Adapting Combat Sports for Modern Self Defence: Insights from a Boxer Turning to Muay Thai/MMA
It’s no secret that martial arts have evolved over time, broadening their scope far beyond the traditional battlefield and arena, and embedding themselves into personal health and safety contexts. Through the recent video by MMAShredded—detailing a professional boxer’s exploration of Muay Thai and MMA—we gain unique insight into the transferability of skills between combat sports and their potential relevance to modern self-defence. Fusion and Adaptation: A Boxer’s Transition The video introduces us to Frank—a retired professional boxer venturing into other combat sports. His 10-year boxing journey honed a natural power that Jeff Chan, the video host, felt acutely. During their sparring session, one punch from Frank left Chan unable to chew with his right jaw for a week. Yet, it wasn’t the painful aftermath that stood out but the immediate apology from Frank. What stands out prominently is the apparent difference between the raw power of boxing and the technique-oriented Muay Thai and MMA. Frank’s transition is both intriguing and inspiring. We witness a tough professional boxer transform into a humble student, eager to embrace a new martial art form. The Role of Communication One of the most notable aspects demonstrated in the video is the importance of communication, both verbal and nonverbal, in martial arts. Chan and Frank’s ongoing dialogue over their sparring intensity provides a perfect example. In real-world self-defense situations, effective communication can significantly impact the outcome. It helps deescalate hostilities and achieve a peaceful resolution whenever possible. In the world of martial arts, as exhibited in the video, it helps establish mutual respect between practitioners and facilitates effective learning. The Interplay of Skills: Boxing vs. Muay Thai Frank’s adventure into Muay Thai was not without its challenges but demonstrated how previously acquired skills could be translated into new arenas. Not surprisingly, when the two athletes moved onto a boxing round, Frank’s professional expertise shone through instantly, demonstrating complete dominance. He was clearly “in his element”, as Chan put it, with visible confidence and swagger in his movements. This duality of the situation neatly highlights the contrasting dynamics of the two combat sports. Both require skill, strategy, strength, and speed. Still, their distinct techniques and approaches make each uniquely suitable for various self-defense scenarios. Takeaway: The Martial Arts Spectrum The exchange between Frank and Chan is much more than just an entertaining combat sports spectacle—it draws attention to the potential of cross-training in different martial arts for practical self-defense. Exploring various combat sports not only helps diversify a practitioner’s skills but also enhances their understanding of the wide-ranging applications of martial arts. Whether you’re a professional boxer, a martial arts enthusiast, or a beginner looking to bolster your self-defense toolkit, the core message from Jeff Chan and Frank’s journey is clear: expand your horizons, don’t shy from exploring unknown territories, and most importantly, embrace the learning process.MMA Block
MMAShredded is a YouTube channel owned by Jeff Chan, a professional mixed martial artist. Through comprehensive and detailed tutorials, Chan interacts with his audience, imparting valuable MMA techniques and training strategies. He aims to inspire martial art enthusiasts by sharing his extensive knowledge and personal experiences in the sport.
Jeff Chan Block
The difference we see, when the competition rules change! Props to Frank Galarza for transitioning into Muay Thai! Who wants to see more boxers come to MMA instead of just MMA fighters going into boxing? Comment below! Like in the recent news… Jon Jones vs Tyson Fury would be a crazy match up!!!
Best fight vids. Truly
4:11 he knocked your gaurd back up for a second there😁
If Frank learned to check those leg kicks, he would smoke you like a fine cigar
Like most kickers you have no defense against a puncher, specially when kicking, a good counter puncher would take advantage of that.
Good training you can see the respect
You shoulder roll like James Toney what's favourite martial art ?
Jeffs technique @ 3:26 seems like a Karate technique 'oi-zuki + gyaku zuki '…..really nice
Chef's kiss sparring, pure and simple, after all, that's what it is, a time to learn.
You doing it wrong the kicks aren't that effective you move into the kick before they get it off the ground i do this easily you can see a kick a mile away its stupid to kick…a boxer as i am i always knock them out with the over hand right and keep throwing 150 punches until they are unconscious
you dont let them kick I punch the leg and knees very hard
And this, class, is why boxers belittle MMA.
Very technical sparring. Wish I could fight that level to spar like this. Congrats.
Great work on taking him in and giving him information on how to defend Muay Thai sparring..
Great stuff
The Asian guy seems cocky and full of himself. Every now and then it is imperative that a fighter, no matter how good he is must get his pride and ego shattered. Pro boxer took this guy to school!
Girl on the right totally mesmerized! xD
The amount of knees to the fact he could’ve ate, sparring etiquette key here
To fight a boxer, stop trying to hit his head. Just kick his legs until they're tired, then he will slow down his head movement.
I tried Muay Thai for the first time the other day after Boxing 10 years, I feel the boxers frustration with them kicks 💀 he definitely felt them the next day haha Great channel man 👊
Really good video, shows the gap between both martial arts
🙂
Looks like he could of landed an uppercut real easy. Do they do those in muy Thai?
Jeff is a tough guy..that boxer was huge✊🏾
4:49 I SAW THAT JEFF hahahah
I mean… he doesn’t try Muay Thai! Because all the ducking and weaving would’ve seen him get a knee to the face.
Was great sparring of both of you
I'm just a fat guy on the couch who knows nothing. But his head movement in the boxing rounds was trouble. I think that would have given even pro boxers issues. Easier said than done, but more body work and less head hunting might be the answer to that. Great to see.
His legs is a balloon after that😂