Defense Against The Boxer

MJS

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As we all know, the specialty of a boxer is his punching skill. I would think that if someone is not that comfortable with their punching skill, trading strikes with a boxer is really playing with fire.

So my question is: What do you feel is your best defense against a boxer? I'm looking specifically for real world applications, not what you would do in a ring match.

Mike
 

Jonathan Randall

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Great question. The best explanation for a technique that could do well against a boxer (depending on range, speed, experience, intent, etc.) was on Tom Muzila's Shotokan Karate Vol. 1 DVD where he demonstrated a low stomping sideckick executed from a relaxed ready postion (that both lowered your target profile from a face front position AND chambered the kick all in one flowing motion). Hard to describe in text, but it was more than a simple low-sidekick. As someone who boxed in college, I saw it as one of the better techniques to use against a good puncher.

Also, an elbow destruction against a jab is another good technique, but, IMO, takes a lot of practice to pull off at speed.

Whatever you do, you will need to be VERY mobile because, if they are properly trained as boxers, they sure as heck will be.
 

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As we all know, the specialty of a boxer is his punching skill. I would think that if someone is not that comfortable with their punching skill, trading strikes with a boxer is really playing with fire.

So my question is: What do you feel is your best defense against a boxer? I'm looking specifically for real world applications, not what you would do in a ring match.
Ideally, I'd work the legs outside his range, and get out of there ASAP.
 

exile

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Multiple elbow strikes and low kicks delivered from behind a fast adaptable guard. Limb damage, and especially joint destruction, strike me as the best bets. Fast alternating attacks on high and low tragets.
 

Jonathan Randall

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Multiple elbow strikes and low kicks delivered from behind a fast adaptable guard. Limb damage, and especially joint destruction, strike me as the best bets. Fast alternating attacks on high and low tragets.

I see your point, and agree on the kicks and destructions, but (and perhaps you take this as understood) I would not enter a skilled puncher's range to deliver an elbow strike. Also, boxers are particularly adept at defending high targets, so that must be kept in mind. Having done both TKD and boxing, I would take a very limited set from my TKD skills to use. Even a roundhouse kick to the thighs is chancy because of the boxer's superior mobility. I'd favor techniques that kept your profile low and away from them.
 

pstarr

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When I was a much younger man I used to practice fighting boxers. Their legs are especially vulnerable - they're not accustomed to having to protect them...
 

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Having fought a few in my time, I would agree that at first, a leg attack will surprise, but maybe a couple to a few times here and there. Overall, since you're both moving, in some fashion, and strong kicking is slower, and harder to pull off, you will end up in a slugging contest. In that case learning to defend like a boxer is you're best bet for those punches. In return, the MA's speacialized strikes and grappling is your best bet. Trying to pull off destructions is very difficult when it's fast and furious. Stay in the aggressive mindset when fighting for real.
 

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My answer comes from my first instructor, many, many moons ago. It's something that is fairly easy to do, but not many teach or even suggest it........Attack the limb that is attacking you.
 

Jonathan Randall

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Having fought a few in my time, I would agree that at first, a leg attack will surprise, but maybe a couple to a few times here and there. Overall, since you're both moving, in some fashion, and strong kicking is slower, and harder to pull off, you will end up in a slugging contest. In that case learning to defend like a boxer is you're best bet for those punches. In return, the MA's speacialized strikes and grappling is your best bet. Trying to pull off destructions is very difficult when it's fast and furious. Stay in the aggressive mindset when fighting for real.

So true. At some point, a well-rounded martial artist will need to train with and against a boxer. Personally, I'd use a boxing guard and similiar stance while trying to get low kicks in and maybe an elbow destruction if the boxer is only so so. Once he/she closes the distance I will try MA strikes from a near boxing style guard.
 

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The boxers who I have sparred under open rules got real miffed when they got popped in the groin about 4 times in a round with a front kick. Ever seen a boxer try to fight out of a side horse? Pretty dang funny looking....

Usually low front or thrust kicks to the bladder with a high gaurd, rapidly transitioning through punching range to the clinch until people get annoyed with each other for all the shoulder hits, elbows, knees, and headbutts.

Lamont
 

green meanie

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Stay covered up when you're at a range that puts you at the end of their fist. Work on the legs with low kicks while trying to get close enough to tie them up. Try to work inside and chip away at them with your elbows and knees while you have them tied up. Take them to the ground from there if that's your thing. If not, keep them tied up and keep chipping away.

:asian:
 

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I see your point, and agree on the kicks and destructions, but (and perhaps you take this as understood) I would not enter a skilled puncher's range to deliver an elbow strike.

Oh yes, absolutely! I was thinking about elbow strikes as opportunistic techs to use when openings were created by low kicks. It's not a position I'd like to be in, but since you have to assume that a fighter is going to be at a disadvantage against techniques they've not trained hard against, it seems likely that skilled and strong kick placement might open targets that you wouldn't get to just relying on hand strikes.

Also, boxers are particularly adept at defending high targets, so that must be kept in mind. Having done both TKD and boxing, I would take a very limited set from my TKD skills to use. Even a roundhouse kick to the thighs is chancy because of the boxer's superior mobility. I'd favor techniques that kept your profile low and away from them.

I certainly wouldn't want to throw turning kicks any higher than thigh level. But front snap kicks and front side kicks, delivered fast and aggressively in flurries, could give you opportunities for damaging elbow strikes... at least, that's what I'd be going with.
 
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MJS

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Great replies!:ultracool For myself, I prefer to do my best to keep them at kicking range. Working low line kicks to the legs, groin, and chest would be my choice of targets. Of course, footwork is important as well. In the event things moved in close, I'd choose to use short range tools such as elbows and knees. From the clinch, I think it would be best to position yourself on their side or behind them, rather than in front. Then again, grabbing onto their head, for control and knees is good too!:ultracool As always taking them out of their strong point (standing) and putting them in a weak spot (ground) is another option.

Mike
 

CuongNhuka

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To beat a puncher, kick. To beat a kicker, punch. Unless you're trying to develop in that area, then do what ever you can in their area.
 

gixxershane

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i think that i would start out with some kicks to the legs, then work my way inside.. way inside, use some stand up grappling. work the clinch and start to use elbows from there.
 

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Boxers use very unique techniques, many are not found within the various traditional martial arts systems.
Footwork,
Boxers are usuall either heavy footed or very fast on their feet. If the boxer is quick has fast footwrk then you should not try leg or groin kicks. Depending on his experience in the ring, if you kick low he might move a full zone away from you before the kick can land. Then as you retract the kick he might come back in on you.
If he is heavy footed then the leg kicks would be good.
Upper body movement
Most boxers can "bob & weave" "drop and roll under" with increadable speed, they strike while doing so. If you are going to strike towards the head area you should be able to execute fast multiple strikes.
Strikes
Most boxers parctice striking against moving targets. They consider a stationary upright target as a "peice of cake". You should keep your upper body area moving and loose.
Conditioning
Most boxers do extensive road work, they have increadable stamina. If you try to go the distance make sure that you can do so.
All boxers do body, arm and various other types of impact conditioning. They can withstand increadable impact. When striking you should do so to areas that boxers don't or can't condition.
 

Hand Sword

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That sums it up nicely sir!
icon14.gif
 

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I would assume a boxing-type stance (which is usually what I fight out of anyway ;)) and feint a punch to his head to elicit a defense upward movement from his hands.

Then I would blast him with kicks to the solar plexus (if his guard comes up really high) or his hip, bladder, knee — something too low for him to defend against.

I would also be looking for judo-type sweep if he was using a lot of footwork. Nothing like having your foot jerked out from underneath of you just as you are about to plant your weight for a punch ;)
 

Hand Sword

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This post isn't directed at anyone, as I believe all have given honest answers. That said, I would like to pass on something.

I have been in and around a few scraps in my time. I have seen some really good fighter's go at it for real, that were MA'ers and boxers. Very rarely was it an easy time with a few shots, even against untrained street fighters. With that in mind, I would strongly recommend that Boxers not be taken lightly. I know no one here is doing so, but, through the years I have seen that attitude be prevalent among MA'ers. Remember, it's hard enough as it is against thugs. Add training to those thugs, at the very least, equal to yours, and you got major problems. Boxers are much better trained mentally and physically than they are. Plus they are speacialists, with tons of experience in that area of expertise. I would seriously advise those interested in this to take what you think and try it out with some, if you haven't already. Some good experience will be gained.
 

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