Boxing Tips

[YODA]

I came across his whilst looking at a boxing club that Knight_errant is conidering going to - good stuff!

Toway Amateur Boxing Club (http://towyabc.tripod.com/towyamateurboxingclub/index.html)

A word of warning before you clik the above link - their web designer needs a kick up the pants - he's embedded some pretty big (1-2mb) mp3 sounds into their pages!

======================


The following are some tips that will help you improve your boxing ability.

(1) Stance

Chin tucked. Lead shoulder slightly shrugged (though not unnaturally). Elbows in. Hands up
(measure your eyebrows with your fists now and then). Knees slightly bent. Feet shoulder width
apart, nearly parallel. Groin not open.

(2) Range

Learn to become really comfortable standing just out of reach of your opponant. Develop the sensitivity to gauge
people's reach, and allow them to just barely miss. This will give you two valuable things: The
ability to not freak out because things are flying at your face and barely missing, and the posture
and positioning to hit your opponant with little adjustment.

Everything "defensive" is really a matter of doing AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE to make your opponent miss while not messing up your alignment to hit him
back. This is why multi-step blocking and highly eccentric movements (literally, "far from center")
are not practiced in boxing.

(3) Never, ever, ever take your eyes off of your opponent.

Don't always try to stay out of your opponents reach, or you'll always find him out of your reach. Train
your slip and bob to stay in range and let the punch go right by so you're still in range to throw it
out. Don't weave too much.

(4) Everything has a reason!

"Do nothing that is without a reason". Beware of wasteful moves that don't serve any purpose. For example, jab when you slip your opponents jab. Cross when you slip
your opponents cross. Don't let your opponent become comfortable, or secure in the knowledge that you're going to
stand there while he does what he wants.

The thing that weakens an opponent's offense is your own offense. Everything else (e.g. slipping
without countering, blocking as an isolated movement) is just prolonging the inevitable.

(5) Read your opponents hips

Learn to read your opponents hips. Whenever a hip comes toward you, that is advance notice that something
is coming from that side. Some also telegraph with their shoulders too.

(6) The jab

the art of boxing is founded on the jab. If you've got a jab, you can box. If you don't,
then boxing is hard. Simple as that. Without the jab, expect to get hit a lot. The jab helps to make
you a good boxer. Without one, you're just a puncher (which can also be effective, but requires
specialized attributes to pull it off).

(6) The Can Opener, and the Spoon

There's a saying in boxing that your jab is a can opener, and your cross is a spoon. The
opponent is a can of meat. You've got to use your can opener to open the can BEFORE you can use your
spoon to dig out the meat. If you try to use your spoon first, you'll generally fail. Even if you
like to lead off with a cross (not usually advisable, unless you're Roy Jones, Ali, or a pissed off
Jack Johnson), it is advisable that you at least feint a jab to conceal the load-up of your rear
shoulder for the cross.
(7) The Hook

Two things to remember in throwing your hook. Lead foot rotates on the ball like you're crushing
peanuts. Lead arm hooks horizontally and tight, like you're grabbing one of your friends around the
neck with your arm and saying, "Come here!" (the noogie position). Also regarding the hook, THERE IS
NO WRIST. Your wrist does not exist. You can use horizontal or vertical fist -- matter of what range
you're hooking at.

Balls of the feet are the gas, heels are the brakes
(8) Speed

Speed is very important. But quickness and suddenness are even more important. Don't build up
in speed. If you do, you will tend to miss against a person with movement, even though your punches
are fast at full extension. This is because there is a discernible buildup in your acceleration.
Relaxation is important for speed. Don't tighten your fist up until you're almost fully extended.

(9) Shoe in the Bucket

It describes a failure to shift the weight off of one foot and onto the other when
throwing a power punch. Classic example is in the cross -- at full extension, your rear foot is on the
ball, allowing the weight to shift and that hip to come forward. This contradicts the planted rear
foot of many traditional martial arts in their "reverse punch" -- what in boxing we call shoe in the
bucket.

(10) Barrel of a gun

Look down your punching arm like you're looking down the barrel of a gun. This will help that
arm to provide cover for your chin on that side while you're punching. Common mistake is for people
to leave their chin open on the side of the arm they are punching with. Depending on your personal
style, it can also help to turn your thumbs downward to help bring the shoulders up and provide better
cover. Your arms are like two soldiers guarding a fort. When one of them leaves the fort to make war,
he has to build a wall to protect his post while he's gone. Also, in keeping with this analogy the
other soldier at such times is extra vigilant.

(11) Where there's weight, there's power

loading is essential for power punching. But, do not telegraph. Conceal the shift of
weight in your combinations.

(12) Hourglass stance

This is a dangerous but necessary position in hitting. It happens at the tail end of your cross.
Be ready to duck and cover. Your cross will put you in a bob position. You should be ready to stay
low and elbow block, weave under, or jab to correct your posture. DO NOT just stand there fully
extended with nowhere to go.

(13) 60/40 Rule

In your stancing and movement, do not put more than 60 percent of your weight on either foot
except in brief extreme situations. i.e. In the course of regular movement stand in balance. One-
legged stances, stilted and straight knee stances, overextended forward stances, etc., are a big
mistake both offensively and defensively.

(14) Dancing

Don't dance around, or bounce up and down. Quick, short, even-keeled adjustments are what you
want. Stay mobile, but don't waste any motion. In keeping with the gas and brakes analogy ,
stay on the balls for quick range adjustment, but SETTLE IN on your punches. You get your punching
power from the ground, through the legs, and off the hips.

(15) The generator

Everything you do needs to derive power from somewhere.
Your hips are your generator. Plug everything you do into your generator. Throwing punches without
the hips is like fighting a duel with an unloaded gun. You might get the first shot off, but he'll be
the one who really connects.

(16) Better to make him miss by an inch, than by a mile When you make him miss by a mile, you'll often find yourself too far out of alignment to fire back. Make him miss by an inch, and it's as if
he's not punching you at all -- as far as your ability to counterpunch is concerned.

(17) Head at the level of your punch

You have to drop your head to the level of your target. THIS INCLUDES BODY SHOTS. Not to do
this is to get hit. Some say you should put your eyes at the level of where you're punching, some say
the chin or shoulders.
(18) Punching Power

The power of your punch is on the very end of it. This is one way in which boxing is a
range game. You've got to find your distance, in order to tee off. The real art comes in catching
him at the right time and place when your punch is at its max. Both of you are on the move, though, and this takes timing.

(19) When to catch him

Often, an opponent is ready to move once off of your first attack to make you miss. But, usually
after this first movement he has nowhere to go unless he's pretty good. Often you can catch him
flatfooted at this time, if you're ready to follow up and keep gaining range. Most common of all is
simply leaning away from your initial attack. If you're ready to follow up from that, you can usually
catch most people.

Throw something up at his face, and you'll see his
reaction. Then you can know exactly what to do, since he has tipped his hand, and show his intention.
Example: You throw a threatening jab (good safe angle, well-covered, but believable) and he reacts by
moving slightly back away. This tells you to do the same thing, but follow with an overhand to catch
him -- because you know where his head is going to be after the jab.

(20) The chin

The chin is the magic button. Tuck yours, exploit his. Some people look really tough, but they
go down from a tap on the chin. Whereas, trying to knock a guy out by punching his skull can take a
while, unless you hit really hard. Head's like a helmet. Not a good target, unless you can already
break patio blocks with your fists. I've knocked people out by punching their skull without hurting
my hands, but it takes a while to get your fists tough enough for it.

(21) Jab like a fencer

Jabbing is a game of controlled lunging in coordinated footwork to achieve the right range for
other things. Some people use the jab in a light way, like a fly swatter. I like to use it light,
but also as a heavier punch as well -- a dichotomy which comes from originally learning to box at 175
lbs., but finding myself now at a trim 215-220 lbs. with enough speed AND weight to use it both ways.

(22) Sparring

The quality of your sparring partners will influence your skill level. Highly skilled fighters do
not need to go full contact all the time to get a lot from the exchange. Moreover, you can't explore new combinations and options if there's too big a price to pay. When
somebody is out there trying to knock your block off all the time, you'll tend to fall back on just
surviving instead of consciously enforcing actions that are intelligent if not yet reflexive.

(23) Shadowboxing

You should shadowbox EVERY DAY. The most valuable training experiences for me have been those
little 15 or 20 minute sessions where I shadowbox and play with different angles and combos. Keeps
you sharp, too.

(24) Number your angles

Start with a basic numbering system:

Jab
Cross
Lead Hook
Rear Overhand
Lead Uppercut
Eventually add other angles (e.g. from close range, squared face-off, or opponent moves to inside):

Rear Uppercut
Lead overhand
Rear Hook
Now. When working the focus mitts, have the feeder call out combos by number:

"1,1"
"1,1 while circling"
"1,2"
"1,2,3"
"1,3"
"1,2,5,4"

Etc.

The feeder should collide the mitts with your punches so that the mitts do not snap back, making it possible for him to stay with you on faster combinations, and to give you a satisfying impact when you punch.

Next, work into advancing combos where the feeder throws angles after your first one or two shots, you evade and continue with your counter.

"1,2,weave,2"

[Tosh]

Originally posted by YODA
I came across his whilst looking at a boxing club that Knight_errant is conidering going to - good stuff!

Toway Amateur Boxing Club (http://towyabc.tripod.com/towyamateurboxingclub/index.html)



Tartan club kit! :D

SOLD! :D

[tang_sou_dao]

great post! yoda

[Cain]

Wow!!!!!!! I soooooo much want to be KE now.....some cool tips there!!!

Thanx for posting it here Yoda, I don't hahve the patience to wait for the mp3s to load ;)

|Cain|

[pimphand]

Some good tips from that website, but to my mind the best advice is to spar often.

Hours spent banging away on heavy bags may feel good and give the impression that you are developing power, but tranferring that into sparring is the all important key.

[booj]

I must agree with pimphand on this...If I could only do one type of training it would be sparring....

Theres no point in putting in hours of pad/bagwork and thinking your gonna be able to apply it in a real situation.

Timing, distance, and range finding can only be learned thru sparring. We've all seen exponents who look quite 'tasty' whilst throwing techniques into thin air, who then cannot lay a glove on a more experienced sparrer...

Sparring plenty and often (but rarely hard) is the way to go...

[YODA]

Agreed! Contact level IMHO should be at a level where you are not willing to take a hit - but still able to go to work the next day. Not an easy balance to get when the old testosterone starts to pump.

[Pika]

Best post I have seen so far.

I love my ground work, but getting in the ring and sparring is about the best fun I have.

I just wish I wasn't so hopeless.......

[Bon]

Edited for profanity : Yoda

[Cain]

Yipes! Stepped over the mark did he? ;)

|Cain|

[Jim]

AGAIN?

Good post, Dave.

[YODA]

Originally posted by Cain
Yipes! Stepped over the mark did he? ;)

|Cain|

Stepped over it - jumped up and down on it - spat on it.

[Pika]

Whay did he say?

[YODA]

Originally posted by Pika
Whay did he say?

I wasn't referring to this post - but to his general behaviour the day I was forced to ban him (again)

[john yates]

well it's good

[binski20]

Awesome post Yoda.

[shipto]

I also got a search and destroy adware warning from that link yoda may be the music files but i dont know

[shoto-kali]

thats a good post yoda, it looks like i can even use this tip to my karate & arnis training

[semphoon]

ON THE ADVICE OF FREEFORM IM CROSS POSTING-



Pad drills

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are loads. The only limit is your imagination

Here are some good ones

You have basic jab, cross, hook, uppercut combinations. The basic combos can be extended by what ever you like.

I would call basic
1 Jab, cross.
2 Jab, cross, hook.
3 Jab, cross, uppercut.
4 Jab, cross, hook, uppercut.
5 Jab, cross, uppercut, hook.

Then you can think of extending these outside (ie at long range) combinations.

Each time you finish a combo with (assuming authordox) with your left hand, think about putting a cross on the end.

Each time you finish a combo with your right hand, think about putting a hook or uppercut on the end.

If you have finished with a hook, try an uppercut; if you finished with an uppercut, try a hook.

It should flow and will usually alternate sides with each punch.
But remember to drill your double and triple jabs into your combos.

The whole point is the flow of punches so in the end you can start drills that have lots of moves-
double jab, cross, hook, uppercut, hook, cross, uppercut and then slip to the side out of harms way.


Although some people may say that there is little point in doing over X amount of moves in a combination, and they are right.

But thats for them and you asked about fun drills.


For the inside (ie so close to your opponent you can smell his/her breath) there are a few.

(when I say body, I mean "hook to the body", head means "hook to head." When "body" is followed by "head" it means same side because you are getting the guy to drop his guard on that side exposing his head)


1 Body, head
2 Body, head, cross
3 Body, cross, head
4 Body, cross, head, uppercut

And start mixing it up and getting it to follow. Although as they develop, you can think about the issue of cadence (another issue that will hopefully come up at some point )

Then you can drill uppercuts and hooks from the inside position-
1 Uppercut, hook
2 Hook, uppercut.

Then add crosses/hooks/uppercuts on the end.

Also make it more interesting by throwing shots back at him/her, and force them to bob/weave/slip/salute/parry/catch you shots so its increasing their awareness of defence as well as offence.

Much fun to be had, the only limit is your imagination.

Also having a good pad man is very important. With pad drills, (although the hitter can work his weaves/slips/footwork/headmovement etc etc) sometimes you are only as good as the person who is pushing you and giving you the targets to hit and letting you know when you are uncovered (by hitting you back) etc.

Whats great about pad drills is that the HOLDER of the pads gains a lot of essential skills. The holder develops as a pad man and learns how to get the best out people.

[Freeform]

Good stuff there mate ;)

[Hybrid_Killer]

Woah thats pretty damned detailed......nice.

[BRECKDOG]

Ive seen these before- great tips
They have been copied from the stickgrappler website- many by Frank Benn. If this is true and its plagerism with no acknowledgement thats very poor behaviour.

[semphoon]

Ive seen these before- great tips
They have been copied from the stickgrappler website- many by Frank Benn. If this is true and its plagerism with no acknowledgement thats very poor behaviour.


I hope that you are not refering to my post. It's "semphoon original"

[ROokie]

that stuff like the combos etc i wont be able to do em i'd forget

[YODA]

that stuff like the combos etc i wont be able to do em i'd forget
That's what practice & training are for :rolleyes:

[ROokie]

well theres no close boxing places i can go to. i like boxing but id like to be good at it 2. could that site help me get better?

[YODA]

well theres no close boxing places i can go to. i like boxing but id like to be good at it 2. could that site help me get better?Without a club to go to - I doubt it.

You're near Rotherham right?

Rotherham Boxing and Fitness Centre,
Masbrough Street, Rotherham Tel 07719 590989

[ROokie]

oh yeah i know,my cousin used to go and his friend still does. yeah thnaks. its with bomber graham i think isnt it.

[YODA]

So get in there and box! :D

[ROokie]

you dont really understnad. thers no way for me2. and a 13 year old person traveeling to the heart of a town on his own at about 9 at night isnt so good

[YODA]

So forget boxing until you're old enough to go then.

[Yukimushu]

Excellent website i found here with alot of info, tips & advice to helping your boxing!

RossBoxing.com (http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym.html)

[alex_000]

Some of the fundementals of boxing .. I'm happy i know most of these stuff from kickboxing...

And i finally learned the difference between the hook and the cross. We say cross for hook and straight right punch for cross. (damn some of my posts must seem very stupid now that i think of it...)

[Ad McG]

you dont really understnad. thers no way for me2. and a 13 year old person traveeling to the heart of a town on his own at about 9 at night isnt so good

Keep going with what you are doing right now, and in about 5 years time think about this thread.

Som excellent tips all round.

[Yukimushu]

Being a tall guy, im a big fan of the Jab. So heres some useful information extracted from Stickgrappler (http://stickgrappler.tripod.com/).



The Jab

Some Basic/Intermediate/Advanced Considerations For The Jab

--Closing the Distance--

One of the most important skills in all of martial art is the ability to land a lead weapon attack on the opponent, initiating it from outside of his reach. This is the beginning of any heavier attack -- the mobility, ranging, and timing of the lead.

Always train the quick shuffle from out of the opponent's reach (even when shadowboxing or working the bag) to get into the habit of closing distance quickly and properly when setting up your combinations. Too often, fighters and martial artists will train their technique from a standstill, throwing punch after punch, angle after angle. I always tell my students, if he's close enough for you to do that, HE'S HITTING YOU TOO.

--Weapon Moves First--

When initiating and closing for the attack, your weapon moves first. If your feet move first, your attack is now telegraphed, and the opponent moves. Train against a light target, at first closing just a short distance, concentrating on moving your lead hand first -- before your feet. From there, increase the distance -- without sacrificing good form and posture. DO NOT OVEREXTEND. There's no power in it (making it a waste of time) if you do, and you will leave yourself open.

--Varying Your Head Position--

A common liability in most fighters' styles is predictability. Most people, when throwing the jab, tend to put their head in the same place every time. A thinking, adjusting opponent will adapt to this and exploit it. Vary your head position when you jab. This comes heavily into play as well when you do a lot of stop-hitting. In this case, your change of head position is designed to make him miss while you're scoring your jab, and setting up other things.

In general, you want to vary your head position in these ways:

* Slipping or sidestepping to your back (to the "outside", IOW to the left if you're a left lead), lining your chin up with your lead.

* Head inside your jab (to the right if you're a left lead), roughly in line with your rear foot.

* Head center positioned in normal boxing poise.

* Head center low.

The important thing is that you concentrate on shooting that jab out there while the head is changing position. If a good fighter knows you tend to leave your head in the same place when you jab (and furthermore if he anticipates that you won't follow your jab up with something damaging), he is going to throw a cross or overhand right over top of it as he bobs. Lights out. You can prevent it, though, if you vary your head position. For instance, I've caught people with jab hook combo's quite often because they got too confident with that cross over the jab. Their cross misses, and as it recovers, there's that hook on the chin. BTW, against opposing leads, the hook works in a similar way, and you also have the option of throwing a cross instead, or a rear hand uppercut. Depends on how you time it, but they all work.

--Speed--

Speed is a major aspect of a good jab. To develop speed in your jab, start off by not trying to hit "hard" with it. That builds tension in your forearm, lead shoulder, and back, and will just slow you down. Tension is the opposite of speed.

Try to "sting" him with your jab. When you punch with good follow-through, body alignment, and timing, the power is there already.

Ali used to say the jab was his "fly swatter".

Good tip for speed in the jab: Think of only the retraction. That is, the amount of time from "in" to "out" doesn't exist, and the first unit of time expended occurs on the return ("out" to "in").

Throw multiple jabs with movement in all directions: Circling, Slipping, Sidestepping, Advancing, Retreating, Ducking, etc.

--Weight Is On The Lead Foot--

That's when you have a jab -- when you shift your weight onto the lead foot. This puts body mass into it, and extends your reach in the direction of your target.

--Put Some Starch In It--

Align your body and arm correctly, and you can knock a man off his feet or at least stun him with a good jab. Add some good nontelegraphic speed, footwork, and timing, and you've got your bread and butter right there. Tighten the fist only on the end of the punch to make it hit solidly, while not slowing it down with that old opposite of speed -- tension.

--The Jab Provides Its Own Cover--

One of the few moves in all of martial art that provides its own cover -- the jab. Lead shoulder protects that side of your chin. Rear hand up. Look down the barrel of the gun.

If you jab with your chin up in a real fight or full contact sparring match, you'll soon see why it's not a good idea.

--The Jab In A Boxing Match--

In boxing, depending upon your personal style (boxer, puncher, boxer/puncher, etc.) you might end up throwing up to 70% or more jabs as a percentage of total punches thrown. The jab is actually that important. There are few punches you can throw that a good jab won't improve -- either by virtue of setting up your timing, establishing a feint that he reacts to, helping you gain the necessary distance, or giving you the change of angle you need to line up that power punch.

--The Jab In A Fight--

The jab's function in a streetfight is not so artful as it is in a boxing ring against a good boxer. You want to master the "one-two". Trust me on that, if you've never been in a real fight before. Your jab is the "one", and your cross is the "two" (also can be an overhand -- depends on the situation). Put the "one" and the "two" as close together temporally as possible. Remember, your jab is the can opener, and your cross is the spoon. The opponent is a can of meat, in this metaphor.

--As A Probe--

The jab is how I find out important things about my opponent. Which direction is he prepared to move? Throw a jab, and find out. Is he a good counter puncher? Throw a jab or two with movement, and find out. Which hand does he initiate with? Is he trying to box me, or just punch me? Throw some jabs, and find out. Where does he open up, where I can follow-up to? Throw some jabs, and find out. For instance, get him to draw that rear hand high to cover your incoming jab, and round kick his ribs on that side as his arm opens them up. Even if he counter crosses, this move will work even better as you lean away and tenderize the meat with that kick.

--As An Insert--

Use it to break up his attack. One of the worst things that can happen to you is to face an opponent who is constantly attacking you, or is faster than you, and you don't want to open up with a power shot for fear of his counter. The jab is one way to break up his combos, and create gaps that you can move on.

--As A Setup For The Cross--

This ties back to the use of the jab in a streetfight -- not to mention the same use in sparring. Cultivate a solid and quick "one-two", and "one-two-one". Then move. Do it again. Move again. Don't just stand there. Stay mobile, and re-angle that "one-two". This is something anybody can master in a relatively short amount of time (as compared to other things, which might take many years), and you know you've got it when you need it.

--As A Setup For The Hook--

Many boxers will try to work their hook off of the lag punch, the Dempsey roll, the Shoe-Shine, or the cross. But the elite hitters can do it with the jab. Roy Jones against Vinnie Pazienza is a study on hooking off of the jab, for example.

--As A Setup For Kicking--

Many people use boxing to set up their kicking, but the converse can also be very effective. This is because you might have your opponent in punching range, and he may back away out of range -- RIGHT INTO YOUR KICKING RANGE. Throwing multiple jabs is often a good way to get the opponent to back up into my kicking range where I can punish him while he retreats.

Other times, I'll be in punching range, and I'll lean away and finish my punching combo with a jab and then in comes the lead round kick, catching him in his blindspot. This is VERY effective.

--As A Setup For Entry To Grappling--

BJJ stylists like this one, and it does work. Your jab can draw the opponent's hands UP, which opens the door for a mid to lower body shot, leading to the takedown.

Along these lines, jabbing can also get him to throw a solid counter punch, which you will come inside of, outside of, or under to get your clinch. The opponent is easiest to get ahold of (at the torso) when his arms are extended. This use of the jab to get him to punch establishes these conditions very well.

--Establish the Jab BEFORE You Feint With It--

The lead feint is a great subterfuge for setting other things up. But, remember: You have to sting him with it first, so as to make it believable. Otherwise, like I said before, he'll come right in over top of it and nail you, because he knows it's a fake. When you can sting with it early, and do it with blinding speed, it'll be too fast from then on for him to tell the difference between a feint and the real thing.

The trick to a good feint is to use good committed body mechanics -- the body mechanics are what really trick him. After all, the hand is moving too fast anyway for him to tell what's real and what's not. It's the body (shoulders, hips, footwork) that tells him what's real and what's not.

Also, regarding feinting: It is a great way to conceal (yet at the same time facilitate) the load up for your other power punches.

So there you go. These are some important tips for developing and implementing one of the most important weapons in any martial artist's arsenal -- The Jab. This information is not easy to come by, so I hope those who read it appreciate it. I must be feeling generous today.

Good luck.

[SILVERFIST]

It's a ok post yoda ,a good one even.But I alreally do all that stuff.
:D

[YODA]

It's a ok post yoda ,a good one even.But I alreally do all that stuff.
:D

We are not worthy :rolleyes:

[Yukimushu]

Techniques for the speed bag thanks to KickChick.


Techinques on the speed bag are created by joining the fists and elbows together in one smooth motion to contact the bag with one rebound in between the parts. Since we have two fists and two elbows, a single technique may have one, two, three or four parts involved.

There are "single punches", which are techniques where just a single fist hits the bag, such as the Front Straight Punch (FSP)], Front Circle Punch (FCP), Side Single Punch (SSP), Reverse Single PUnch (RSP) and the Hook Punch (HP )....also the "hammer Fist" (HF).

The technique name tells you how many fist(s) are used and where on the bag it hits. So, The "Reverse Single Punch" (RSP) has a single fist hitting the reverse ( back ) of the bag. The Front Straight Punch (FSP)is a single fist hitting the front of the bag in the straight punch position.

There are "Double Punch" techniques, which have both fists (key: DOUBLE = two parts) hitting the front of the bag with one rebound inbetween fists. There is the Front Double Punch (FDP), Reverse Double Punch ( RDP) and Side Double Punch (SDP). There are also "Double Elbow Strikes", which have an Elbow and Fist hit the bag with one rebound inbetween.

There are "Triple Elbow Strike" techniques ( key: TRIPLE = three parts). There are Outward, Inward and Downward ( these are the directions of the elbow movement..) triple Elbow strikes, which use one elbow and both fists ( 3 parts)

and there are "Four Way Elbow Strikes" which use all four parts, both elbows and both fists joined together with one rebound in between.

There are two Fist Rolling Techniques: The Front Fist Roll
(F-Roll)and the Reverse Fist Roll (R-Roll). These are where the fists are rolling over each other repetitively with only one rebound between the contacts. This creates a very distinctive "machine gun" sound.

There are 12 Fist only techniques - and 12 Elbow Strikes. Some of the fist techniques hit the "Front" "Reverse" or "Side" of the bag.

Joining individual techniques together creates "combinations".

For example, A Front Straight Punch (FSP) may be followed by many other another techniques, such as a Front Circle Punch, Front Double Punch, Outward Elbow technique etc. the combinations are endless. Most people see boxers doing the "Basic Rhythm" using two techniques, the Front Straight Punch (FSP) which hits the front of the fist, and the Front Circle Punch (FCP) which hits the side of the fist. In fact this what what most people ever learn or do on the speed bag.

This is all according to Alan Kahn.. the author of " The Speed Bag Bible" which I highly recommend!

Also some links for you:

Beginners learning:
http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym/thegym20.htm

http://enabledonline.com/BackIssues...01/health2.html

[Yukimushu]

Boxing: It's a style thing! - By Monte Cox

This article first appeared in the Sept 1999 CyberBoxingZone


What is that makes one fight or a particular match-up seem attractive, while another a "bore snore?" How come some fights have us so riveted to our seats we end up screaming in excitement, while others have us fighting to stay awake as we watch our beloved sport of boxing? It’s the styles of the particular combatants.

We’ve all heard the worn out cliché that "styles make fights." This is an ultra-truism in boxing. Not only do the styles of the fighters make a match more or less appealing, but it also helps decide the outcome of individual match-ups. Have you ever noticed that some fighters just have a difficult time when dealing with other certain types of fighters? Ken Norton and Joe Frazier always seemed to give Muhammad Ali fits. Roberto Duran had trouble with slick boxers like Edwin Viruet, Ray Leonard, and Wilfred Benitez. Why is it that Buster Douglas and Evander Holyfield just seemed to have Mike Tyson’s number? The answer is quite simple. It’s a stlyes thing.

Style in boxing is the characteristic, mode and fashion of fighting employed by a fighter in taking advantage of his particular skills. Fighting attributes such as hand speed, quickness, punching power, chin, and stamina, as well as the personality of the individual boxer all contribute to the style he adopts.

There are 3 basic styles in boxing, plus a fourth that is more difficult to narrow down since it is a combination of two of the others (I’ll cover it last). The 3 "basic" styles of boxing are "boxer", "slugger", and "swarmer (or crowder)."

A boxer also called a "pure boxer" is best described by the title of a book by one time Featherweight great Jim Driscoll, entitled "Outboxing, Or Long Range Fighting. (1921)." Representative of this style are boxers like Benny Leonard, Gene Tunney, Willie Pep, Tommy Loughran, Billy Conn, Maxie Rosenbloom, Muhammad Ali, and Pernell Whitaker.

The "slugger" has always been a fan favorite. Lacking the exquisite boxing skills of the "fancy dan" boxer types, the slugger is characterized primarily by his punching power. Examples of the slugger style are Stanley Ketchel, Terry McGovern, Max Baer, Rocky Graziano, Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Mike Tyson.

The third basic style is the "swarmer". The swarmer (or "crowder") is identified by his non-stop aggression and pressure on the inside. The swarmer throws more punches than a slugger, usually wearing his opponents down rather than blowing them out. Some examples of the swarmer style are Tommy Burns, Battling Nelson, Harry Greb, Henry Armstrong, Carmen Basilio, Jake LaMotta, Rocky Marciano, and Joe Frazier (some may argue the last two as sluggers but they fought more like swarmers). When two long-range boxers meet the bout often turns into a strategic chess match, which can be quite boring to the casual boxing fan. Two sluggers going at it make for a far more entertaining, crowd pleasing affair. But what happens when fighters of opposing styles meet?

Typically, but not always, Boxers beat Sluggers, Sluggers beat Swarmers, and Swarmers beat Boxers. It depends on the level of skill each man possesses as to how any bout will turn out, but the contrast in styles does offer a distinct advantage or dis-advantage. It is much like the ancient Chinese "rock, scissors, paper" scheme. One style is better than another against a specific type of opponent, but weaker against the other.

When fighters of a similar level of skill meet, all other factors being about equal, the styles of the particular fighters may indicate the outcome of a given match-up. Boxers generally beat sluggers because they are quicker, and have better defense and mobility. Here are some examples of "boxers beat sluggers": James J. Corbett ko 21 John L. Sullivan (the first to prove that skill could overcome power), Gene Tunney W 10 Jack Dempsey, Cassius Clay Tko 7 Sonny Liston, Jimmy Young W 12 George Foreman, Buster Douglas ko 10 Mike Tyson, Ivan Robinson W 10 Arturo Gatti.

Swarmers generally beat boxers because of the contrast in styles. Boxers prefer to maneuver at long range while a swarmer crowds him, smothering his punches, as he forces his way inside where the boxer is less comfortable. Examples of swarmers beating boxers are Harry Greb W 15 Gene Tunney (Tunney won 3 of 4 but he was bigger), Marciano W 15, ko 8 Ezzard Charles, Jake LaMotta W 10 Robinson (Jake lost 5 of 6 but Robinson far superior- LaMotta’s style gave Robinson trouble though), Joe Frazier W 15 Muhammad Ali (Ali wins 2 of 3 but all tough fights), and Phillip Holliday W 12 Ivan Robinson. Swarmers often give boxers trouble even when they are nowhere near the same class, such as Troy Dorsey fighting a close decision with Kevin Kelley or Carmen Basilio beating Ray Robinson W 15. Sluggers usually beat Swarmers since they are harder punchers and their opponents stand right in front of them. There are many good examples of this; Jim Jeffries W 20, W 25 Tom Sharkey, Gene Fullmer Tko 14 and Tko 12 Carmen Basilio, Sonny Liston ko 1 and ko 1 Floyd Patterson, George Foreman Tko 2 and Tko 5 Joe Frazier.

The fourth style is the "boxer-puncher". He possesses many of the qualities of the boxer; hand speed, often an outstanding jab, combination and/or counter-punching skills, better defense and accuracy than a slugger, while possessing slugger type power. In general the boxer-puncher lacks the mobility and defensive expertise of the pure boxer. Examples of the "boxer-puncher" are Joe Gans, Joe Louis, Ray Robinson, Ike Williams, Alexis Arguello, Tommy Hearns, and Erik Morales.

A boxer-puncher may be classified as more of a boxer or puncher. For example Terry Norris was a fine boxer-puncher he destroyed a number of good opponents quickly. He then ran into Simon Brown who turned into a slugger and knocked him out, but in the rematch Norris turned pure boxer and danced his way to a 12 round decision. Fighters like Ray Robinson, and Ray Leonard were also boxer-punchers with excellent footwork. Fighters like Gans, Louis, and Arguello were more punchers but also had highly refined boxing skills. Against the other three basic styles a boxer-puncher does well against pure boxers since they can often match hand speed, and possess the skill to eventually catch there elusive opponents with their harder punches. Examples are Sandy Saddler beats Willie Pep 3 of 4, Ray Robinson W 15 Kid Gavilan, Joe Louis ko 13 Billy Conn, Ray Leonard ko 15 Wilfred Benitez, Thomas Hearns W15 Wilfred Benitez.

Boxer-punchers also seem to have less trouble with swarmers than pure boxers since their greater power discourages much of the swarmers aggression. Some examples of this are Joe Gans W 42 Battling Nelson (Gans lost next 2 but was dying of TB), Joe Louis W 15, ko 8 Arturo Godoy, Jose Napoles W 15 Emile Griffith, Marvin Hagler Tko 11 and ko 3 Mustafa Hamsho, Vince Phillips ko 10 Kostya Tszyu.

Boxer-punchers, however are somewhat less successful against big sluggers, since they often lack the defense or mobility of the boxing stylist. Examples of this are George Dixon Koby 8 Terry McGovern, Carlos Zarate koby 5 Wilfredo Gomez, Alexis Arguello koby 14 and koby 10 Aaron Pryor, Thomas Hearns koby 3 Iran Barkley, Julian Jackson koby 5 and koby 1 Gerald McClellan. Contrary examples can be named also such as Evander Holyfield ko 11 Mike Tyson, Alexis Arguello ko 13 Ruben Olivares, and Carlos Zarate ko 4 Alphonso Zamora where the boxer-puncher beats the raw slugger. The results of these slugfests often depend on who has the best defense or who has the best chin as in a slugger versus slugger match-up.

Many fighters are not so easily classified, those that are "unorthodox" are so named because they do not fit the proto-type of one of the classical styles and may lack some of their ability as a long-range boxer, an inside fighter, or in punching technique. Many of those mentioned such as Ray Robinson are versatile enough to adapt to more than one style. Not all boxers can be lumped into one category, but the style that one chooses does offer an advantage or dis-advantage against a particular opponent.

In the movie "Enter the Dragon" one of the fighters ask Bruce Lee, "What's your style?" If your not sure who to pick in the next great "Superfight", ask yourself, "what are the opposing stlyes?" Is he more of a boxer or a slugger? A boxer-puncher? A swarmer? The outcome of boxing matches will depend upon the talent of the principles involved. If they are fairly evenly matched and your not sure who to pick, or the outcome turns out differently than you expected, simply remember, "It’s a styles thing."

[Yukimushu]

Another excellent article full of alot of basic foundation material.


BOXING TIPS FOR FIGHTING - Article extracted from Stickgrappler (http://stickgrappler.tripod.com/fb/fbbox1.html)

The following are some requested tips that will help you improve your fighting ability. They are truisms that, in my own experience, are universal to fighting in general. I have been boxing since the early 1980's, and have taught and trained continuously since then. I must be in a giving mood to hand this over like I am, but here goes.

We'll start with some basics, and move into some more involved material as we go. I will inevitably skip some things, since I'm just rattling these off the top of my head.

- Stance -

Chin tucked. Lead shoulder slightly shrugged (though not unnaturally). Elbows in. Hands up (measure your eyebrows with your fists now and then). Knees slightly bent. Feet shoulder width apart, nearly parallel. Groin not open.

Dynamic, phasic, mobile stance.

- Range -

Learn to become really comfortable standing just out of his reach. Develop the sensitivity to gauge people's reach, and allow them to just barely miss. This will give you two valuable things: The ability to not freak out because things are flying at your face and barely missing, and the posture and positioning to hit him with little adjustment.

In other words, your defense has to facilitate your offense. Everything "defensive" is really a matter of doing AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE to make him miss while not messing up your alignment to hit him back. This is why multi-step blocking and highly eccentric movements (literally, "far from center") are not practiced in boxing.

- Never, ever, ever -

. . . take your eyes off of your opponent.

- Let it go by -

Don't always try to stay out of his reach, or you'll always find him out of your reach. Train your slip and bob to stay in range and let the punch go right by so you're still in range to deal it out. Don't weave too much.

- Everything serves your ends -

Like Musashi says, "Do nothing that is without a reason". Beware of gratuitous and wasteful motions that don't serve any purpose. For example, jab when you slip his jab. Cross when you slip his cross. Etc. Don't let him become comfortable, or secure in the knowledge that you're going to stand there while he does what he wants.

The thing that weakens an opponent's offense is your own offense. Everything else (e.g. slipping without countering, blocking as an isolated movement) is just prolonging the inevitable.

- Read the hips -

Learn to read his hips. Whenever a hip comes toward you, that is advance notice that something is coming from that side. Some also telegraph with their shoulders, but this is overt and amateurish -- i.e. wouldn't expect a good fighter to do it. Try to read his loading up in the hips, too.

- The jab -

To me, the art of boxing is founded on the jab. If you've got a jab, you can box. If you don't, then boxing is hard. Simple as that. Without the jab, expect to get hit a lot. The jab helps to make you a good boxer. Without one, you're just a puncher (which can also be effective, but requires specialized attributes to pull it off).

- The Can Opener, and the Spoon -

There's a saying in boxing that your jab is a can opener, and your cross is a spoon. The opponent is a can of meat. You've got to use your can opener to open the can BEFORE you can use your spoon to dig out the meat. If you try to use your spoon first, you'll generally fail. Even if you like to lead off with a cross (not usually advisable, unless you're Roy Jones, Ali, or a pissed off Jack Johnson), it is advisable that you at least feint a jab to conceal the load-up of your rear shoulder for the cross.

- The Hook -- "Crushing Peanuts, and Come Here" -

Two things to remember in throwing your hook. Lead foot rotates on the ball like you're crushing peanuts. Lead arm hooks horizontally and tight, like you're grabbing one of your friends around the neck with your arm and saying, "Come here!" (the noogie position).

Also regarding the hook, THERE IS NO WRIST. Your wrist does not exist. You can use horizontal or vertical fist -- matter of what range you're hooking at.

- Balls of the feet are the gas, heels are the brakes -

Rule of thumb for mobility and planting.

- Christmas -

Better to give, than to receive.

- Speed -

Speed is very important. But quickness and suddenness are even more important. Don't build up in speed. If you do, you will tend to miss against a person with movement, even though your punches are fast at full extension. This is because there is a discernible buildup in your acceleration. Relaxation is important for speed. Don't tighten your fist up until you're almost fully extended.

- Shoe in the Bucket -

This is a common mistake in martial arts that you will really pay for when full contact is happening. It describes a failure to shift the weight off of one foot and onto the other when throwing a power punch. Classic example is in the cross -- at full extension, your rear foot is on the ball, allowing the weight to shift and that hip to come forward. This contradicts the planted rear foot of many traditional martial arts in their "reverse punch" -- what in boxing we call shoe in the bucket.

- Barrel of a gun -

Look down your punching arm like you're looking down the barrel of a gun. This will help that arm to provide cover for your chin on that side while you're punching. Common mistake is for people to leave their chin open on the side of the arm they are punching with. Depending on your personal style, it can also help to turn your thumbs downward to help bring the shoulders up and provide better cover.

Your arms are like two soldiers guarding a fort. When one of them leaves the fort to make war, he has to build a wall to protect his post while he's gone. Also, in keeping with this analogy the other soldier at such times is extra vigilant.

- Where there's weight, there's power -

Proper loading is essential for power punching. But, do not telegraph. Conceal the shift of weight in your combinations.

- Hourglass stance -

This is a dangerous but necessary position in hitting. It happens at the tail end of your cross. Be ready to duck and cover. Your cross will put you in a bob position. You should be ready to stay low and elbow block, weave under, or jab to correct your posture. DO NOT just stand there fully extended with nowhere to go.

- 60/40 Rule -

In your stancing and movement, do not put more than 60 percent of your weight on either foot *except in brief extreme situations*. i.e. In the course of regular movement stand in balance. One-legged stances, stilted and straight knee stances, overextended forward stances, etc., are a big mistake both offensively and defensively.

- Dancing -

Don't dance around, or bounce up and down. Quick, short, even-keeled adjustments are what you want. Stay mobile, but don't waste any motion. In keeping with the gas and brakes analogy above, stay on the balls for quick range adjustment, but SETTLE IN on your punches. You get your punching power from the ground, through the legs, and off the hips.

- The generator -

This is a principle I teach my students. Everything you do needs to derive power from somewhere. Your hips are your generator. Plug everything you do into your generator. Throwing punches without the hips is like fighting a duel with an unloaded gun. You might get the first shot off, but he'll be the one who really connects.

- Better to make him miss by an inch, than by a mile -

This relates to some other things I've already said. When you make him miss by a mile, you'll often find yourself too far out of alignment to fire back. Make him miss by an inch, and it's as if he's not punching you at all -- as far as your ability to counterpunch is concerned.

- Head at the level of your punch -

You have to drop your head to the level of your target. THIS INCLUDES BODY SHOTS. Not to do this is to get hit. Some say you should put your eyes at the level of where you're punching, some say the chin or shoulders. I usually put my eyes at the target level.

- Punching Power -

The power of your punch is on the very end of it. This is one way in which boxing/fighting is a range game. You've got to find your distance, in order to tee off. The real art comes in catching him at the right time and place when your punch is at its max. It's like catching a train. You've got to coordinate things, so that both you AND the train are at the station if you're going to catch the train. Both of you are on the move, though, and this takes timing.

- When to catch him -

Often, an opponent is ready to move once off of your first attack to make you miss. But, usually after this first movement he has nowhere to go unless he's pretty good. Often you can catch him flatfooted at this time, if you're ready to follow up and keep gaining range. Most common of all is simply leaning away from your initial attack. If you're ready to follow up from that, you can usually catch most people (unless your opponent is Chris Byrd).

Musashi once said something related to this: Throw something up at his face, and you'll see his reaction. Then you can know exactly what to do, since he has tipped his hand, and show his intention. Example: You throw a threatening jab (good safe angle, well-covered, but believable) and he reacts by moving slightly back away. This tells you to do the same thing, but follow with an overhand to catch him -- because you know where his head is going to be after the jab.

- The chin -

The chin is the magic button. Tuck yours, exploit his. Some people look really tough, but they go down from a tap on the chin. Whereas, trying to knock a guy out by punching his skull can take a while, unless you hit really hard. Head's like a helmet. Not a good target, unless you can already break patio blocks with your fists. I've knocked people out by punching their skull without hurting my hands, but it takes a while to get your fists tough enough for it.

- Jab like a fencer -

Jabbing is a game of controlled lunging in coordinated footwork to achieve the right range for other things. Some people use the jab in a light way, like a fly swatter. I like to use it light, but also as a heavier punch as well -- a dichotomy which comes from originally learning to box at 175 lbs., but finding myself now at a trim 215-220 lbs. with enough speed AND weight to use it both ways.

- Sparring -

The quality of your sparring partners will influence your skill level. Highly skilled fighters do not need to go full contact all the time to get a lot from the exchange. Besides, if you're a heavyweight like me, here's an important stat for you: 87% of all heavyweight pros suffer from permanent brain damage as a result of full contact sparring and fighting. No thanks. I want to be able to remember my wife's name when I'm 60.

Moreover, you can't explore new combinations and options if there's too big a price to pay. When somebody is out there trying to knock your block off all the time, you'll tend to fall back on just surviving instead of consciously enforcing actions that are intelligent if not yet reflexive.

- Shadowboxing -

You should shadowbox EVERY DAY. The most valuable training experiences for me have been those little 15 or 20 minute sessions where I shadowbox and play with different angles and combos. Keeps you sharp, too.

- Number your angles -

Start with a basic numbering system:

1. Jab
2. Cross
3. Lead Hook
4. Rear Overhand
5. Lead Uppercut

Eventually add other angles (e.g. from close range, squared face-off, or opponent moves to inside):

6. Rear Uppercut
7. Lead overhand
8. Rear Hook

Now. When working the focus mitts, have the feeder call out combos by number:

"1,1"
"1,1 while circling"
"1,2"
"1,2,3"
"1,3"
"1,2,5,4"

Etc.

The feeder should collide the mitts with your punches so that the mitts do not snap back, making it possible for him to stay with you on faster combinations, and to give you a satisfying impact when you punch.

Next, work into advancing combos where the feeder throws angles after your first one or two shots, you evade and continue with your counter.

"1,2,weave,2"

Etc.

Again, these are mostly BASICS. I've just skipped around a bit, in addition to avoiding kicking altogether which is a favorite area of mine. Maybe some other time. But what I've given here is based entirely on my experience, and it will help you if you apply it.

Good luck.

Frank Benn
Integrated Arts
Austin, Texas

[punchfast]

Techniques for the speed bag thanks to KickChick.


Techniques on the speed bag are created by joining the fists and elbows together in one smooth motion to contact the bag with one rebound in between the parts. Since we have two fists and two elbows, a single technique may have one, two, three or four parts involved.

Joining individual techniques together creates "combinations".
+++++++++++++++++++++++

A direct link related to this: Techniques and combinations

http://www.speedbagcentral.com/SpeedBagBasics_Introduction.html#B

This is all according to Alan Kahn.. the author of " The Speed Bag Bible" which I highly recommend!

Also some links for you:

Beginners learning:
http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym/thegym20.htm

http://enabledonline.com/BackIssues...01/health2.html++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

And here is a useful link to "Speed Bag Central", A website dedicated to teaching speed bag training. :love:

http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Home.html


...Put a little Rhythm in YOUR workout.

[Yukimushu]

Nice one PunchFast :D Thanks for these!

[inosanto1]

Yoda
any idea where Brendan Ingles boxing gym is, i would like to go down there, i inly live about 30 mins from meadowhall

[YODA]

Yoda
any idea where Brendan Ingles boxing gym is, i would like to go down there, i inly live about 30 mins from meadowhall
St Thomas Boys and Girls Gym in Wincobank.

Not sure of the exact address - sorry.

[oldshadow]

Good post Yoda. These are the same things I have always taught my new boxers. Good basics are always the most important. Too many young boxers try to fight like a pro when they haven’t master the basics.

[inosanto1]

when is the gym open, i have been down there and it has been closed

[jokerlaughsatu]

Let this be a warning to migraine sufferers. never let your doc prescribe vicodin. I was reading the post and thinking hmmmmm. this is good stuff i should post it on MAP.

[BoxBabaX]

Excellent post, with nice replies, just one comment.

It is true that punching is useless without hips, which gives the momentum, but 1 thing i didnt notice reading (i may have missed it) is that the ground is you're key ally in boxing, since all ure power comes from it, without youre legs, there wont be power behind those punches, even with a well developed upper body.

correct me if iam mistaken in my reading, good stuff though. :D

[Yukimushu]

Awsome article about the benifits boxing will bring to your fight game.


Close quarter: Where it really counts - Written by Bob Breen

If you are unfortunate enough to get in a position where you have to fight it's best that you have the close quarter element down. Of all the areas of combat it's at close quarters that your opponent is at his most dangerous. At longer distances you get a better chance of seeing it coming though against a few people even this isn't enough warning. However once you get to close quarter you're not at the range where you can back pedal out of range. As well as being literally assaulted you are also being attacked psychologically because your opponent is in your space. In that area where only lovers and your mum ever come. If you haven't trained this area you tense up, try to retreat, your footwork goes to pieces, your head comes up and the next thing you know you're on your back taking a kicking.

When you look at close quarter fighting you realise why you need to work it hard. Here technique is vitally important, as is attitude. You're in a trading position. Just like in a stock market where you trade: some you lose and some you win, it's your overall position at the end of the day that's important. At close quarters there's a good chance of you getting hit. It's a matter of how many blows you can land whilst negating or limiting your opponents ability to hit you, and if he can, doing your best to limit the power of his blows. The good points of being at close quarter particularly if you've trained the area is that all the negative points above go in your favour and your opponent is the one who's having trouble unloading his blows and is psychologically disadvantaged.

Footwork: in particular triangle and circular footwork typically found in Kali and a few other martial arts has a greater impact the nearer you are to your opponent. Once you get really close you can turn him, or go behind him much easier, if you've trained these skills. I find many people have a basic knowledge of this type of footwork but many use it more for it's aesthetic looks than for it's combat efficiency. The further away from your opponent you do these type of moves the easier it is for him to move slightly and still keep you within his hitting angles. However, once you close with him and get past the fist/stick/knife etc then the equation which was previously in his favour now favours you. The closer you get the more impact you will have. Often this type of footwork can be done with a bump if you're closing in and then by the use of footwork you are behind your opponent where his tools don't work and yours work great.

What tools work best at the close range? Straight blows like the jab and the cross are best left to middle and long range. Here the best Boxing type blows are hooks and uppercuts. Shovel hooks work well to the body but body shots in general are for the ring not for when you want to take your opponent out on the street and he may have any number of friends hoping to join in. It's at close quarters that elbows, knees and spearhands also come to the front.


Vertical fist straight blasts like those used in Wing Chun and Jun Fan Gung Fu are superb once your opponents footwork is compromised. Something that Kali footrapping does really well. Knees are superb at close range. In crowded places where you may not even be able to get of a clean elbow technique you'll still be able to get off knees, there always seems to be more room down below. The knee blows will give you the opening for your other blows to work or for you to gain a good position and use choke techniques.

How do you keep him from unloading on you whilst you are doing the same to him. Here trapping in its broadest sense plays a big role. In speaking about trapping here I am talking about using your body and limbs to make it hard for him to strike with any efficiency. This can be clinching like in boxing, but of course with arm wrenches, headbutts and pinching included. The head can be used not only as a weapon but almost as a third arm to trap your opponents hand whilst you still have two arms to hit him with. Shoulder checking, lifts and other techniques can keep your opponent almost permanently off balance. This of course can lead into throws. Throws are advantageous as you've then dispensed with him for the time being. However, you can get entangled and end up on the ground yourself. Not the best place to be when you don't know who your potential enemies are. If you're not keeping him under pressure he may be contemplating throwing you.

All of the trapping and unbalancing which puts you in a position of advantage can be facilitated by the use of sectoring. This is one of the key advantages of the Kali approach. In this way you know where your opponent is going to strike before even he does. This is because you have given him the opening, and have seen by his body mechanics where he needs to move next.

Of particular note in close quarter fighting is the need for you to be clear about your intention. This must be to go forward. At least to have an attacking attitude, so that even if you move backward your body has a forward lean and correspondingly your intention is forward. This mix of body language and how you feel becomes most apparent when fighting at close quarter. Most importantly, your opponent feels it. He knows you are the hunter and he is the hunted. This I think is one of the most important things about fighting. To embrace the idea that you are going to be doing it to him and not him to you. This gives you an edge in timing (you don't prevaricate and hesitate). You feel stronger because you have chosen your path. In tune with this your body and intention are forward, if he makes a mistake he knows that you will drive in on that weakness.

In truth I think close quarter is the best area to train. On a mental level, everything is moving very fast so you have to know the battlefield. However after this longer distance seems incredibly tranquil. You learn about yourself and if trained properly it means that you are never 'gun shy' again.

The Mafia have a saying: 'Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.' Close quarter is where it's at.

Good training.

Article extracted from GeoffThompson.com (http://www.geoffthompson.com/guest_writers/BobBreen/Guest_Writers_Bob_Breen_page4.htm)

[Allan I]

very informative

[Yukimushu]

Not a tip; but a very useful page full of speed bag video's.

http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Demos.html

[rebounds3]

Not a tip; but a very useful page full of speed bag video's.

http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Demos.html

Great link, Yukimushu! I hadn't seen that sight, and the video's are great. Last year I was lucky enough to attend a speed bag training seminar taught by this guy in Sarasota Florida. Seeing and hearing it live was AWESOME! And the best part is he was a really cool guy, very personable and a great teacher. He said he had some people working on a website, so I guess its up now.

[Yukimushu]

Here's an excellent Heavy bag workout article.



Using a heavy bag in your workout routine can be very beneficial. Here are a list of ways to use this tool.

Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Heavy bag work is fun, but grueling. Striking bags that can weigh from 60 to 125 pounds develops stamina and strength, while simulating the feel of a live opponent. A Heavy bag can be purchased at most martial arts and sporting goods store.

Heavy Bag Basics: Bag gloves or hand wraps should also be worn to protect the hands while striking the bag. Make sure to keep your wrist aligned with your forearm and to strike with the top two knuckles of the middle and index finger.

Exercise #1 Straight Jab: With your hands held high shuffle forward and strike the bag head high with your lead hand. Remember the closest distance to two points is a straight line. Make sure your hand travels directly to the target, and that it does not retract before coming forward. Practice circling right and left while delivering the punch. Perform this exercise for two rounds with both feet forward.

Exercise #2 Jab-Cross: The hook is one of the most powerful blows in boxing. With your hands held high, shuffle forward and strike the bag head high with your lead hand, and then the rear hand. Twist your rear hand as you deliver the second blow. This is called a two-punch combination, and is usually delivered with a one-two beat. Sometimes, however, it is good to break the rhythm in order to confuse the opponent. Practice circling the bag in both directions and throwing the combination in different ways high-low, and low high. Perform this exercise for two rounds with both feet forward.

Exercise # 3 Jab-Hook: Like the cross, the hook is one of the most powerful blows in boxing. A hook blow starts out like a straight jab thrown to the outside of the opponent’s guard. At the last second the elbow flips upward and the blow strikes at a 90-degree angle to the head or body. It is best to set up this punch by moving in the direction of the lead or hooking hand. For example, if you are throwing a right hook, step to the right. Make sure to alter the way you throw your combinations, high-low-high, low-high-low, high-high-high, high-high-low, low-low-high, etc. Perform this exercise for two rounds with both feet forward.

Exercise # 4 Jab-Hook-Hook: This is one of the most popular combinations in boxing, a jab followed by a double hook. Practice throwing the hooks both high and low, and perform this exercise for two rounds with both feet forward.

Exercise # 5 Jab-Uppercut: Like the cross and the hook, the uppercut is a devastating blow. Sometimes called a corkscrew punch, the uppercut is thrown by lowering the shoulder and the corkscrewing the hand upward. Make sure to keep the elbow in tight, and in front of the your body. This is an excellent punch top throw to the body and chin. As a body punch, the blow rises underneath the opponent’s elbow and into the ribs. As a head strike the blow strikes under the chin, snapping the head backwards, and causing a whiplash like action. Perform this exercise for two rounds with both feet forward.

Exercise #6 Jab-Cross-Hook or Uppercut: This is similar to exercises #3 and # 4 except a hook or uppercut follows the cross. Practice this exercise moving in the direction of the lead or hooking hand. For example, if you are throwing a right hook, step to the right. Perform this exercise for two rounds with both feet forward.

These are some of the simpler exercises that can be performed on the heavy bag. The workout takes a total of 47 minutes to complete. Remember to always keep your guard, hands, up when training. There is a tendency to lower the hands when a person gets tired, and the hands become heavy. This is the most important time to keep up your guard, because in a real life situation it is when you are most vulnerable! It is equally important to remember to alter the way in which you throw your combinations. Altering heights not only confuses your opponent, but works different muscles for a better workout.

Found at: http://coco.essortment.com/heavybagworkou_pgp.htm

[speedbag]

Yukimushu,

Once again, you find and post very useful information. YOU lead the league in excellent posts. thanks.

[Yukimushu]

Yukimushu,

Once again, you find and post very useful information. YOU lead the league in excellent posts. thanks.

Why thank you kind sir *bows* :)

[Yukimushu]

A nice article found on rossboxing.com (www.rossboxing.com) talking of the martial side of boxing.

Most people, even fighters, don’t think of boxing as a martial art. Boxing is a western sport and has no place in practical martial arts discussion because there is no carry over into a combat or self defense situation, or so most people believe.

Nothing could be further from the truth when discussing the practical value of boxing. The sport is a simple one for beginners to learn; yet the complexities make perfection nearly impossible to attain. It can take a lifetime to master the sweet science.

From the very start, a novice boxer is taught to fight. He will learn to throw crisp jabs and straight right hands (assuming an orthodox fighter). The fundamentals will be stressed and practiced repeatedly until they become second nature. It is during this early learning period that fighters are instructed in a proper stance, covering up, footwork and throwing punches without telegraphing them. New fighters will quickly move to hitting the punch mitts, heavy bag and double end bag while practicing their punches. This training reinforces the need for balance, coordination, control and accuracy.

Compare this approach to the more traditional martial arts. Novices are usually taught to stand in a very impractical stance, which would leave them vulnerable and defenseless in a real world scenario. They are taught to punch from a low hand position, and usually introduced to an intricate blocking system that relies on specific strikes being thrown at the practitioner in order to respond with the appropriate defense. Rarely does a novice martial artist throw at strike at a target other than air, and his movements appear awkward and mechanical.

Boxers learn effective combination punching drills and they develop hooks, upper cuts and feints. At the same time they are also learning defensive skills such as slipping, ducking, bobbing and weaving and parrying. It is quite common for a boxing coach to throw “counter punches” while holding the mitts for a fighter. This reminds a fighter to pay attention to defense, even in the midst of launching an attack or following through with a counter. A boxer soon understands the importance of returning his hands to the guard position after throwing a punch or else he will be painfully countered. All the while a boxer is moving around the ring, improving his footwork and timing as well as improving his defense in a natural and free flowing manner.

In boxing, there is a heavy focus on physical conditioning that is not as emphasized in more traditional martial arts. Boxers will perform exercises to develop strength, speed and stamina. They will develop the ability to fight longer and harder, to continue to fight while fatigued and to absorb blows from their opponents. The importance of being able to “go the distance” is stressed early on in a boxer’s career.

Boxers devote a lot of training time to sparring. Here they will put all of the pieces of the puzzle together. At first the sessions are conducted a slower speed and with lighter force or contact, until the newcomer gets used to the fact that he is going to be hit. It takes a lot of doing for someone to get punched in the face and ignore it while continuing to move and look for openings to deliver his own shots. It takes discipline and practice to maintain composure while under attack. The late Bruce Lee was once quoted as saying that “you learn how to fight by fighting.” He hit it right on the button with that statement.

When sparring, especially with more lively sessions, a fighter will learn what does and doesn’t work. His style will develop naturally, based on his own unique physical attributes. For example, a tall fighter with long arms will usually gravitate towards fighting from the outside and basing his attack off of a crisp jab. A smaller but quicker boxer may learn to slip and weave to the inside before launching a vicious barrage of punches. Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, was a prime example. Despite being relatively short by heavyweight standards, he was able to use his speed, footwork and constant head movement to work his way inside of the reach of taller opponents. Once inside, Iron Mike would throw short, devastating punches to the body and head. This is a level of fighting skill that few could ever hope to achieve.

Through sparring, boxers will also learn the most important skill of all for a successful fighter…relaxation. Any inexperienced fighter has a tendency to tense up when in a threatening situation. It is not uncommon to see novices and more experienced fighters alike that are so tense that they are not effective. It is only when a fighter learns to be relaxed and fluid in the ring that he becomes proficient. When a fighter is tight, he will rapidly become exhausted; likewise a tight fighter is a slow fighter. Most traditional martial artists do not spend enough time actually fighting to ever learn to fully relax and move with grace and fluidity against a real life opponent.

While the overall arsenal of a boxer seems small in comparison to some other martial arts, it is easy to see that one cannot mistake quantity for quality. The longer it takes to decide which technique to use, the slower your response time becomes. It would seem then, from a practical point of view, that a few well-practiced moves would allow a fighter to be fast and effective. Boxers spend most of their time drilling the fundamentals and practicing them in real fighting situations. They develop keen reflexes and an instinct for timing. This ability to react without thinking comes from countless hours of training, and not from memorizing any sort of pre planned moves. The natural, free-style manner of boxing leads to the development of fighting skills that are unparalleled in the martial arts community.

Boxers are well equipped to handle themselves in most self-defense situations. It is very difficult to contend with an opponent that is constantly moving and throwing multiple blows in rapid succession. He hits with precision and power and avoids punches while positioning himself to counter. A boxer has the stamina to continue fighting at a rapid pace long after most well conditioned athletes would have become too exhausted to defend themselves.

It is not my intention to discredit any martial art or its practitioners; I am simply pointing out the strengths of a well trained boxer. The sweet science has a lot to offer a person looking to learn how to defend himself even if he were to never compete in the ring.

I have been boxing for over twenty years and my skills are slightly above average. I recently attended a few classes at a more traditional martial arts school. What I learned was astounding. I learned that you could achieve black belt ranking without being either in shape or able to fight! I saw supposed experts throwing punches that were telegraphed, off balance and ineffective. I was taught a blocking system that was so complicated that a ten-year-old girl was able to punch me in the face while I tried to remember which was the right move to block her punch. I was told that eventually I would learn to “just react” and my technique would be effective. Now, I know the value of being able to react without thinking about it, but apparently my reactions were not correct.

I was made to feel like my style was wrong and useless because I did things that weren’t in the play book, such as feinting a jab and throwing a straight right directly behind it (apparently this is a foul because it “throws off your timing’)-so much for the need to be unpredictable. When I questioned the rationale behind dropping your guard to block a low punch, instead of absorbing it with the elbows, I was told that my technique wasn’t powerful enough to hurt my opponents punching arm. Two things came to mind 1: I wondered if the black belt had ever landed a hook to someone’s elbow…ouch! 2. I also wondered if the over hand right that my opponent should throw next would be powerful enough to knock me on my ass, especially considering that I had no ability to defend against it now that my lead hand was guarding my knees.

The culmination of my education came at the end of the night when I was asked to spar with one of the black belts. This particular gentleman spent about five minutes explaining to the class why I was going to be dazzled and defeated by his technique. Apparently he was attempting to illustrate the fact that boxing is grossly inferior as a fighting art.

I actually made a sincere effort to bow out of the sparring session. I really had no desire to get into a testosterone-induced test of skill and manhood. I was assured that he would “go easy on me”. I decided to go with the flow and see what happened. My opponent had size over me; I’ll admit that much. He came straightforward with well planned and well telegraphed strikes. He didn’t really use much in the way of movement or combination punching though, just a lot of screaming (what the hell is all that about, anyways?) and head hunting.

The end came pretty quick, I’m sorry to say. I slipped one of his haymakers to my left, and countered with a tight left hook to the body. Now, I was being pretty kind here as I kept my hands loose inside my gloves and just threw with the intention of making contact. Think of tapping here folks, not hammering! Anyways, it didn’t matter; he went down like a bag of dirt. I was so shocked that my soft pedaling body punch dropped him that I just stood there for a second, he was right…I truly was dazzled! I quickly came to my senses and helped him up. I thanked him for the lesson and beat feet out of his gym. I don’t think I’ll be going back there any time soon, even if I’m invited.

If I had one piece of advice for this gentleman or any other aspiring fighter for that matter, it would be this: Do your sit-ups and your roadwork, and watch some of Mickey Ward’s fights on tape. Where I come from the only belts that matter say things like “MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION” on them and you gotta earn those the hard way. As my friend Ross Enamait likes to say: “No teammates, no timeouts, no place to hide”. Who can argue with that?

[funkymonk]

Great post by Yoda. Some really helpful advice in there.
I'm starting boxing again once a week after a 16 year break so the info has been invaluable. Thanks again :)

[speedbag]

Here is a tip that never goes out of style: Hand Protection

How to wrap you hands_Ringside Picture Demo (http://www.ringsideboxing.com/store/hw_howto.asp)

[braniff_888]

Excellent post, defiently useful info their and it's defiently going to make my punches more effective, when im KickBoxing :cool:

Keep the Tips coming

[inosanto1]

i would say that the whole body mechanics has to be right for yhr perfecr punch, legs arms hips upper body and the hand position :D

[inosanto1]

excellent post Yoda, alot of help, will be doing my first Boxing and Thai boxing sessions in the coming weeks

[Ceran]

you dont really understnad. thers no way for me2. and a 13 year old person traveeling to the heart of a town on his own at about 9 at night isnt so good
See if your cousin or his friend can take you. :bang: :bang: :bang:

[Graham2006]

A good training regime is one developed by the Russians during the Soviet Era. It consists of pad training at full power & speed in your punching, starting with the lead hand each time & coming back to your guard, to counts of 'one', one- two', one-two-three', etc to ten then back again to one. In total you throw 100 punches. You can do this with all of the punches, & you can repeat the cycle as many times as you wish. You might think it's going to get easier as you count back from ten repetitions, but I can assure you it doesn't! It's great for training stamina & determination.

[Cannibal Bob]

Found an article that might help people getting into boxing.

http://www.nswaba.org.au/index.php?howto=yes

:)

[Einstein Mcfly]

--Weight Is On The Lead Foot--

That's when you have a jab -- when you shift your weight onto the lead foot. This puts body mass into it, and extends your reach in the direction of your target.


I have a question about this. My boxing coach tells me that my weight should most definitely NOT shift onto my front foot when I jab because anything that disturbs the center of gravity from being in the middle will ruin your balance and make it difficult to move/defend/follow the punch with others etc. I have another instructor in a sort of kickboxing blend class that says that weight should most definitely move from one foot to another depending on what sort of punch is being throw. Any thoughts on this?

[taekwonguy]

(14) Dancing

Don't dance around, or bounce up and down. Quick, short, even-keeled adjustments are what you
want. Stay mobile, but don't waste any motion. In keeping with the gas and brakes analogy ,
stay on the balls for quick range adjustment, but SETTLE IN on your punches. You get your punching
power from the ground, through the legs, and off the hips.

(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7GpM3tMT1k was this guy doing it wrong?

[Jamo2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7GpM3tMT1k was this guy doing it wrong?


Yeah, what a joker

[wires]

(6) The jab

the art of boxing is founded on the jab. If you've got a jab, you can box. If you don't,
then boxing is hard. Simple as that. Without the jab, expect to get hit a lot. The jab helps to make
you a good boxer. Without one, you're just a puncher (which can also be effective, but requires
specialized attributes to pull it off).

(


I had a boxing coach that told me to throw nothing but jabs at my heavy bag for a couple of months until I had a strong jab.

I took the advice, believe it or not. I threw loads and loads of jabs.

It was good advice.. especially since I"m a lightweight. He told me that no lightweight will survive if he has a lightweight jab.

[wires]

I have a question about this. My boxing coach tells me that my weight should most definitely NOT shift onto my front foot when I jab because anything that disturbs the center of gravity from being in the middle will ruin your balance and make it difficult to move/defend/follow the punch with others etc. I have another instructor in a sort of kickboxing blend class that says that weight should most definitely move from one foot to another depending on what sort of punch is being throw. Any thoughts on this?

Mcfly,

You weight should most definitely shift from back to front when you throw the jab.

This is true in western boxing as well as in kickboxing.

Your kickboxing coach is giving you the better information in this situation.

The best way to find the truth of this is on the heavy bag. Work on the weight shift with your punch until you have the heavy bag really popping and moving.

Now go back to punching without the weight shift.

The evidence should show you empirically which is the better method.

Remember, a boxer's weight is behind his punch..

[Hiroji]

Hi just came across this set of instructional vids on youtube.

Some great boxing advice on some of them.

http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=billiardjay&p=r

[Glock 18]

thanks for this old, but still very useful post. this will be a great help. kudos!

[wires]

Straight Blast Gym has one of the best boxing instruction series out there. If you are looking for boxing answers you might check out their "don familton" series or even JKD series 3.

[God'sGift]

Good post. Although I actually practice Kick Boxing instead of Boxing, I found this article really useful for my footwork. I never even knew the heels could be used as my break when throwing hook punches.

[Iceman778]

yeah its awesome

[AnxietyCoachJoh]

Great Tips..... are you a trainer????..... :woo:

its a great help for training and for work out :cool:

[Hapuka]

I haven't been boxing for long so I can't really offer any tips, but I found this great workout program based on the movie 'The Fighter' starring Mark Wahlberg. The workout program can be adapted for beginning and advanced fighters, and the individuals daily time schedule. It works with super sets to get your heart pumping without nuking your muscles (DOMS) nothing worse than turning up for training, stiff from the previous day's workout.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/mark-walhberg-fighter-workout.html

[gslack]

I was trained primarily by my father and uncle as a kid, they were both big fans of Jack Dempsey and Joe Lewis. They were very big on economy of punches and movement.

Whereas today we see a great many fighters who train to throw as many punches as they can per round to overload their opponents defense or through pressure cause them to open up, they were more apt to try and use a counter-punch or an angle after a jab to land a bigger shot.

I find that a good jab should have a good base behind it. A jab from just the flicking of the arm or wrist although quick will too often be walked through by a strong willed puncher, or not do anything to deter a fighter coming. I like to take small step forward as I land a jab, this transfers some of my mass energy to the target giving my jab a little more something behind it. And this can allow the jab to be turned over into a hook on the fly. Once this weight shift is mastered the actual step can be made smaller and smaller for closer ranging and quicker delivery. As long as the shift is there the step can be taken out.

Another thing this approach to jabbing can do is teach a fighter to close the gap and move in off the jab to throw with power.

[El Medico]

Hi gslack.

That would be Joe Louis I'm thinkin'.

J. Lewis is the Karate guy.

[gslack]

Hi gslack.

That would be Joe Louis I'm thinkin'.

J. Lewis is the Karate guy.

Ah yes I see that know.. LOL without my kids to correct me see what happens?:o

[Hapuka]

I'll be making my contributions to this thread through posting videos and articles as I find them.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=72QuQVY6YXE

[Hapuka]

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-with-head-movement.jpg

Did you know…? 8 out of every 10 boxers don’t know how to come in with the jab.

It’s a random statistic I just made up but my point is: hardly anybody moves their head when they come forward with the jab. Anytime you bring yourself closer to your opponent, you’re potentially walking into a dangerous counter punch. For this reason head movement is crucial for all forward movements—ESPECIALLY THE JAB.

It’s time you learned how to SAFELY come in behind the jab.

Move Your Head When You Come Inside

Example of jabbing WITHOUT head movement…

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-without-head-movement-1.jpg

Here’s me in my boxing stance…


http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-without-head-movement-2.jpg

…and this is what happens when I jab straight forward without moving my head.

I can understand beginners being taught to come in with their head straight up. It develops good form and posture and confidence and power and all those nice things. But once fighters learns that, it’s time to get slick real fast.

Always be ready to slip when you come forward.

This should be a general rule of boxing. Slipping is FAR MORE IMPORTANT when going forward than it is for going backward. If you’re coming closer to your opponent, you have to slip to stay safely in range. Coming in with a high guard works too but how can you attack on your way in if your hands are busy blocking?

You don’t have to slip every time you go forward but you should always be ready to do it. The amazing thing is that many fighters are taught to slip when going backwards or at the end of combinations but very few if ever are taught to slip when coming forward with the jab. Most trainers let their fighters to come in with their head straight up. If you’ve ever sparred with a slick pro, then you already know that’s never a good idea.

How to Move Your Head When You Jab

Move your head along a 3 dimensional axis

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-head-movement-angles-1.jpg

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-head-movement-angles-2.jpg

Think of your head as being able to move within the range of a three-dimensional sphere.

Your head can be placed:


LEFT or RIGHT
HIGH or LOW
NEAR or FAR

So here is the essence to head movement when you jab:

STEP #1 – place your head in one spot

STEP #2 – move the head to another position when you throw the jab

Again, be creative and use the full three-dimensional range you can place your head. Try putting it low, and then bringing it up high. Or putting it to the left side and then bringing it to the right. Keep moving it to different spots to be more evasive! This tactic also works well going backwards—try it.

You don’t necessarily have to bait or slip your opponent’s punch. It’s simply the idea of moving your head when you throw the jab. Again, it’s crucial especially when coming forward with the jab.

Now let’s see this simple technique in action!

Jab & Head Movement Drill

This is a great drill for you to practice this head movement:

Step #1 – place your head in one position to bait the jab

Step #2 – move your head slightly and counter jab

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdBjwQn39eI

*** Please watch the video, it’s a far better demonstration than the pictures alone.

Example #1 – HIGH to LOW

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-high-to-low.jpg


Stand tall and then drop down and jab him in the stomach.
Even if he blocks you can still push him back off balance.


Example #2 – LOW to HIGH

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-low-to-high.jpg


Lower yourself to bait the punch downwards.
Then stand up and counter-jab over the top.


Example #3 – LEFT to RIGHT

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-left-to-right.jpg


Rotate the body forward to bait the jab straight on.
Slip to the outside while throwing a counter jab.
If you have long enough arms, you can use this to setup with a left hook counter.
This setup can also be used to go “NEAR to FAR”.


Example #4 – RIGHT to LEFT

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-right-to-left.jpg


Post your head to the right to bait a really long jab.
Cut over to the inside and counter jab on the inside.
It may seem like a scary angle because you’re moving towards your opponent’s right hand but actually it’s a very awkward position for him to reach you once you’re shifted to his right side.


Example #5 – FAR to NEAR

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jab-far-to-near.jpg


Pull away when he jabs.
Then come back with your counter jab.
You can also do the reverse of this by going “NEAR to FAR” (not pictured). Put your head in close and then counter-jab as you pull your head back out.


Move your head to a different position when you jab.

The examples are simply examples. In the images, I am showing extra-exaggerated movement for demonstrative purposes. In actuality, the movements should be very slight—you move just enough to avoid the punch. Don’t limit yourself to my examples. Be creative and come up with different positions and different angles of moving your head. Try using more diagonal angles (ex: move from low right to high left, or forward right to forward left to back right with multiple jabs).

This is a great evasion drill and helps you develop the natural slipping AWARENESS for boxing. You will become a far more deadly fighter once this movement becomes so natural you no longer think about it!

Advanced Tips for Jabbing with Head Movement

SET UP YOUR RIGHT HAND

All this work is not merely to hit your opponent with a jab. It’s to set something up. Everything you just learned is supposed to be automatic. Using head movement to land the jab is the easy part; it should be trained into your subconscious. The real work you should be doing consciously is to land that right hand as fast as possible.

So when you slip, make sure you keep that right hand ready to throw. Don’t over-twist your body or make yourself come off balance. Don’t take your right hand out of position just to land a jab! You should always feel like your jab is SETTING UP THE RIGHT HAND!

Your jab should set up the right hand, not take it away.


Focus on Moving Your Head, Not on Slipping the Punch

Once you get used to the movement, you shouldn’t be too worried about slipping the punch or waiting all day to avoid a punch. Move your head and you’ll be ok. He will miss as long as you move from the position he aimed at. You only have to move a few inches which is easy to do even if you barely moved. As long as you’re aware of incoming fire, you can go back to focusing on being offensive!

Change the Angle of Your Fist

You can also think about angling your jabbing fist differently. The palm doesn’t always have to face the floor; the palm can face sideways (like a hook) or up (like an uppercut). BE CREATIVE!

Try Using Footwork

Try using the same head movement tricks BUT with a small dash towards your opponent. Get within just outside of his range, and then quick jump in 2 inches while you move your head and throw the jab. This is a very deadly maneuver that many experienced fighters do very well. It’s one of those things that separate the average amateur fighters from the better ones. Again, the key is to make a SMALL DASH.

Learn Head Movement from the Pros

The best way to learn this type of head movement is to spar a pro. That’s how I learned it and it’s one of those things you never forget. You never realize how slick someone can be until you fight him.

For those of you who don’t have the opportunity to spar a pro, I highly recommend for you to watch videos of James Toney or Bernard Hopkins fighting. It’s preferable for you to watch them sparring and to really look for that subtle head movement. Almost all pros do it but it’s so subtle you never see it unless you’re sparring them yourself. I can see it now only because I know what to look for.

Head Movement is about Awareness, Not Evasion

The greatest benefit of learning how to slip is to increase your defensive awareness.

The slipping movement itself doesn’t really matter. The real lesson here is awareness! The real benefit to learning how to slip is not so that you can slip every punch but more so that you are fully aware of every punch. This increased level of awareness allows you to make whatever split-second reaction you like—slipping, rolling, countering, etc.

You would think it’s common sense to be ready to slip but this isn’t the case for most boxers. Most boxers are so focused on throwing their power punches that they aren’t aware of jab counters. And they wonder why throwing the jab is so scary at times. They complain about getting countered or they complain that their jab doesn’t get there fast enough. Or they waste a lot of energy trying to jump into range.

The real answer is simply awareness. Once you’re aware of incoming counters, you can pretty much walk into range and pop your opponent in the face with whatever you like. It’s really that easy.

http://www.expertboxing.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_182/custom/skins/eb/images/logo.png (http://www.expertboxing.com/)