Cornerman Advice Do's/Dont's

[Screamin' Banshee]

So with two of my training partners fighting in their debuts this Saturday I figured I'd see if you guys had any useful advice.

As funny as it sounds, I'm just as excited to corner my guys as I was for my debut.:)


Cant Wait.

[Martin]

Just think about when you were fighting. What did you want your corner men to do, what did you like and what didn't you. Did you want them to give you tactics or did you want them to concentrate on patching you up and keeping you hydrated etc.

Actually when i think back i'm sure your fight ended in the first so i guess i'm just talking absolute nonsense lol, you get the idea tho.

I'm sure you wil know how to play it when the time comes ;)

[schufflerbot]

fireman's carry.

tell them to pick their opponent up and carry his ass over to your side of the cage, that way you dont have to yell at them the entire time.

[zaxonortesus]

Between rounds, I like to point out what I would like to see them do in the next round, a quick reason why/when, then have them repeat it back to me quickly. Let them focus on recovery/breathing, so get them to take some deep calming breaths. Have them keep their hands down, don't show your opponent that your guy is tired. Water and spit... and have a towel ready. That's what I can think of that I normally do between rounds. During the fights, IDK, I've only cornered a few MMA fights and handfull of Muay Thai fights and a few Jiu Jitsu comps. It seems like guys can listen more and execute what you're saying better while they're on the ground, so that's the time to give a bit more technical instruction... But not overwhelming amounts, obviously. "HANDS UP!" seems to get yelled a lot as the rounds progress. I think most of all, reassure them that they're doing well. Tell them to turn it up to steal rounds too. That is what I have picked up so far in my young cornering career, I hope that helps man, and good luck to you and your fighters!

[BadKarmaRising]

So with two of my training partners fighting in their debuts this Saturday I figured I'd see if you guys had any useful advice.

As funny as it sounds, I'm just as excited to corner my guys as I was for my debut.:)


Cant Wait.

1) Bring EVERYTHING. Don't assume the promoter will provide more than gloves.Being tape, gauze, scissors, water, towels, bucket, etc.

2) Be sure you attend the rules meeting with your fighter and clarify anything that you aren't sure of.

3) Make sure one of you knows how to wrap and tape hands. Not think you know, know you know. Asking someone else to tape your fighter causes them to take time away from their fighter. Conversely, be prepared for people to see you taping your guy and ask If you can tape them. I like to respond "Sure can! It's 10 bucks" That usually puts an end to the request without my having to say no.

I can't stress how important a good tape job is from a psychological stand point. Most good promotions are going to have you gloved when you're 5 fights out and to sit there with blue fingers and cramped hands because you've been taped too tightly will distract you to the point of interference.

4) seconds are responsible for getting everything to the cage except the fighter. so make sure he's wearing a cup and has his mouthpiece BEFORE you start your walk to the cage, has his nails trimmed etc.

On a side note, try to have your fighter in FIGHT shorts, not basketball or board shorts.

5) While the fight is going on try to stay in your chair. that extra 18 inches you get standing up doesn't help your fighter and blocks the people who paid the most to be there from seeing the fight.

Try to keep your commands as short as possible. More importantly, make sure they're commands your fighter has already heard you yell to and at him on the practice mat. Your guy won't have the time to process complex instructions while someone is trying to punch his head in.

6) Between rounds get an ice bag on the back of his neck, in addition to the cooling effect, the cold helps him to focus on your words.

Rinse his mouthpiece. The water will help create a suction effect that helps keep it in. Dry mouthpieces come out a lot easier than moist ones.

Make sure he stays on his feet and force him to control his breathing. No squatting or slumping on the cage side. Both signal to your opponent that your fighter is tired or worse. Squatting restricts blood flow to the legs which will be oxygen starved by this point. So keep him standing, breathing, and calm.

7) Do give him short specific advice within his level of compentence. i.e Telling a grappler that he needs to start slipping the jab, is retarded. Instead tell him to circle and close. That he can handle and is the next best thing.

Again, no complex set of instructions. Point out only the most important thing that you notice that he obviously hasn't. This isn't the time for laundry lists but pointing out to him that his opponend drops his hand when he kicks is the type of thing he'll miss when he's in the thick of it.

8) If he hasn't worked on it before the fight, he won't do it during the fight. So it's up to you to know what tools he does have instruct him accordingly.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[Screamin' Banshee]

1) Bring EVERYTHING. Don't assume the promoter will provide more than gloves.Being tape, gauze, scissors, water, towels, bucket, etc.

2) Be sure you attend the rules meeting with your fighter and clarify anything that you aren't sure of.

3) Make sure one of you knows how to wrap and tape hands. Not think you know, know you know. Asking someone else to tape your fighter causes them to take time away from their fighter. Conversely, be prepared for people to see you taping your guy and ask If you can tape them. I like to respond "Sure can! It's 10 bucks" That usually puts an end to the request without my having to say no.

I can't stress how important a good tape job is from a psychological stand point. Most good promotions are going to have you gloved when you're 5 fights out and to sit there with blue fingers and cramped hands because you've been taped too tightly will distract you to the point of interference.

4) seconds are responsible for getting everything to the cage except the fighter. so make sure he's wearing a cup and has his mouthpiece BEFORE you start your walk to the cage, has his nails trimmed etc.

On a side note, try to have your fighter in FIGHT shorts, not basketball or board shorts.

5) While the fight is going on try to stay in your chair. that extra 18 inches you get standing up doesn't help your fighter and blocks the people who paid the most to be there from seeing the fight.

Try to keep your commands as short as possible. More importantly, make sure they're commands your fighter has already heard you yell to and at him on the practice mat. Your guy won't have the time to process complex instructions while someone is trying to punch his head in.

6) Between rounds get an ice bag on the back of his neck, in addition to the cooling effect, the cold helps him to focus on your words.

Rinse his mouthpiece. The water will help create a suction effect that helps keep it in. Dry mouthpieces come out a lot easier than moist ones.

Make sure he stays on his feet and force him to control his breathing. No squatting or slumping on the cage side. Both signal to your opponent that your fighter is tired or worse. Squatting restricts blood flow to the legs which will be oxygen starved by this point. So keep him standing, breathing, and calm.

7) Do give him short specific advice within his level of compentence. i.e Telling a grappler that he needs to start slipping the jab, is retarded. Instead tell him to circle and close. That he can handle and is the next best thing.

Again, no complex set of instructions. Point out only the most important thing that you notice that he obviously hasn't. This isn't the time for laundry lists but pointing out to him that his opponend drops his hand when he kicks is the type of thing he'll miss when he's in the thick of it.

8) If he hasn't worked on it before the fight, he won't do it during the fight. So it's up to you to know what tools he does have instruct him accordingly.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!




Will do. Should have the videos uploaded saturday night.


Thanks for the advice. Answered any questions I had.



Andy

[younwha]

This might sound stupid ....

When I was training MMA and kickboxing we use to spar a lot with corner guys to get use to it. Something I've noticed, and something I did. Smart fighters listen to the other guys corners. Especially corners that scream specific instructions to their fighter non stop. That's how I use to always keep my opponent at bay, listening to his corner. So eventually I started noticing other people were doing this as well. So I grabbed a small group of guys that I liked in the gym and taught them a few key words in Albanian (any crazy language that you can learn would work), so when I gave them instructions instead of low kick I would say shkelm ulet - and the other corner would be like wtf... then next thing you know, wam leg kick.

[Ryan]

1) Bring EVERYTHING. Don't assume the promoter will provide more than gloves.Being tape, gauze, scissors, water, towels, bucket, etc.

2) Be sure you attend the rules meeting with your fighter and clarify anything that you aren't sure of.

3) Make sure one of you knows how to wrap and tape hands. Not think you know, know you know. Asking someone else to tape your fighter causes them to take time away from their fighter. Conversely, be prepared for people to see you taping your guy and ask If you can tape them. I like to respond "Sure can! It's 10 bucks" That usually puts an end to the request without my having to say no.

I can't stress how important a good tape job is from a psychological stand point. Most good promotions are going to have you gloved when you're 5 fights out and to sit there with blue fingers and cramped hands because you've been taped too tightly will distract you to the point of interference.

4) seconds are responsible for getting everything to the cage except the fighter. so make sure he's wearing a cup and has his mouthpiece BEFORE you start your walk to the cage, has his nails trimmed etc.

On a side note, try to have your fighter in FIGHT shorts, not basketball or board shorts.

5) While the fight is going on try to stay in your chair. that extra 18 inches you get standing up doesn't help your fighter and blocks the people who paid the most to be there from seeing the fight.

Try to keep your commands as short as possible. More importantly, make sure they're commands your fighter has already heard you yell to and at him on the practice mat. Your guy won't have the time to process complex instructions while someone is trying to punch his head in.

6) Between rounds get an ice bag on the back of his neck, in addition to the cooling effect, the cold helps him to focus on your words.

Rinse his mouthpiece. The water will help create a suction effect that helps keep it in. Dry mouthpieces come out a lot easier than moist ones.

Make sure he stays on his feet and force him to control his breathing. No squatting or slumping on the cage side. Both signal to your opponent that your fighter is tired or worse. Squatting restricts blood flow to the legs which will be oxygen starved by this point. So keep him standing, breathing, and calm.

7) Do give him short specific advice within his level of compentence. i.e Telling a grappler that he needs to start slipping the jab, is retarded. Instead tell him to circle and close. That he can handle and is the next best thing.

Again, no complex set of instructions. Point out only the most important thing that you notice that he obviously hasn't. This isn't the time for laundry lists but pointing out to him that his opponend drops his hand when he kicks is the type of thing he'll miss when he's in the thick of it.

8) If he hasn't worked on it before the fight, he won't do it during the fight. So it's up to you to know what tools he does have instruct him accordingly.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Why not board shorts?

[zaxonortesus]

Why not board shorts?

Some promotions allow them, some don't. But usually they aren't as tough as fight shorts, and don't allow for the same movement in the legs.

And BKR... KILLER advice. Even for someone that has a ~10 fights cornering experience, that was some great advice. I agree 100% with all of that. Especially #1. We ran out of tape at one event and had to go around begging for a roll or two. Takes time away from warm-ups etc for no reason other than being unprepared.

[SavageKitsune]

This might sound stupid ....

When I was training MMA and kickboxing we use to spar a lot with corner guys to get use to it. Something I've noticed, and something I did. Smart fighters listen to the other guys corners. Especially corners that scream specific instructions to their fighter non stop. That's how I use to always keep my opponent at bay, listening to his corner. So eventually I started noticing other people were doing this as well. So I grabbed a small group of guys that I liked in the gym and taught them a few key words in Albanian (any crazy language that you can learn would work), so when I gave them instructions instead of low kick I would say shkelm ulet - and the other corner would be like wtf... then next thing you know, wam leg kick.

I *hate* it when my teacher starts calling advice in Portugese to the other student I'm rolling with!!! NO FAIR!!!

[zaxonortesus]

I *hate* it when my teacher starts calling advice in Portugese to the other student I'm rolling with!!! NO FAIR!!!

So learn Portuguese!!! It's not that hard of a language, that's what I did, lol.

[BadKarmaRising]

Why not board shorts?

Same reason you don't wear fight shorts to the beach. :)

Seriously though, board shorts tend to be more restrictive, often tie on the outside instead of the inside, often have pockets, and are usually a less durable material.

[Ryan]

Same reason you don't wear fight shorts to the beach. :)

Seriously though, board shorts tend to be more restrictive, often tie on the outside instead of the inside, often have pockets, and are usually a less durable material.

fair enough.....thank you. Now, what about the fight shorts that look like board shorts? Didn't know if there was a difference. Thanks again

[zaxonortesus]

fair enough.....thank you. Now, what about the fight shorts that look like board shorts? Didn't know if there was a difference. Thanks again

There are some small differences. The material tends to be thicker in fight shorts, triple stitched seems with a more durable thread, they usually have double fabric in the high wear areas, the slits up the outside are a bit longer to allow more leg mobility, usually some velcro to secure the top of the fly area... That's all I can think of that is different between my fight shorts and bordies.

[BadKarmaRising]

fair enough.....thank you. Now, what about the fight shorts that look like board shorts? Didn't know if there was a difference. Thanks again

As long as they're pocketless, cargo pocketless, and tie on the inside, they're safe.

[Screamin' Banshee]

The guy I fought wore basketball shorts. And those basically came off 30 seconds in. Not a good idea. Lucky for him i didnt pounce when he was pulling them back up.

[Otto]

Something to keep in mind to avoid frustration - fighters rarely, if ever, listen to their corner. Oh, ya, the fighter will give those quick little nods every now and then to acknowledge that you just spoke, but he ain't hearing squat. If he does hear it he'll just as quickly forget it. The last thing a fighter wants is someone talking in his face for the length of the break. Keep it short and sweet.

And what BadKarmaRising wrote? Print it and you have a damn good checklist to add to your own.

[cuzz63]

Badkarma has a good list. One thing I do is take away my fighters cell phone after we enter the locker. Their wives have my number and they can call me if they cant find the venue or need their tickets. Last thing a fighter needs is dealing with that or worse is carrying on a squabble with his wife from something that happened earlier. As far as the actual corner our team designates a Primary and he is the one that gives instructions during the fight and the other guys listen to him and yell what he yells, fighter doesnt need 3 guys yelling different instructions altho I am inclined to agree with Otto that most fighters dont listen to their corners I do know some that really do.
Someone mentioned charging $10 to tape hands stopped them from asking...I was taping my fighters hands and I told them I would for $10 and ended up making $60 that night. Every fight I have been too there is always at least 1 team begging for Vaseline or tape or gauze, dont be those guys.

[cuzz63]

Also wanted to add. I have been to several fights were they didnt provide gloves or the ones they provided were crappy so you want to bring a pair of your own as long as they are acceptable by the AC. If your not a licensed cornerman and your state makes you get licensed you will need to bring your ID and some cash. If your fighters arent licensed they will also have to do the same thing if your state requires it.

[Screamin' Banshee]

Also wanted to add. I have been to several fights were they didnt provide gloves or the ones they provided were crappy so you want to bring a pair of your own as long as they are acceptable by the AC. If your not a licensed cornerman and your state makes you get licensed you will need to bring your ID and some cash. If your fighters arent licensed they will also have to do the same thing if your state requires it.



The event is the "Michigan Fighting Challenge 7". It is fairly legit, they provide 3 people on hand that wrap all the fighters hands.

They provide the gloves too. I didn't realize how much worse small time events could get. Lol.



Andy

[Sue]

So learn Portuguese!!! It's not that hard of a language, that's what I did, lol.

Didn't you say you have a freakishly high IQ?

[zaxonortesus]

Man, for a BJJ forum, I didn't realize how many people on here have corner experience!!! That is friggin rad. It brings so much more credibility to everyone on here... not that you guys needed it any more, lol. But yes, that is awesome.

Didn't you say you have a freakishly high IQ?

That has nothing to do with it, lol. I learned Spanish for work and it's really similar, so it was easy.

[BadKarmaRising]

The event is the "Michigan Fighting Challenge 7". It is fairly legit, they provide 3 people on hand that wrap all the fighters hands.

They provide the gloves too. I didn't realize how much worse small time events could get. Lol.



Andy

Damn Andy, I just noticed you're in Michigan too! I'm going to keep shamelessly plugging Sub101 untill the Michiganders take over the board!

[zaxonortesus]

Count me in as half a Michigander. Wifey was born and raised there, and I am up there a few times a year. :)

[cuzz63]

Man, for a BJJ forum, I didn't realize how many people on here have corner experience!!! That is friggin rad. It brings so much more credibility to everyone on here... not that you guys needed it any more, lol. But yes, that is awesome.

.


Never really thought about it before but I have cornered over 20 MMA fights.

[SavageKitsune]

Count me in as half a Michigander.

Original Michigander here. Big Rapids/Grand Rapids.

Miss the four seasons... don't miss shoveling snow.

[Ryan]

I wish I was from Michigan :) Go Blue

[Screamin' Banshee]

Trust me, it's not that great.

[Ryan]

Trust me, it's not that great.

I was given a job opportunity in Marshall MI but had to decline as family obligations kept me in Blohio

[Screamin' Banshee]

Yeah, Ohio sucks too. Lol.


Well tonight is fight night. Very excited. Headin out in a couple of hours.:D


Andy

[Ryan]

Good luck to your guys..

[Screamin' Banshee]

Thanks man. They'll need it.



I should have the video posted later tonight. For your guys viewing pleasures.


Will the 42 year old be the a Master or a Chump?
:)



Andy

[Screamin' Banshee]

Well, the old guy turned out to be a chump.:)


Both of my boys won. Good stuff.


Should have videos up tomorrow.

[BadKarmaRising]

Well, the old guy turned out to be a chump.:)


Both of my boys won. Good stuff.


Should have videos up tomorrow.

Congrats to both of them and to you!

Matching making with new fighters is tough. Tell them to enjoy fighting homeless people now, because as they pick up wins they'll be less and less likely to get mismatched like that!

Were you surprised by how much pride you felt and joy you received from their accomplishment?

[Screamin' Banshee]

Heres a link to my buddys fight against the 42 year old. Havent been able to get the over fight uploaded.



http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=102532977