LIBRARY

Boxing Manual - Part 1

The following information is taken from "Boxing Manual", by John Brown (1994-1996 Catalog, Compliments of Ringside). *Gray text bracketed by asterix is not part of the original manual. It has been added for clarification purposes or to supply additional relevant information.*

Basic Funamentals

In order to be a competent boxer you must master the basic fundamentals. Every advanced move or technique is based on having solid fundamentals. This is the most important step in amateur boxing. Do not be in a hurry, take your time and learn them well.

1. Stance

Left foot, left shoulder out front, feet apart the length of a normal step. Left knee should be bent for balance and feet should be pointing toward your opponent. Feet must also remain apart [shoulder width] for purpose of balance.
It is extremely important that your left shoulder is "out front" or pointing towards your opponent so that your right will have whip-like power from the full rotation of the shoulders when thrown, and so that you will be able to have a proper defense against the right hand.
Make sure the left shoulder is always higher than the right. If it is not one will be susceptible to right hands. A good technique for raising the left shoulder is to bend the right knee which actually lowers the right shoulder which should make the left higher.

2. Elbows in Front of Body

This will protect your body against body punches but more importantly it will cause your hands to go in front of your head for defense purposes. Also having the elbows in front of the body is the proper position to throw punches and also to block uppercuts.

3. Hands in Front of Head

Hands should always be held at eyebrow level to protect the head against your opponents blows. The arms from the elbow to the fist must be in a vertical (straight up and down) position at all times.

4. Throw Punches Straight Out and Bring Straight Back to Head

When punches are thrown the hands should be returned to their on-guard position as quickly as possible to protect the head.

5. Footwork (Step & Slide)

If you move forward, move the left leg first and pick up the distance with the right foot. If you move backward, move the right foot back and then move the left [foot] back. Moving left or right is accomplished by stepping sideways with the foot of the direction you wish to move. If you want to move left, move the left foot to the left and then bring over the right foot, do the opposite to move right. Do not get in the bad habit of bringing your feet together.... whenever your feet are together you're suseptable to being either hit or pushed off balance. Also when you move forward do not [leave] your right foot -use it - make it work so that your weight is evenly distributed.

Basic Offense

1. Left Jab

This is the most important punch in amateur boxing. The purpose of the left jab is to keep your opponent on the defensive and to accumulate points. If you are keeping a jab in your opponents face he will have to concern himself with defense which will afford him less time to work on his offense (hitting you in the nose). You can use the jab to disrupt your opponents rhythm and timing in addition to using it to control the bout.

The left jab is thrown by extending the left hand and arm fully *(do not lock the elbow joint)*, keeping the left elbow down, and turning the knuckles so that they end in a flat position [palm down]. Speed is derived by keeping the elbow down and snapping the arm forward at the elbow joint. Power is possible by slightly pushing the body and particularly your left shoulder forward with your right foot and leg when the jab is thrown.

The key to the left jab is:

Throw it from the [face] *Point of Origin*
Keep your elbow down
Snap the arm forward at the elbow joint
Push the left shoulder forward by pushing forward with the right foot
Return the jab back to the head as quickly as you threw it out
Do not move the right elbow in any way

Almost as important as how to jab is when to jab. Unless you are using the jab for probing purposes it should not be used unless your opponent is in punching range. Don't throw it just to be doing something. To do so will afford your opponent the opportunity to gauge your speed and eliminate the element of surprise. Work on the jab until your arm almost falls off. If you can develop a good left jab you will be a good amateur boxer.

2. Straight Right

For the beginner this will be your power punch because it is delivered with the weight of the body.

*The straight right is thrown by pivoting the hips & shoulders counter-clockwise, extending the right hand and arm fully (do not lock the elbow joint), keeping the right elbow down, and turning the knuckles so that they end in a flat position [palm down].*

The right is normally thrown after the left jab
Throw [it] from the face *Point of Origin*
The left knee should be bent for balance
Your power will be derived by pushing and pivoting the right foot, whipping your right shoulder forward and pivoting the hips
Return the [straight] right [back] to the head [as quickly as you threw it out]

Alpha Martial Arts * Seattle, WA * 206-372-4606 * info@alphamartialarts.com

American Kenpo Karate --- Doce Pares Eskrima --- Fitness Kickboxing --- Kids Karate --- Teen Martial Arts --- Adult Martial Arts