Dynamic Strategies in Modern Self-Defence: A Breakdown
In this engaging sparring session, Jeff Chan of MMAShredded demonstrates the importance of strategic and nimble responses in modern self-defence. The session, a recent addition to his impressive online portfolio of martial arts tutorials, allows us to observe Chan’s fight with Emil, a youthful boxer with only one to two year’s training on his resume. But don’t let Emil’s relative inexperience fool you—he packs a powerful punch. Emil’s style is defensive and calculated, but what makes him truly exceptional is his fallback technique. Long and quick, with explosive power behind his counterpunch, his style poses a great challenge for anyone who thrives on close-quarter combat. Chan’s strategy is rooted in the classic approach taken by a shorter fighter against a taller one: pressuring aggressively for positioning within striking range, and then swiftly moving out to evade Emil’s counterpunch. One of the staples in Emil’s bag of tricks is the check right hook—an offensive weapon he skillfully employs to keep Chan at bay. Emil’s significant advantage in height, reach, and his exceptional pullback game make him a formidable adversary. This situation underscores the poignant analogy of self-defence as a game of inches. In one instance, Chan explodes forward with a feint, looking to entrap Emil in a counter against his counter. However, timing and positioning prove elusive, resulting in a stalemate. Chan then moves out of striking range and delivers a ‘darting cross’—an unexpected attack from afar that catches Emil off guard. Chan’s usage of a ‘non-committed punch’, a blow delivered with minimum commitment to encourage Emil to initiate a counter, gives him the chance to land a cross over Emil’s. This is essentially a clever use of baiting to create openings for offence. Managing aggression and adaptability is another significant aspect that Chan emphasizes in this session. When Emil goes on an offensive, Chan manages it adeptly with head movement, interspersing attacks when he spots an opening. Throughout the exchange, we observe a back-and-forth between the fighters as they make moves and counter each other’s attacks. Each fighter trying to seize, maintain, or exploit opportunities to land, block, or counter blows. However, the session’s most refreshing part comes later when Chan introduces a new technique: the ‘drop shift to the overhand’. Jeff initiates a step with his right leg while retracting his lead knee into a Southpaw stance, and then lunges forward with his left leg as he delivers a right overhand punch. This technique encapsulates how self-defence blends strategic thinking, discipline, and physical prowess. Near the end of the session, both fighters were keeping up their aggressive postures but ended up missing in the exchanges. The sparring session enforces the concept that self-defence isn’t always about landing punches—it’s about understanding strategies, anticipating your opponent’s next move, and adapting your responses. While the focus is predominantly on the strategic and physical aspects of self-defence, the underlying values reflected in the sparring session shouldn’t be overlooked. Courage, humility, respect for the opponent, and a continual quest for improvement form an integral part of martial arts training. These are as important for practising self-defence techniques as the physicality and strategy of the skill itself. In summary, this sparring session is a masterclass in strategic self-defence applications. It showcases how traditional techniques are evolving to accommodate modern fighting styles and situational variables. Furthermore, it illustrates how high-level cognition and decision-making underpin successful self-defence strategies—a reminder that the brain is an instrumental tool in combat situations.MMA Block
MMAShredded is a YouTube channel, owned by professional fighter Jeff Chan. Dedicated to Mixed Martial Arts, it provides a wealth of practical, experiential training videos for martial artists of all levels. Chan’s insightful tips, intense workouts, and fight analyses make his content beneficial for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Jeff Chan Block
Another video that was filmed close to a year ago but only got to editing it recently! Both Emil and I are no longer affiliated with this gym but for those who are interested in visiting me while I'm in NYC, you can find me at Glory Martial Arts Centre in Bay Ridge!
What kind of shin guards?
Hate sparring tall dudes in a big open space. Usually in the ring you can corner someone against the rope/corner/net and that allows to stay in the pocket longer.
Amazing head movements, amazing attacks, but i missed some body shots
very nice sparing,,, thank u for this video.
Feel like this kid is relying too much on his range with messy punches. You had much more control and poise. How do you think you would have done if you fought him brawler style? Closing the distance and throwing hooks, liver shots and upper cuts—the Mike Tyson special lol
Hard yet, responsible sparring. This is what people could learn from.
that's good! even the harder sparring session (2nd one) seems like a no ego one, which is nice to see
Man he’s lucky to spar with you 🫡
Have being seeing your videos lately and you're giving my confidence back when doing Kickboxing
Jeff I LOVE the vids of you sparring boxers. MORE PLEASE!!!!
Love watching you spar Jeff, amazing!
He’s good shows what determination can accomplish
his style is a little unorthodox… very frustrating opponent for me… usually this is the cause for a harder sparring in order to achieve something. People using this style often lean back to avoid hits and they are very open so a feint, 1-2 steps forward with nice head movement and power hits is the way to deal with this. be patient and select your punches so as to make the difference.
🙂
How come you never wear any headgear?
Super entertaining and informative video, Jeff! Love the descriptive commentary, as always!
The one weakness for boxers, leg kicks 😂 sparred a boxer man what a huge difference in technique 💨🔥☯️🥋
Always fun and educational.
Thanx Jeff! Great work💪🏼
Jeff would you ever do a gear review? I notice you use a ton of different gloves/shin guards and there is a lack of good information on what brands are making good gear.
You are doing great. Especially your movement (head too) in general is very fast and versatile. Props !
Hello mr. Jeff Chan. I have really interesting video about Wing Chun. If you want i can share with you????
Juno boxer
Junk Boxe
Dude is not a boxer he sucks at it. Chin all in the air
Bro learned ultra instinct
His cross is weird(boxing style guy), and his jab also very restricted. He have a bit of good foot work but he need to move that torso, too stiff. Hes lucky he have that reach. Good video, keep it up guys, well done.
Your striking is very unique and unorthodox kinda reminiscent of a young Dominic Cruz
A lot of punches landed have no momentum at all more like touches . Not because they are sparring punches but they are thrown off balance and out of position
Can anyone tell me what shoes is the boxer wearing?
You don't use your high guard enough or blocking and tanking with your glove guard instead of constantly staying offensive with head movement which is why you get caught
Hey Jeff can you do “10 techniques used by Demetrius Johnso” video please 😊
How do you come across so many different gyms? Are you travelling while training?
proves why bjj is superior , start boxing as a short man if you want to be a punching bag
Jeff, your videos evolved into being entertaining and helpful at the same time. Pointing out the right moments and explaining them while slowing the videos is making it fun to watch. Keep doing the good job! 👍💪👊
I hate being a short boxer. You gotta put in so much work just to get inside and land something
Dude, you need to get your hands up. Muhammad Ali used head movement alone because (1) he was very fast (2) he combined it with footwork to stay out of range (3) he had an extraordinary chin that kept him going although his brains got scrambled anyway. Unless you have these attributes, you better protect your head.
How tall are you?
I believe Good Boxers! Are the best strikers in the world! But in order to be the best fighters! One must be well rounded!
Thanks Jeff for the Video 👍
He’s not a boxer
i like the kid's fighting style
He is a very good boxer for two years… however he did have a huge size and reach advantage.