Common Techniques Frowned Upon in Mixed Martial Arts Sparring

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sparring is a crucial aspect of training, but certain techniques are typically frowned upon to ensure the safety of participants and maintain a productive training environment. This article explores the commonly discouraged techniques, guidelines for safe sparring, and why these practices are significant.

Striking to the Head with Full Force

While head strikes are part of MMA sparring, these strikes are often conducted with controlled intensity, especially to the head, to minimize the risk of concussions and serious injuries. Excessive force during head strikes can result in traumatic brain injury, making it essential that sparring is performed with caution.

Knees and Elbows to the Head

Many gyms prohibit knees and elbows to the head during sparring sessions as these techniques can cause significant injury. Unprotected regions of the head are more susceptible to severe damage, and the sudden impact of these strikes can lead to concussions or even brain damage. Moreover, the unpredictability of these techniques increases the likelihood of accidental injuries.

Spinning Techniques

Spinning and 360-degree techniques like spinning backfists or spinning kicks can be unpredictable and may lead to accidental injuries. These techniques lack the predictability of straight strikes and can result in unintended harm to both the individual executing the move and their opponent. Therefore, they are often discouraged in sparring to promote safety.

Uncontrolled Grappling

Excessive force in grappling exchanges, such as slamming or overly aggressive takedowns, can lead to injuries. Sparring should focus on technique rather than raw power. Practitioners should be mindful of the intensity and technique used to avoid unnecessary harm.

Submissions Held Too Long

Submissions should be applied with control, and practitioners are typically expected to release them if their partner taps out or shows signs of distress. Holding a submission for too long can cause unnecessary injury and distress, making it vital to release the hold when the other participant indicates they can no longer continue.

Targeting Vulnerable Areas

Strikes to sensitive areas such as the throat, groin, or eyes are usually prohibited to prevent serious injury. These regions are highly vulnerable and strikes to them can result in long-lasting damage or even permanent harm.

Overly Aggressive Behavior

Sparring is meant to be a learning experience, so overly aggressive or hostile behavior can create a negative environment and is typically frowned upon. Maintaining a respectful and controlled approach ensures that the session is beneficial for all involved.

Lack of Communication

Not communicating with your partner about the intensity and goals of the sparring session can lead to misunderstandings and potential injuries. Clear communication is essential to ensure both parties are on the same page and can adjust the intensity as needed.

Using Unapproved Equipment

Sparring with inadequate or inappropriate protective gear, such as not wearing headgear or mouthguards, is typically discouraged. Proper protective gear is critical for reducing the risk of injury and ensuring a safe training environment.

Leading with Your Hands Open - Leading with your hands open and fingers pointed outward or defensively reacting with your hands open towards your opponent's face can help create bad habits of doing that more when you spar and fight, leading to potential pokes to the eyes.

Errant and Low Kicks to the Groin

Errant and low kicks to the groin that make direct or partial contact with the groin can also be problematic and will quickly be frowned upon by others. When you strike or punch to the head, if your glove makes contact with the ear, it is not a rabbit punch or considered striking to the back of the head. However, the same logic does not apply where kicks and knees are concerned. If they make contact with the groin while also hitting the mid-section or upper thigh, it is considered a foul and many will consider it as such.

Beyond the Above

There are other techniques that are not thought of as having much value because they take so much energy to throw and make you more vulnerable while doing little damage. A hook kick, for example, is an example of what I am saying. However, when you throw a spinning hook kick and you have a good one and land it, it will generate so much more power and can even knock your opponent out as opposed to just a hook kick. Ucpts from too far away are another that will sometimes be frowned on because while you are looping your hand and arm down to come back up with the punch, it leaves that side of your face so much more vulnerable.

Adhering to these guidelines can significantly enhance safety and ensure that sparring remains a productive learning experience for all participants. Whether you are a seasoned fighter or a beginner, maintaining awareness of these techniques and the importance of proper sparring etiquette is crucial for a successful and injury-free training session.