Keep moving! Stay busy! Let your punches go! Move your head!
Why should you keep moving? Some people think constant movement is a waste of energy or makes you predictable…but I completely disagree.
Constant movement is what gives you great rhythm, great endurance, great speed, and even be a trickier fighter. In an intense sport like boxing, constant movement is an important skill that you must acquire in order to be a great fighter.
5 deadly punching mistakes that can get you knocked out.
As a beginner, it can be difficult to remember the 50-point checklist of possible mistakes every second of the fight. Technique, strategy, breathing….OH, AND DON’T FORGET TO RELAX! All that is impossible to do when you’re worried about getting beat up.
For now, I’ll focus on some of the more critical ones that can leave you the most vulnerable. As long as you’re careful not to commit these in the ring, you’ll probably be alright (assuming you’re fighting someone of comparable ability).
Learn how to fix these mistakes (in yourself) or take advantage of them (in others):
Read more… about 5 Common Punching Mistakes
Slipping a punch can be the riskiest proposition in the world, even if you already know how to slip. Sure, you only to move your head a few inches but when you’re not absolutely sure of your opponent’s timing, angle, and intention, there are too many variables to guarantee your safety.
Nonetheless, it’s totally possible to slip…without getting caught…and (most interestingly) without being afraid of getting caught.
Read more… about Boxing Tips for Slipping
NO—this is NOT a guide about coming forward and throwing lots of punches.
Pressure fighting does not mean recklessly walking into your opponent’s punching range. It also does not mean tons of head movement. It also does not mean of machismo and mental determination. (Although I will admit, those things do help.)
For me, the “pressure” is more about psychological rather than physical. It’s not just about landing punches. It’s about making your opponent uncomfortable. Discomfort is what leads to rapid fatigue, strategic mistakes, and mental shutdown.
Learn how to pressure your opponents WITHOUT throwing punches!
An in-depth guide on how I think during a fight. It’s an advanced boxing strategy guide. Theoretical concepts and stuff that all the experienced guys know. So I won’t be going over technical things like “how to create an angle” or “how to counter a jab”.
This is a raw look into how I think and how I get things done in the square circle.
Read more… about Advanced Boxing Strategy
Training on the focus mitts is one the best ways to develop your fighting reflexes, punching technique, defense technique, and fighting strategy. Hitting the focus mitts is not only a great workout but also intellectually stimulating, and FUN! Mittwork is also the most realistic fight training simulation next to sparring.
The focus mitts are an incredibly versatile tool for boxing training and yet many boxers are only doing one thing on the mitts—which is hitting as hard and fast as possible. Focus mitt training is not only about speed and power. There’s also rhythm, timing, accuracy, strategy, style, etc, etc. There are so many different ways you could be developing yourself on the mitts. And by only thinking about power on the mitts, you cheat yourself out of developing the more refined slick “sweet boxing” skills.
Let’s go over some important concepts and methods about boxing mittwork training.
Read more… about Boxing Focus Mitt Training
Sometimes you have no choice but to run. You’re hurt, tired, blind, or injured and you need to run out the clock. And as much as you want to turn and run away, that’s the worst thing you can do. Running will only rapidly exhaust what little space and energy you have left.
Knowing how to retreat can help you avoid dozens of punches while using only a little bit energy and space. Done cleverly, it will not only buy you time but also create counter-punching opportunities for you.
Learn how to make it difficult for your opponents to take your ground
…even when you’re not fighting for it.
The jab was supposed to be your safest weapon. It’s supposed to be your fastest, longest weapon and make it safe for you to get into range and land your bigger punches.
But if you can’t throw that jab without getting countered, then you’ve basically got no chance in the fight!
You’ve done your homework. You know how to jab. You know how to move your head. You know how to listen to your coach. You know how to fight and STILL, you’re getting countered.
So what do you do now?
Don’t start getting wild just yet. Here’s what you do…
Read more… about Jab Without Getting Countered
How many hours a day should a fighter spend in the gym?
Are you training enough?
Are you training too little?
How long do other fighters train for?
How long is YOUR OPPONENT training for?
Knowing the right length of fight training can make the difference between over-trained for your fight vs being in perfect shape.
Read more… about How Long Should a Fighter Train?
Q: Johnny, Why am I afraid of punches and what can I do?
The fear of getting hit cripples even the best of us. I’ve seen dozens of amazing athletes…all talented, intelligent, fast, powerful…all reduced to easily fatigued punching bags in the ring because of this fear.
And it’s ESPECIALLY a common problem among beginners learning how to box. I mean…how do you expect someone to fight well if he’s afraid of getting hit? It’s almost damn near impossible.
Fortunately, there IS a solution and ANYBODY can overcome this fear….
Read more… about How to Overcome Your Fear of Getting Punched
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