How Boxers Can Learn From Other Martial Arts Styles

Are you a boxer? Do you wonder at the effectiveness of punches from other martial-arts styles? Have you always suspected that the Asian martial arts hold keys to incredible punching power? Read on ...

Boxers Who Avoid Martial-Arts Style Punches

After years of teaching martial arts, I have come to know a certain prejudice. The boxers that I have taught, came to me believing that martial artists all punched with slow, horizontal punches.

These boxers thought that all martial artists delude themselves into believing that their hits are fast -- punches cradled under the arm, twisting as they progress to the target.

Most boxers chuckle knowing that these super fast punches just aren't all that fast ... compared to western-style boxing punches.

Each of my boxing students soon learned that many martial arts styles don't even perform reverse horizontal punches. They also learned that martial artists have a repertoire of useful techniques.

Martial artists do know how to punch. (Well, depending on the martial artist.)

If you are a boxer who criticizes 'other' martial arts (yes, "boxing" is a martial art), you ought to reconsider your bias. There are many practical martial arts styles.

And many styles of martial arts have a variety of different punches. Some of them quite close to boxing.

Note: Pay special attention to styles that teach you how to keep your elbows in front of your body. This information will complement your style, where your elbows are to the side of your body.

Absorb What Is Useful -- Good Punches

If you see that a martial arts style is too rigid for your taste, don't use that part of the system. Learn something else.

Bruce Lee always advised to absorb what is useful to you. It makes sense. And in the world of martial arts, there is a lot that you could take back to boxing.

For example, use martial arts instruction for ways to focus your energy into a much harder punch.

Maybe you'll take the idea from a kung fu style of guarding with the hand low, to force your opponent to punch high.

You never know what you can glean from a particular style.
For this to work, you have to be receptive to learning from that style. No negative attitude allowed, while you are trying to take it all in.

Boxers and Self Defense

Boxers have set rules. In the ring, you have acceptable and unacceptable responses. You have to play fair.

Out of the ring, there are no rules.

You may have to defend yourself one day. And the person attacking you might not play a fair game.

Wouldn't you like to respond with better kicks, efficient strikes (designed to damage), and maybe even a super-fast eye jab?

Take steps to research the best methods to defend yourself with techniques that complement your boxing skills. After all, you know how to move. You can cover lines effectively.

Now, figure out ways, by adding in techniques and strategies from other styles, to defend yourself outside of the ring.

For an article on how to develop speed punches that are faster than they need to be, click here: Speed Punch Training.

Here's a site about punching harder and faster ... Free Punch ebook and ezine sign up.

Read more about this Ultimate Punch eCourse: The Punch eCourse

Keith Pascal is a martial-arts writer and has taught martial arts for 25 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Pascal