| Are you a boxer? Do you wonder at the | | | | If you see that a martial arts style is too rigid for |
| effectiveness of punches from other martial-arts | | | | your taste, don't use that part of the system. |
| styles? Have you always suspected that the | | | | Learn something else. |
| Asian martial arts hold keys to incredible punching | | | | Bruce Lee always advised to absorb what is |
| power? Read on ... | | | | useful to you. It makes sense. And in the world |
| Boxers Who Avoid Martial-Arts Style Punches | | | | of martial arts, there is a lot that you could take |
| After years of teaching martial arts, I have come | | | | back to boxing. |
| to know a certain prejudice. The boxers that I | | | | For example, use martial arts instruction for ways |
| have taught, came to me believing that martial | | | | to focus your energy into a much harder punch. |
| artists all punched with slow, horizontal punches. | | | | Maybe you'll take the idea from a kung fu style |
| These boxers thought that all martial artists | | | | of guarding with the hand low, to force your |
| delude themselves into believing that their hits are | | | | opponent to punch high. |
| fast -- punches cradled under the arm, twisting as | | | | You never know what you can glean from a |
| they progress to the target. | | | | particular style. |
| Most boxers chuckle knowing that these super | | | | For this to work, you have to be receptive to |
| fast punches just aren't all that fast ... compared | | | | learning from that style. No negative attitude |
| to western-style boxing punches. | | | | allowed, while you are trying to take it all in. |
| Each of my boxing students soon learned that | | | | Boxers and Self Defense |
| many martial arts styles don't even perform | | | | Boxers have set rules. In the ring, you have |
| reverse horizontal punches. They also learned that | | | | acceptable and unacceptable responses. You have |
| martial artists have a repertoire of useful | | | | to play fair. |
| techniques. | | | | Out of the ring, there are no rules. |
| Martial artists do know how to punch. (Well, | | | | You may have to defend yourself one day. And |
| depending on the martial artist.) | | | | the person attacking you might not play a fair |
| If you are a boxer who criticizes 'other' martial | | | | game. |
| arts (yes, "boxing" is a martial art), you ought to | | | | Wouldn't you like to respond with better kicks, |
| reconsider your bias. There are many practical | | | | efficient strikes (designed to damage), and maybe |
| martial arts styles. | | | | even a super-fast eye jab? |
| And many styles of martial arts have a variety | | | | Take steps to research the best methods to |
| of different punches. Some of them quite close | | | | defend yourself with techniques that complement |
| to boxing. | | | | your boxing skills. After all, you know how to |
| Note: Pay special attention to styles that teach | | | | move. You can cover lines effectively. |
| you how to keep your elbows in front of your | | | | Now, figure out ways, by adding in techniques and |
| body. This information will complement your style, | | | | strategies from other styles, to defend yourself |
| where your elbows are to the side of your body. | | | | outside of the ring. |
| Absorb What Is Useful -- Good Punches | | | | |