Learn from Legends:
Clip 1: How NOT to spar with a legend…
This was at a Saenchai seminar in North America.
Many general sparring etiquettes were broken:
1. Hit hard from the start without feeling out: this is a quick way to start a war. Doing this to a legend is the equivalent to a cheap shot. Those shots would not land if Saenchai was on guard.
2. Don’t listen to the crowd on going lighter: too in the zone and too much ego to lighten up.
3. Saenchai checks him, continues to go hard: because need to retaliate right?
4. Still goes hard after the crowd’s stern warning : 2nd warning
5. Almost kicks Saenchai when he was on the ground: ok…. chill out man….
6. Stays on Saenchai as if there’s something to prove: getting hit by his signature cartwheel kick is an honor… why are you sticking so close in his face ready to exchange right after… 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
I wish stuff like this didn’t need to be posted, but after watching people chuck elbows and spinning attacks all out against elite fighters in seminars I had enough.
There needs to be a clear guideline for general sparring etiquette and I’m laying all of it out.
Here’s the thing: Saenchai doesn’t care. He likes to spar, and even likes hard sparring. But etiquettes exist, and if you break enough of them, be prepared to get slept.
What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below 🙏.
Clip 2: When you PISS off a legend in sparring…
You don’t want to activate a legend’s “fight energy” in sparring. What this means is that they go into “fight mode” and will treat it as a competition.
Keep in mind that a warrior spirit is inherent in them and while they show restraint, if you piss them off, restraint will be lifted. In this scenario, Sugar Ray Leonard’s sparring partner was not supposed to touch him to the face.
That was the agreed upon rule since Sugar had just gotten an eye surgery. When he landed that shot, you can easily tell how Sugar’s face and demeanour changed.
In his own words, “it made him want to defeat him.” Sugar “checks” the partner with a hard liver shot, and the partner attempts to fire back with more shots to the head.
The gave Sugar proper grounds to drop him, and he’s showing restraint by going to the body rather than the head. Every time you spar with someone, you are entering a consensual agreement.
The etiquettes need to be clearer for everyone, so I am attempting to lay it all out. If you made an agreement on how to spar, uphold those agreements. If not, you’re breaking consent and it means you have a lack of respect for boundaries.
Unfortunately, in combat sports, too many people have a lack of respect for boundaries… to the point that some elite fighters refuse to spar in their own seminars.
Please share your thoughts on good and bad etiquette in sparring with me in the comments.
Clip 3: How to spar with a legend — masterclass edition.
When you are elite, like @asatenpow (the #1 USA prospect in GLORY), you have nothing to prove in sparring. This is his FIRST spar with Saenchai.
1. Start the round light, fun, and smiling — let Saenchai dictate the pace. Is it really that hard to have some fun? Play is an integral part of Thai style sparring. And letting the legend dictate the pace is a great form of respect.
2. Playfully shake your head when you shut down techniques: this is the equivalent of busting your friend’s balls! This is a “tease, challenge” done in a light hearted way.
3. Use his techniques against him: imitation is the ultimate form of flattery. He loves it when you use his techniques, it means you studied him a lot!
4. Earn respect by denying his technique with skill, not athleticism: brute force is not respected, especially against a GOAT Muay Femur like Saenchai. If you show that you know Muay Thai skill, you earn his respect.
5. Pull the shots you know have a good chance of landing: you and Saenchai both know he can take a good shot. No need to follow through unless you’re looking for a war. Pulling your shots is a form of respect, especially so if it’s your first spar together.
6. Let him count you out! It’s an honor to play around and play dead against the greatest. It’s letting go of the ego and just having fun. Had to share this because too many people don’t know sparring etiquette, and Asa displayed an absolute masterclass and it was beautiful to watch.
Clip 4: MMA Queen Sparring Champion Trainer
Got questions and thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!
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