Infighting Panic - When a Boxer Gets Too Close to a Martial Artist , Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 8:17 PM, in

There has long been a debate as to whether a traditional karateka or a boxer would win in a fight.
The karate folk believe that their kicks, knee strikes, and elbow hits, would give them an advantage. The boxers wouldn't be prepared for these martial variations. Since the boxers aren't allowed to kick in the ring, they wouldn't be prepared.
On the other hand, a boxer feels that he has an advantage with his infighting skills. His flurry of punches to the body would be too much for a karate practitioner. Also, a karate practitioner wouldn't be able to handle feints and fakes. At least not with the finesse that a boxer would employ.
Let's discuss one aspect of this debate, one subsection of the controversy -- the barrage of punches that a boxer lets fly to his opponent's body. This is definitely a question of experimenting. Specifically, how will you respond to someone who fights very close with a "load" of punches to your midsection?




Get a partner for this exercise.
Your partner will be punching at your stomach or to your sides -- on the kidneys and sides of the trunk of the body.

 Note: You have seen boxers who fire off a lot of punches, first with one fist and then with the other. The punches alternate, each very fast and powerful. They don't always fight with alternating punches, but we have to start somewhere.

If you come from a blocking style, then your job will be to block and then counter. I want you to try to defend yourself by blocking one or more of those fast punches that the boxer is unloading on your midsection.
Why would I have you try this?
Because I see traditional martial artists attempt to block as their first move a lot. Even when going against a boxer, they try to block.
If you haven't guessed by now, I don't think that blocking a boxer in infighting range is the answer, especially when he is punching from the chest down, and on the sides.
Now, you know one strategy that isn't the most efficient for this type of situation.
I'll post more articles discussing this topic.

Keith Pascal is the author of How to End The Fight With One Hit.

Keith also edits a Free ezine on practical martial arts: Keith Pascal's ezine. (You get a great free martial arts ebooklet, when you join.)

Pascal has taught martial arts for over 25 years. He left his job as a high school teacher in 2000, to become a full-time writer.

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Bob Body Opponent Punching Bag - The Perfect Solution For Practice , at 8:13 PM, in

The Bob body opponent punching bag is the perfect solution for boxing or martial arts practice. Now you can actually practice with a sparring Bob that doesn't punch back. I like that! Seriously though, I am quite impressed with Bob the punching bag.
This human like punching bag comes on a stand that you can fill with water or sand, whichever you prefer. This gives a good solid base for practicing. He's also adjustable from 5'10" up to 6'2" so you can set him at the height that you want to practice with.
I really love how realistic they have made boxing Bob. His proportions and shape are just like a real person. This is perfect for practicing body shots, or training in self defense. Even his skin feels real so when you are practicing you get a better idea of how the punch would actually feel if you were sparring with someone. This is a great advantage compared to most conventional punching bags.
He's great for learning all your techniques and shots with. You can even throw uppercuts to the chin and body. Many people buy a separate upper cut bag to practice these shots but with the Bob body opponent punching bag you wouldn't need one. So it really saves you money in the long run. I really like that.

Because he is so lifelike, you can actually target your punches towards specific parts of his body. You can't do that with a regular punching bag.
What I really like the most is the new design they have given Bob. He use to be just an upper torso punching dummy but now they have what they call a "Century Bob with groin". Along with the upper torso they have added the upper thighs and lower torso complete with boxer shorts.! Now the Bob body opponent punching bag really looks human!

Ready to start practicing with the Bob body opponent punching bag and take your skills to a whole new level? Get started now at http://squidoo.com/century-bob

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