How to keep a sparring session from escalating in Muay Thai
We've all seen sparring get out of control, especially in an all levels setting. Here a few things you can do to keep technical sparring from escalating.
- Be mindful of the size and skill difference between you and your training partner. There are weight classes for a reason, and often we are mismatched in a class setting.
- Be controlled, relax, be smooth. The more rigid you are the harder it is to control. Sparring with someone that is new or that is wound too tight is one of the most dangerous scenarios for anyone training Muay Thai. This is how injuries happen. Focus on timing and quickness without power. It will open the door to more beneficial sparring.
- Talk to your training partner, and don't wait until it's too late. Don't wait until you're in that fight or flight mode to discuss how hard you intend to go. Talk to your partner beforehand. If it's getting a little bit more than you're comfortable with, just let them know. You can always take the intensity higher as you get into the round, but it is hard to take the intensity back down without good communication.
- The goal is to improve and test yourself. Don't try to win. Sparring is about learning not winning. Keep this mindset and you will benefit your own training and that of your training partner.
