Sparring video, would love some feedback

[RDihcar]

Good day,

I have been practicing Muay Thai actively for about one year. I have talked with one of my coaches and most probably I'm going to fight next month.

Yesterday we had sparring and a friend of mine captured a few rounds. I would like to hear some input on my performance and what I need to focus on and become better at so that I can fix my flaws before a real match.

My opinion is that I keep my hands waaay to low. Even though I use lean backs a lot and bait it feels very dangerous if I would miscalculate an attack. However, when I keep my hands higher up I don't feel as mobile, should I sacrifice some mobility to keep the higher guard?

I'm the guy in the yellow shirt.

Link to one round ( Can upload more if you want):

 

[MilkManUK]

I'm by no means an expert, so will just offer my opinion on a couple of points that I see, one positive and one negative.

I liked your work to the body, the straight right hand to the body was good.

He did seem to have you backed up most of the time, and whilst it didn't seem to cause you any problems in this session, against a calculated, aggressive opponent, it's not really where you want to be. Use angles.

Good luck in your fight!

 

[j123]

Good day,

I have been practicing Muay Thai actively for about one year. I have talked with one of my coaches and most probably I'm going to fight next month.

Yesterday we had sparring and a friend of mine captured a few rounds. I would like to hear some input on my performance and what I need to focus on and become better at so that I can fix my flaws before a real match.

My opinion is that I keep my hands waaay to low. Even though I use lean backs a lot and bait it feels very dangerous if I would miscalculate an attack. However, when I keep my hands higher up I don't feel as mobile, should I sacrifice some mobility to keep the higher guard?

I'm the guy in the yellow shirt.

Link to one round ( Can upload more if you want):

You actually bring alot to the table, you have good aggression, you retaliate well when your opponent throws, you don't let them finish teeing off on you, you end your combinations with kicks well.

Hands that low isn't too much of a problem really. For me, your issue is you step back way too much (if goes to a decision, that is a category you need). Also you let your opponent/partner out of the corner too easily, you should work on trying to keep them in the corner/ropes. I know you're training partners, but work on that, it'll help them out also (they have to learn how to escape, staying there too long will get them hurt or an 8 count).
eg. They try to escape laterally from your right side (if you're orthodox), you kick them to move them back in. They come through the other side, throw hooks, and push them back in, etc

Any reason why there's a lack of clinch work? There are a few times you didn't respond to your partner's combinations and was well in clinch range, thats the opportunity to tie up (if you're in the corner), turn him and work from there.

Since this would be your first time competing, you would be competing as a Novice (or C-Class) which is 0-3 fights. Majority of those fights end up being a disgusting brawl and clinch fest. Newer guys have a bad sense of range and distance, they end up throwing their combinations while moving in and then end up tying up in the clinch. So what I'm saying is, work on clinching. Also if you're in America, alot of the guys competing come from MMA gyms and a good amount are actually clueless on Muay Thai clinching. Its a huge advantage to have if you know how.

If you don't already know, learn to breathe properly as well, novice fighters gas hard in the clinch, since they don't breathe when there; That is a sure fire way to kill your tank engaging in there without breathing.

Anyways, overall you have alot of good stuff, and best of luck with the camp and fight.

 

[RDihcar]

I'm by no means an expert, so will just offer my opinion on a couple of points that I see, one positive and one negative.

I liked your work to the body, the straight right hand to the body was good.

He did seem to have you backed up most of the time, and whilst it didn't seem to cause you any problems in this session, against a calculated, aggressive opponent, it's not really where you want to be. Use angles.

Good luck in your fight!

Hi,

Thank you for taking your time to watch the video and give some feedback.

Yes, I do fight backing up a lot or from the back foot which I prefer. I do notice that it gets hard from time to time to fight like this when you meet someone with great hands.

I will try to stand my ground more/angle up on my opponent, are there any general tips/techniques that you think I can use?

Thank you, I will probably upload a video of it when it's done!

 

[RDihcar]

You actually bring alot to the table, you have good aggression, you retaliate well when your opponent throws, you don't let them finish teeing off on you, you end your combinations with kicks well.

Hands that low isn't too much of a problem really. For me, your issue is you step back way too much (if goes to a decision, that is a category you need). Also you let your opponent/partner out of the corner too easily, you should work on trying to keep them in the corner/ropes. I know you're training partners, but work on that, it'll help them out also (they have to learn how to escape, staying there too long will get them hurt or an 8 count).
eg. They try to escape laterally from your right side (if you're orthodox), you kick them to move them back in. They come through the other side, throw hooks, and push them back in, etc

Any reason why there's a lack of clinch work? There are a few times you didn't respond to your partner's combinations and was well in clinch range, thats the opportunity to tie up (if you're in the corner), turn him and work from there.

Since this would be your first time competing, you would be competing as a Novice (or C-Class) which is 0-3 fights. Majority of those fights end up being a disgusting brawl and clinch fest. Newer guys have a bad sense of range and distance, they end up throwing their combinations while moving in and then end up tying up in the clinch. So what I'm saying is, work on clinching. Also if you're in America, alot of the guys competing come from MMA gyms and a good amount are actually clueless on Muay Thai clinching. Its a huge advantage to have if you know how.

If you don't already know, learn to breathe properly as well, novice fighters gas hard in the clinch, since they don't breathe when there; That is a sure fire way to kill your tank engaging in there without breathing.

Anyways, overall you have alot of good stuff, and best of luck with the camp and fight.

Good afternoon,

Thank you for taking your time to watch the video and give me feedback.

I do back up quite a bit, and I feel pretty comfortable while doing it. However this might not be the greatest way to fight if ring control is a criteria.
I want to learn to be able to stand my ground more or to constantly pressure forward like Buakaw for an example. I feel that it's harder when I spar light since then I can't make my opponent respect my punches as much.
When there's harder sparring I usually push a bit more forward and keep my hands higher up.
I will try to remind my self to use more angles instead of ending up on the ropes.

I have not actually thought about keeping my opponent pressed up in the corner that much, thank you for mentioning it, that's something I'll have to drill in to do.

We do some clinch work from time to time (at least once a week). I'm not the greatest at it but I'm not bad. I did actually avoid going into clinch mode this sparring because the guy I sparred is my coach and I know he is strong as hell and would crush me in the clinch. But I should definitely drill in more straight knees counters for when being pressed towards the ropes.

I will compete in C-class (In Sweden), yes (Headgear, shinguards, no knees to the face). Thank you for all the tips, I will definitely work on my clinch game more and to stop constantly backing up!

Cheers

 

[Paradigm]

How old are you and how often do you train? You look pretty good for only one year in. Getting ready for work so don't have much feedback at the moment.

 

[Aikidoka]

Your leg kicks, while not being entirely wrong, are performed in a way you purposefully take the power away by sitting onto them. There is no need, the power is generated with the twist, perfectly demonstrated by Rafael Dos Anjos and Jose Aldo. I have not seen better leg kicks than these guys in my life. When kicking, just before impact twist your torso to the side you're kicking from; if left kick, twist your torso to the left, if right kick, torso to right. This is subtle and there is people that do it even without knowing they do it, but for those who don't this needs to get pitched in their arsenal.

 

[MuayThaiDude]

I know it's sparring so taking that into consideration your style looks quick, good feints, I saw you circling out and using angles. My impression was it's hard for the opponent to know where you are going to strike. Only advice I could give really, like others have said, get into the clinch and breathe. When you do, be strategic with it; back him up into the corner and unleash.

 

[RDihcar]

How old are you and how often do you train? You look pretty good for only one year in. Getting ready for work so don't have much feedback at the moment.

Morning,
I'm 21 and at the moment I train about 4-5 2h sessions a week. I've been obsessed though and watched videos, read articles and shadowboxed several hours a day at home. Thank you for the compliment!

Your leg kicks, while not being entirely wrong, are performed in a way you purposefully take the power away by sitting onto them. There is no need, the power is generated with the twist, perfectly demonstrated by Rafael Dos Anjos and Jose Aldo. I have not seen better leg kicks than these guys in my life. When kicking, just before impact twist your torso to the side you're kicking from; if left kick, twist your torso to the left, if right kick, torso to right. This is subtle and there is people that do it even without knowing they do it, but for those who don't this needs to get pitched in their arsenal.

Good morning,
Ahh, I see what you mean. I'm not trying to inflict any pain with my low kicks when sparring lightly but you're right that I should still do the best technique.
Thank you for the tip, I will try it out on next training session and sparring. (Y)

I know it's sparring so taking that into consideration your style looks quick, good feints, I saw you circling out and using angles. My impression was it's hard for the opponent to know where you are going to strike. Only advice I could give really, like others have said, get into the clinch and breathe. When you do, be strategic with it; back him up into the corner and unleash.

Good morning,
Thank you for the positive feedback! I will focus on working at my clinch game more. It's often that you forget to use the clinch while sparring and I guess that is a habit that could be good to change!

 

[Paradigm]

Your leg kicks, while not being entirely wrong, are performed in a way you purposefully take the power away by sitting onto them. There is no need, the power is generated with the twist, perfectly demonstrated by Rafael Dos Anjos and Jose Aldo. I have not seen better leg kicks than these guys in my life. When kicking, just before impact twist your torso to the side you're kicking from; if left kick, twist your torso to the left, if right kick, torso to right. This is subtle and there is people that do it even without knowing they do it, but for those who don't this needs to get pitched in their arsenal.

I'm not exactly sure what you're saying here...if you are throwing a rear low right roundhouse to the leg, twist your body to the right? That seems counter-intuitive to how the Thais teach it, not that theirs is the only way to throw it.

Also, what do you mean by sitting down on them? Dropping his weight into them?

This vid has been posted a hundred times here already but Pornsaneh is known as being a decent low kicker. He's doing the opposite of what you are advising. I'd even wager that he's a better low kicker than Aldo and RDA but who knows...



Hoost had some low kicks...look at where his torso ends up at the delivery of the kick. Hoost would be facing the camera in your method:

Even RDA and Aldo turn their torsos to the direction the kick is traveling in...if they were doing what you said, they'd be turning away from the direction their kick is going in:

 

[Brando]

Hey there, thanks for posting. You had some nice combinations and the occasional perfect angle-off exit. You also kept your eyes on your partner very well throughout.

Three things to consider:

1. You spend a lot of time attacking and defending in straight lines. You often sit just within range to make your reads, which can be dangerous when you're not changing your position much. You spend some time and energy moving lateral and angling off, but usually wait to get back on the train tracks before you initiate your offense. Work on finishing your steps/angles balanced and ready to attack, and practice catching guys while they're turning to meet you.

2. The pump fake jabs you try from 0:35 to 0:38 are almost entirely arm. Even a pump fake is best performed with the entire body. Drive from your back toe and use your body to propel the probing jabs out there. It's more energy efficient, and it'll sell the feint better.

3. Try to be more active with your defense, especially your blocking. You can still be an active defender without parrying or slipping. Claim space in your stance - you lean back too far when you shell up - then use that space to change the position of your guard. That means moving the hands, turning the shoulders to "reinforce" your guard on certain sides, and even sitting back in a poor man's pull.

This series capture the "lean back" problem I described:

In frame 1, you can see the lean back, and you can also see that your stance isn't deep enough to support it. You're leaning further than your back support leg.

In frame 2, it's even more extreme.

In frame 3, you've actually been forced to take a step back with your lead to to catch yourself because the lean was so excessive.

Thanks again for posting.

 

[Aikidoka]

I'm not exactly sure what you're saying here...if you are throwing a rear low right roundhouse to the leg, twist your body to the right? That seems counter-intuitive to how the Thais teach it, not that theirs is the only way to throw it.

Also, what do you mean by sitting down on them? Dropping his weight into them?

This vid has been posted a hundred times here already but Pornsaneh is known as being a decent low kicker. He's doing the opposite of what you are advising. I'd even wager that he's a better low kicker than Aldo and RDA but who knows...



Hoost had some low kicks...look at where his torso ends up at the delivery of the kick. Hoost would be facing the camera in your method:

Even RDA and Aldo turn their torsos to the direction the kick is traveling in...if they were doing what you said, they'd be turning away from the direction their kick is going in:

They snap the body in the opposite direction, not face the opposite direction entirely, as proven in the above images.

 

[RDihcar]

Hey there, thanks for posting. You had some nice combinations and the occasional perfect angle-off exit. You also kept your eyes on your partner very well throughout.

Three things to consider:

1. You spend a lot of time attacking and defending in straight lines. You often sit just within range to make your reads, which can be dangerous when you're not changing your position much. You spend some time and energy moving lateral and angling off, but usually wait to get back on the train tracks before you initiate your offense. Work on finishing your steps/angles balanced and ready to attack, and practice catching guys while they're turning to meet you.

2. The pump fake jabs you try from 0:35 to 0:38 are almost entirely arm. Even a pump fake is best performed with the entire body. Drive from your back toe and use your body to propel the probing jabs out there. It's more energy efficient, and it'll sell the feint better.

3. Try to be more active with your defense, especially your blocking. You can still be an active defender without parrying or slipping. Claim space in your stance - you lean back too far when you shell up - then use that space to change the position of your guard. That means moving the hands, turning the shoulders to "reinforce" your guard on certain sides, and even sitting back in a poor man's pull.

This series capture the "lean back" problem I described:

In frame 1, you can see the lean back, and you can also see that your stance isn't deep enough to support it. You're leaning further than your back support leg.

In frame 2, it's even more extreme.

In frame 3, you've actually been forced to take a step back with your lead to to catch yourself because the lean was so excessive.

Thanks again for posting.

Good afternoon,

Thank you for all these strong tips! I should definitely do more realistic movements for my feints.
I will remind my self to engage when at a dominant angle more. It's also great that you pointed out that when I use the lean back/Shell up my footwork puts me in a position where I can only retreat but not retaliate.
I will focus more on moving in a balanced stance at all times.

I feel that I really need to practice on standing my ground more when being attacked, I can't always run away.
Do you think that I should focus more on being defensive like the K1 competitors? (They always stand ground during exchanges).
Are there any general tips you got that might suit me for this purpose?

Thank you again for the feedback!
Cheers

 

[j123]

They snap the body in the opposite direction, not face the opposite direction entirely, as proven in the above images.

Its not done midkick. Usually after the kick lands on their leg, they push off opposite, it is slightly stronger, but its mostly to regain balance.

 

[Brando]

Good afternoon,

Thank you for all these strong tips! I should definitely do more realistic movements for my feints.
I will remind my self to engage when at a dominant angle more. It's also great that you pointed out that when I use the lean back/Shell up my footwork puts me in a position where I can only retreat but not retaliate.
I will focus more on moving in a balanced stance at all times.

I feel that I really need to practice on standing my ground more when being attacked, I can't always run away.
Do you think that I should focus more on being defensive like the K1 competitors? (They always stand ground during exchanges).
Are there any general tips you got that might suit me for this purpose?

Thank you again for the feedback!
Cheers

I know what you mean by K1 style defense - Duke Roufus stresses engaging your back foot while blocking so you can meet their force with a strong base - and my answer is "yes, sometimes."

The important thing is to claim as much space as you can with your defense, until you want to give it up. The unpredictability is key. If you give ground every time, you leave yourself nowhere to go. It's not always bad (when done with balance); pulling and fading are great techniques, and making your opponent reach is a good thing. And it's especially jarring when they're used to making contact with strong blocks. But if you are always fading, and I happen to whiff on a punch, I'll just keep walking you down. By the same token, if you stand your ground every time, you're a punching bag.

Other than the balance issues I addressed (which can be fixed with some basic stance/movement drills to reinforce your foundation, and some situational sparring where you focus on defense), the issue is predictability. You are responding to his attacks in the same way, which is usually to give ground.

I know this isn't a tidy answer, but you asked for general tips. If you have some specific questions I can try to give you something more concrete.

 

[Aikidoka]

Its not done midkick. Usually after the kick lands on their leg, they push off opposite, it is slightly stronger, but its mostly to regain balance.

That's pretty much correct, but it did wonders when I implemented it.

 

[AndyMaBobs]

Good day,

I have been practicing Muay Thai actively for about one year. I have talked with one of my coaches and most probably I'm going to fight next month.

Yesterday we had sparring and a friend of mine captured a few rounds. I would like to hear some input on my performance and what I need to focus on and become better at so that I can fix my flaws before a real match.

My opinion is that I keep my hands waaay to low. Even though I use lean backs a lot and bait it feels very dangerous if I would miscalculate an attack. However, when I keep my hands higher up I don't feel as mobile, should I sacrifice some mobility to keep the higher guard?

I'm the guy in the yellow shirt.

Link to one round ( Can upload more if you want):

Hey man, watch that Pornsaneh low kick video posted earlier in the thread if you haven't already because that will set you right, it's cool that you don't want to hurt your training partner, but if you catch him with a low kick that feels a bit too hard, just check he's alright and I'm sure he'll probably have been fine, you can throw it Pornsaneh style and not hurt so long as you're controlling yourself. First of all, you're looking pretty good.

One thing I've gotta commend you on is that you've got great balance and rotation, especially with that body kick. On what MilkManUK said though, you really wanna work the clinch a lot to make sure you've got an edge on your opponent.

The way you should go about doing it might seem counter productive, but forget the double collar tie for the most part, still work on it and make sure you're able to get it but what you really want to work on is passes to different positions and being able to attack from double underhooks and so on.
I would strongly recommend Anderson Silva's clinch instructional and also Malaipet's for examples of how to fight from the clinch, pass and attack from spots other than the standard double collar tie, don't get me wrong, if you can get it then it's great, but it is actually quite easily countered.



I tend to be more of a clinch guy nowadays and as soon as I feel my opponent getting that double collar tie I immediately go to this position. Before you fight it might be an idea to ask your coach to get you to clinch a lot.

The only other thing I can think of is to start bringing your leg into a checking position after you throw a kick, this will give you more control over your kick and makes you less vulnerable to the very common round kick to round kick counter.

 

[ssullivan80]

The only other thing I can think of is to start bringing your leg into a checking position after you throw a kick, this will give you more control over your kick and makes you less vulnerable to the very common round kick to round kick counter.

+1 Good advice.

TS- there's a whole lot of advice already given, some it very good (let you determine that on your own). Either way, a few quick pointers from what I noticed briefly watching the video.

- On your low kick, you throw it well, good rotation. Work on getting your shoulders over the top of your hips (see pics in prior post & Pornsaneh vid) vs behind them. That's how you get that drive "thud" into your low kick vs slap. It'll also keep your opponent from being able to step in and attack before you're able to get that kicking leg back and set into your stance. Even in a light sparring session, getting those shoulders over the hips will essentially let you pin your opponents lead foot down while you retract the kick. In short - you press yourself back into your stance (sparring) vs. driving all the way through (opponent)

- Again, on that low kick. After the kick lands, you have a habit of standing back up tall and returning to the same place. Ideally, you want to either come back low, weight forward and press your lead hand upward (chin behind shoulder) into your opponents chest/collarbone to keep him from stepping straight in and attacking OR you want to press off at a slight angle outside of the centerline \ or / vs l ......

- Lastly, I like that you keep your weight back on that rear foot when you advance and put together your punch combinations. You look well balanced and you aren't falling into your punches. However, when your throwing those body shots (which again, I liked seeing), same as above, don't go straight back to the stance you initiated the shot from (unless you're following with another shot, body-head). You wan't to add a lateral step or pivot before you throw the shot or before you reset following the body shot. And again, if you're throwing a body shot and following with a rear leg kick (which you did well), don't pull back and tall into the same position. Stay low and either step laterally or use that lead hand to push/pull your opponent into the kick. Follow the momentum of the body shot, stay low and drive through the kick vs coming back up/tall & snapping it. This is where getting the shoulders over top the hips will be imperative.

 

[Paradigm]

Your leg kicks, while not being entirely wrong, are performed in a way you purposefully take the power away by sitting onto them. There is no need, the power is generated with the twist, perfectly demonstrated by Rafael Dos Anjos and Jose Aldo. I have not seen better leg kicks than these guys in my life. When kicking, just before impact twist your torso to the side you're kicking from; if left kick, twist your torso to the left, if right kick, torso to right. This is subtle and there is people that do it even without knowing they do it, but for those who don't this needs to get pitched in their arsenal.

That's pretty much correct, but it did wonders when I implemented it.

That doesn't have anything to do with generating power.

They snap the body in the opposite direction, not face the opposite direction entirely, as proven in the above images.

The kick has already landed by that point...you don't generate more power after the impact by pushing the guy away from you. You do it to rebound off of him to get you back to your stance faster.

Its not done midkick. Usually after the kick lands on their leg, they push off opposite, it is slightly stronger, but its mostly to regain balance.

This...it's to get back into guard/stance quicker before the counter comes.

This series capture the "lean back" problem I described:

In frame 1, you can see the lean back, and you can also see that your stance isn't deep enough to support it. You're leaning further than your back support leg.

In frame 2, it's even more extreme.

In frame 3, you've actually been forced to take a step back with your lead to to catch yourself because the lean was so excessive.

Thanks again for posting.

Not that he's trying to pull back to avoid a shot and counter there but the same principle would probably apply. The way I was taught is to use your rear calf/leg as a kind of spring to pull back/drop elevation, instead of leaning back with your lower back. You don't sacrifice your center of gravity that way and still have some give to absorb a shot if it lands, instead of being planted like Anderson was against Weidman in their first fight and getting caught flush.

Not the best example, since Anderson was squared up but similar concept:

Hey man, watch that Pornsaneh low kick video posted earlier in the thread if you haven't already because that will set you right, it's cool that you don't want to hurt your training partner, but if you catch him with a low kick that feels a bit too hard, just check he's alright and I'm sure he'll probably have been fine, you can throw it Pornsaneh style and not hurt so long as you're controlling yourself. First of all, you're looking pretty good.

One thing I've gotta commend you on is that you've got great balance and rotation, especially with that body kick. On what MilkManUK said though, you really wanna work the clinch a lot to make sure you've got an edge on your opponent.

The way you should go about doing it might seem counter productive, but forget the double collar tie for the most part, still work on it and make sure you're able to get it but what you really want to work on is passes to different positions and being able to attack from double underhooks and so on.
I would strongly recommend Anderson Silva's clinch instructional and also Malaipet's for examples of how to fight from the clinch, pass and attack from spots other than the standard double collar tie, don't get me wrong, if you can get it then it's great, but it is actually quite easily countered.



I tend to be more of a clinch guy nowadays and as soon as I feel my opponent getting that double collar tie I immediately go to this position. Before you fight it might be an idea to ask your coach to get you to clinch a lot.

The only other thing I can think of is to start bringing your leg into a checking position after you throw a kick, this will give you more control over your kick and makes you less vulnerable to the very common round kick to round kick counter.

Great advice on that immediate check after the kick lands. I like to do that in sparring sometimes but the downside if you show it too often, your opponent can get wise to it and sweep/cut kick under your check if he times you right.

+1 Good advice.

TS- there's a whole lot of advice already given, some it very good (let you determine that on your own). Either way, a few quick pointers from what I noticed briefly watching the video.

- On your low kick, you throw it well, good rotation. Work on getting your shoulders over the top of your hips (see pics in prior post & Pornsaneh vid) vs behind them. That's how you get that drive "thud" into your low kick vs slap. It'll also keep your opponent from being able to step in and attack before you're able to get that kicking leg back and set into your stance. Even in a light sparring session, getting those shoulders over the hips will essentially let you pin your opponents lead foot down while you retract the kick. In short - you press yourself back into your stance (sparring) vs. driving all the way through (opponent)

- Again, on that low kick. After the kick lands, you have a habit of standing back up tall and returning to the same place. Ideally, you want to either come back low, weight forward and press your lead hand upward (chin behind shoulder) into your opponents chest/collarbone to keep him from stepping straight in and attacking OR you want to press off at a slight angle outside of the centerline \ or / vs l ......

- Lastly, I like that you keep your weight back on that rear foot when you advance and put together your punch combinations. You look well balanced and you aren't falling into your punches. However, when your throwing those body shots (which again, I liked seeing), same as above, don't go straight back to the stance you initiated the shot from (unless you're following with another shot, body-head). You wan't to add a lateral step or pivot before you throw the shot or before you reset following the body shot. And again, if you're throwing a body shot and following with a rear leg kick (which you did well), don't pull back and tall into the same position. Stay low and either step laterally or use that lead hand to push/pull your opponent into the kick. Follow the momentum of the body shot, stay low and drive through the kick vs coming back up/tall & snapping it. This is where getting the shoulders over top the hips will be imperative.

I wish we got more posts like this subforum. You got a nice eye for analysis (and great vids of knocking out sparring partners in the garage lol).

 

[Aikidoka]

If you cannot comprehend, Google is your friend.