Static Guarding with MMA Gloves

[The Karate Man]

When I spar, I use Boxing gloves, which are large and bulky.
Static Guarding your face with your hands and forearms is a common thing.

However, I've gotten into this habit, and it does not transition with the small MMA gloves.

Anytime I get blitzed, I always try to make horizontal movements and circle around. In addition to that, what else can I do to avoid strikes?

 

[Devonmac95]

static guarding with mma gloves is dangerous because there is a lot of room for the fist to go around and in between. I prefer parries and leaning back to defend strikes, but you can do that guard thats like answering a phone, though it can leave you open.

 

[Steve08]

Parry, slip while countering (head goes left w/ right hand or right w/ left hand), step and pivot, level change into a straight left or right, etc.

 

[Brando]

"Static" guarding in general is a bad choice. Even when you're covering up, you need to be watching your opponent and making small adjustments with your hands, level, and foot position to keep your opponent honest. Actively meet punches with your forearms, brush them away with small elbow movements, and make small parries from your guard to offset the trajectory of their shots/control their hand as often as possible. While also giving you a more responsible boxing defense, this style will translate to MMA much better.

 

[a guy]

Control distance