“It’s More of a Disadvantage!” – Two-Sport Champion Prajanchai Calls Out Takeru’s Intense Sparring Approach

Hard sparring has long been a hot-button topic in combat sports. While some fighters push themselves to the limit every session, others argue that too much intensity in training can do more harm than good. One of Thailand’s Muay Thai elite, Prajanchai PK Saenchai, has added his voice to the debate—and he’s not holding back.

The current ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion isn’t completely sold on the idea of going full-throttle in every sparring session. Specifically, he’s called out Japanese kickboxing star Takeru Segawa for his ultra-aggressive training routine, suggesting it could actually backfire in the long run.

Hard Sparring: Training Gain or Pain?

If you’ve ever laced up boxing gloves or watched a behind-the-scenes camp video, you’ve probably seen fighters spar at full intensity. Some swear by it. Others, though, are starting to question whether going that hard, that often, is really beneficial.

Prajanchai thinks not.

After sharing the ring with Takeru in a recent session at Cross Point Gym in Japan, Prajanchai came away with a very clear perspective. In an interview with ONE Championship, he said Takeru’s approach to sparring might be tougher than it needs to be—and not in a good way.

“During our sparring, he was very serious and put a lot of power into it,” Prajanchai explained. “Takeru spars really hard, but in my opinion, it’s more of a disadvantage than an advantage because it can lead to injuries.”

Why Too Much Intensity Might Miss the Mark

This isn’t just a comment about discomfort in training. Prajanchai is highlighting something that’s widely debated in combat sports circles. Could too much intensity actually be counterproductive?

He thinks so—and he’s not alone. Plenty of high-level fighters and coaches have raised concerns about fighters burning out their bodies in training before they even get to fight night. According to Prajanchai, sparring should be more about sharpening timing, reading the opponent, and gaining ring IQ—not about proving toughness every time you step into the gym.

Think about it: If a fighter picks up injuries during hard sparring, that could delay fight preparation or even cancel a bout altogether. That’s not just bad for the fighter—it’s bad for their team, fans, and promotional momentum.

Balance Over Bravado

Prajanchai emphasized that while it's crucial to be prepared, there’s a fine line between training hard and training smart.

“I think sparring should be done with lighter power—enough to practice skills. You don’t have to knock out your sparring partner,” he added.

It’s a refreshing take in an era where intensity is often equated with dedication. Not every great fighter treats each sparring session like a real fight—and that's sometimes what sets the smart fighters apart from those who burn out too soon.

The Cultural Clash: Thai vs. Japanese Approaches

What’s especially interesting about Prajanchai’s comments is that they hint at a deeper cultural contrast between the training philosophies in Thailand and Japan.

• Thai fighters generally spar lighter and more frequently, focusing on technical skill and repetition. They save their full power for the actual fight.
• Japanese fighters, including Takeru, tend to go harder during sparring, possibly as a way to zero in on mental toughness and readiness under pressure.

Both styles have produced champions. But Prajanchai’s success—across two disciplines—suggests that there’s a strong case for the more measured, skill-focused Thai approach.

Who’s Right? It Might Depend on the Fighter

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all in fight preparation. What works for one athlete might not be ideal for another. Takeru’s hard-hitting approach has earned him a legendary reputation in Japan and an intensely loyal fanbase. But Prajanchai’s criticism isn’t personal—it’s professional.

He’s looking at the bigger picture: preserving a fighter’s long-term health, keeping training camps efficient, and minimizing risk along the way.

Plus, with the rapid rise of ONE Championship and global exposure for fighters like Prajanchai, decisions in training aren't just about winning the next fight—they're about sustaining a long, successful career.

Prajanchai’s Proven Results

It’s hard to argue with success. Prajanchai’s record speaks for itself. A decorated Muay Thai warrior with elite-level skills, he transitioned into kickboxing—and conquered there too. That kind of versatility doesn’t come from unnecessary war sessions in the gym. It comes from smart, methodical preparation.

His approach favors technique, precision, and longevity. And for fighters juggling multiple rule sets and frequent bouts, that method could be a game-changer.

Final Thoughts: Smart Training is the Future

So, is Takeru’s intense sparring a mistake? Not necessarily. But according to Prajanchai, it’s not the only way to prepare—and it might not even be the best way.

As the sport evolves and more fighters strive for extended careers, there's growing emphasis on training smarter, not just harder.

Whether you're a weekend boxer, a die-hard fight fan, or a seasoned martial artist, Prajanchai’s insight offers a valuable lesson: toughness is great, but it needs balance. Skill, health, and career longevity aren’t built overnight—and they definitely aren’t built just by going all-out in every sparring round.

Next time you hit the gym, ask yourself: Am I working hard—or am I working smart?

What do you think?

Is hard sparring essential, or is it overrated in today’s fight game? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take.