In relation to head movement In warm up, my sensei has always made the class punch above our heads, like we are punching an opponant who is on the roof. He has always drilled into us the importance of head movement (things like seeing behind the heavy bag when you throw punches. well, yesterday he taught us that when you go in punching, to move your head to the side, but also to have your head down so that if you catch a punch going in, it will just hit the top of your head. I didn't get a chance to ask him, but i am wondering if, those drills where he has us punch above our head, is sort of the same concept when you are going in punching with your head down (ie you are punching above your head with your arms, but horizontally so you hit your opponant in front of you).It worked wonders when i sparred later in class.I was alot more ballsy when it came to throwing punches. anyway he keeps said that hands are number one in kickboxing, so i am working my boxing technique like noones business.
I've not heard of this drill, but it sounds like maybe the object of punching high was to get you used to the feel of keeping your head down so that you do it instinctively when actually fighting; you'll get clobbered if you have to continually tell yourself "Head down! Head down!" Congrats, Daniel-san. Sounds like it worked, and your sensei has a clue on how to fight (also good to know when training).
I've had so many bloody noses when sparring. When I tried this out yesterday I still got nailed but it didnt stop me, or tear my eyes. thanks for the reply
You have to be carfull with that because an experienced fighter will see you repeat the pattern and possibly throw an uppercut.
I would like to hear about your instructor's thoughts before I judge him, but my instincts say he is making this up, lost in his own mind trying to be technical without realizing how unrealistic he is. I do like that punching up makes you use your shoulder, you should be able to adapt to Fedor, Igor Vov, style punching after this kind of training.
last night i sparred with one of the gym's best fighters, and he did (and said) that exact thing. I don't think i'll go back to the drawing board though, cause it still worked on alot of the other fighters i sparred with.I think there is alot more to this head movement stuff than i ever imagined.
Uppercuts can happen, but not many guys are good enough to hit you with an uppercut counter off a right hand. The ones that are good enough are probably going to rule you no matter what you do. Another thing a good fighter will do is jab you low -- when you throw that right hand as you duck, you lose range, and are vulnerable to a counter/jab, that is followed up with a power punch. But probably the worst thing that can happen is for the other fighter to slip and liver shot you -- you leave yourself exposed for that. All that said, ducking your head as you throw the right is indeed very effective.
