep up the great content!

[@evanbrown1367]

I really wish more sparring classes were like this.

[@Cannonbo]

you really got me with the DnD references. was not expecting that from you. you got the initiative by speaking geek.

[@SaftonYT]

I like how Clif shows up in the video out of nowhere near the end and it's just him unloading on Tyler with a massive combination.

[@hardcaliber19]

Don't know what I'm more impressed by; How on the nose the D&D analogy was, or the fact that you knew what all the stats are hahaha. In another life, I think you and I would've been friends Mike, lol. Great coaching display.

[@jamesmanning8795]

Icy Mike is the best hype guy ever. I get pumped watching his videos. Good stuff.

[@christiansaint-pierre6797]

So many studios gloss over the initiative concept. This is the first time I've seen a video give more than just lip service to the concept. Kudos.

[@rjc5175]

Yo, Cliff vs Tyler bringing heat. Good stuff.

[@hard2hurt]

There's a very good reason I only showed a small part of it.

[@davidcounts3851]

I now feel compelled to use a D&D reference in my work as well. Seeing a video that combines two of my hobbies makes me smile.

[@SergioXavierJr]

One of the best fighting videos I had ever seen! Congrats Mike!

[@CriticallyGnart]

I used to go to this Krav class. The techniques were mostly bogus, but their shark tanks did teach me what its like to really be pushed to and beyond the breaking point. I threw up from exertion more than once haha.

[@benephelps]

The D&D analogies were amazing!

[@rjc5175]

I know cliches are annoying af but damn if they don’t apply all the time. Steel sharpens steel. Everyone in this gym is hardening.

[@hard2hurt]

There has been some pretty serious leveling up going on behind the scenes. This was a peek.

[@MichalLempicki]

Thanks for the awesome video as always!

[@bradpryer]

Just great Mike! Love the channel!!!!

[@christophervelez1561]

I love this concept of training. I’m gonna try it with my bjj team!

[@ianbrewster8934]

This is awesome stuff, please, please, please post more videos like this. This is hands down my favorite video you have posted so far. So much knowledge in this video. This is going to rewatched several times for sure. 😀😀😀 10/10

[@SaltLight7]

13:53 That! I want to be like that! I don't necessarily want to be the strongest or fasted but I want to be that guy. Certin things appeal to us for different reasons. For me, the second I saw that, I decided that will be my thing.

[@tapilaha]

dude, the world needs more teachers like you

[@emanuelr.desousa6878]

Great video! You can see many throwbacks from the past videos, but now put into practice.

[@Nigganigganigga1]

If you’re not first, you’re last. That’s one thing we were told a lot in competition amateur boxing

[@billyg.personaltraining]

2 things: I remember when Jay took a day off you'd have no one to train with, and made the footwork solo drill with Monica from Beautiful Mind. (Which isn't there anymore?) 2. I LOVE the D&D analogy. I might need to houserule initiative different now. What's your take on the OGL drama?

[@hard2hurt]

Wow. That really puts it in perspective for me. Thanks for the reminder to be grateful for what I have here.

[@billyg.personaltraining]

@@hard2hurt We love you Mike.

[@dylhemsley9458]

@@hard2hurt Are you still in contact with Jay? He seems like a really nice guy and your vids together were fun and informtive. Haven't seen him on Hard2Hurt for a while.

[@snow7728]

DnD nerd time. Wisdom in dnd is more about how perceptive you are of the world and its people rather than experience. You can still use this to take initiative by perceiving your opponents condition, their strengths and weaknesses, your position in the ring relative to theirs or any holes in their defence they might be leaving open. 🤓

[@gbormann71]

Wish I could be there too 😄 Good vibes yet relentless!

[@AugustPerkele]

15:57 Natalia sitting in the background just contemplating. I feel this

[@brownlashawn56]

7:08 that pulled head kick from the giant was crazy

[@Inaluogh]

That girl getting it on with no gas got some serious grit. Great playful environment busting each other's chops but not being a dick about it. If every gym was this fun there'd be more people physically fit and ready to defend themselves.

[@168193404]

Thanks!

[@hard2hurt]

Thank YOU sir!

[@CoASoFi]

One of your best videos Mr. Mike. That girl is really freaking good. An absolute killer she is. Also, I see that the effort expended here made this really hard for everyone but I didn’t even think of this as hard sparring. Guess I’m just used to how hard boxers tend to go though. Anyways… awesome stuff. As soon I can make it to your area I’ll be swinging on in.

[@rw8147]

We called these "exhaustion drills" in sambo. The activities changed but the protocol was the same. Fighter A was told "Do 100 crosses into the bag, then 50 thai kicks, then 30 push-ups, then crunches until your partner jumps on you. Your job is to submit B" Fighter B was told, "Jump on A during the crunches. Your job is to pin A and not get submitted." Then we got three minutes until B started on the bag and eventually A jumped on B By the second round of getting jumped on it was all gut instinct and grit. And I never failed to learn something serious each time. You can see Natalya hunting, finding openings, being more efficient with strikes, etc even while she's getting more and more tired. So good!

[@StrangerThing369]

I love Hard2Hurt!

[@davidwatson3800]

This is the best explanation of be first I've ever heard

[@93X777]

This looks like so much fun,

[@jaden_shah]

Brilliant coaching

[@dawsonboxing]

Just watched the whole thing, good vid.

[@timpeuschel1550]

Bro it's online for 2 min

[@jamielondon6436]

@@timpeuschel1550 That's what the 1000000x speed button is for. ;-)

[@hard2hurt]

What a silly thing to argue about.

[@dawsonboxing]

@@hard2hurt damn right

[@malkomalkavian]

This video is gold. Thank you :)

[@Mikecheck1212canuhearme]

You’re a great coach. Wish I had the opportunity to work with you

[@sixfoxtrot]

This is great information - I'm an aspiring coach and really like what you're doing. I like the lesson here. Go first.

[@kanebarresi7312]

I just gotta say, seeing that girl work even though she was gassed, was awesome.

[@icarusswitkes6833]

The dnd analogy was great

[@antton8575]

so entertaining and educational

[@Ashbringer85]

This is what Mike is best at, while I disagree with some of his weapons stuff in terms of an unarmed combat trainer hes very good. I think the mind set is something overlooked in many combat gyms and i think its one of the keys to making a confident fighter.

[@galseed5629]

That Kumario guy seemed like he had some real potential. Lot of slick moves with just a few rough edges.

[@hard2hurt]

Bingo

[@blizzardore05]

In Europe this is soft sparring. I wish it could be little bit more like this around here. Good stuff no headache for them after !

[@mperry94]

These videos are awesome.

[@killercour]

Great advice. Haven't been to kickboxing in a while but I'm going to apply this to BJJ class

[@PeterRSCFF]

“WE ARE NOT TRYING TO STUNT ON OUR PARTNER. This is a warmup.” Capoeira kick

[@RobYu]

Love this.

[@ednokarulhos2700]

such cool vibes man, wish I could train there someday haha

[@pauldrees2833]

This is awesome! Hard work paying off 💪

[@shadedclown5736]

Love the D&D stats

[@BigBoriWorld]

I need to see Blackie Chan fight again damnit

[@hard2hurt]

Stay tuned...