THE ART OF BOXING!
Excerpts from Mr. Davis' Official IKF Kickboxing Training Manual.

It is important that the Kick Boxer understands the importance of Boxing and the advantages it gives a fighter to have "good hands." I have seen far too many so called Kick Boxers depend solely on their feet to win matches in fact I have seen some of them become pretty successful at it. However, it is those that have the good boxing skills as well as good kicking skills that seem to make the better and more exciting fighters. It can't be expressed enough to the serious Kick Boxer the importance of getting him/herself into a boxing gym. The knowledge that you receive will make the difference between being a contender or becoming a world champion. Too many have tried to take what punching skills they obtained from their Karate class to pursue a Kick Boxing career. This more often than not ends in tragedy. You must understand that the average Karate class will not teach you anything about the weaving, bobbing and slipping techniques that are so vital when in the ring. Furthermore, the way in which a Boxer is taught to put their body weight behind their punches is vital to having good punching power. The straight up, straight forward style of punching that most Karate instructors teach will only leave you vulnerable and lacking power. So, in order to become the most effective Kick Boxer find the nearest Boxing gym or Coach and get busy!

Note: You may be fortunate enough to have a Kick Boxing gym in your area, if so check it out. Its possible that the instructor may have had the proper boxing/kicking background to give you the tools you will need to become an excellent kick boxer.

This portion will concentrate on some of the punches of the Boxer. Later, we will discuss how they will work together with your Kicking techniques.

• Punching Tips
  • Keep wrist straight
  • Use two largest knuckles for striking.
  • Do not telegraph punches.
  • Always look where your punches are going. ( broad view, not by telegraphing with your eyes)
  • Use your body weight to increase power.
  • Remain semi-relaxed while in guard position - tense at end of punch return to semi- relaxed position.
  • For more punching power, line shoulders up by pivoting with feet and turning waist - use thighs.
  • Hit as hard as possible (not necessarily with every punch but with most of them)
  • MOVE YOUR HEAD!
  • CREATE A MONEY PUNCH!...one you can call on when you need it.
    
    
• Proper Stance
  • Feet should be approx. one shoulder width apart - Front foot should be flat ( with most weight ) - back foot should be on the ball. - knees should be slightly bent.
    
    
• Hand Position
  • Fist should be located slightly below eyes - elbows should point downward - triceps should be slightly against body.
    
    
    • Note: Fist will slightly move up to cover temper area as you bend your knees.
• The Jab
  • This punch can be termed as a life saving technique. As Mohammed Ali taught us, there is nothing like a good jab. The jab will literally set up the rest of your punches, as well as kicks. It also allows you to keep your opponent at bay. I have seen too many fighters neglect the jab and start their hooks and rights from the outside. They end up either telegraphing their punch or walking into their opponents punches. So, use the jab and use it often!
    
    
• Jabbing
  • From fighting position - guard should be in fighting position, elbows should remain pointing to the ground as you extend your arm - at the point of contact turn fist right side up. Shift body weight forward - Jab should be thrown with a snap. Straight out and back to starting position -Remember to align shoulders and hip on contact.
    
    
• Cross
  • In fighting position (shown from Right side) - begin turning right side of body forward ( note: do not move arms first) - as your right shoulder lines up with target - throw right hand straight - ( leaving elbows downward) - turn punch over ( as shown,) at end off punch with a snapping motion and return to guard position. Remember to tense at the end of the punch.
    • Note: It is important to turn your hip and right foot simultaneously with and in the direction of punch.
    • Personal note: My ( right) cross became more effective when I began to follow the previous mentioned guidelines. However, there were a couple of other small things I did to increase power. For Instance, I would tense up my body on impact of punch - including my buttocks muscles.
    
    
    
• Hook (left)
  • Start in fighting position - knees slightly bent - begin turning upper body, hip and lead foot towards right - ( elbows should remain in position) - the closer your punch moves towards target the more your elbow comes up behind punch. ( at the end of the punch, elbows should be directly lined up. ( as we discussed earlier).
    
    
• Uppercut Tips
  • This punch should not be done from outside fighting range.
  • The punch is thrown out and up which will require the opponent to move more of h/her body to avoid the punch. If it is thrown straight up, the slightest head movement could allow the punch to miss.
    
    
• Uppercut
  • From fighting position - begin turning shoulders (right shoulder) towards opponents by rotating hip and pivoting back foot - throw punch as shoulders line up with opponent. Fore knuckles will be facing you at completion of punch.
    • Note: This punch is most effective thrown under chin or at the body.
      
      
• Spinning Backfist
  • This could be one of the most effective punches in the sport of Kick Boxing. Its effectiveness will depend on how well you execute it with timing speed and power. I did not use this technique to often. However, when I did use it, I would always throw combinations before or immediately after. This punch is often referred to as a blind technique, because the user has to turn their back when throwing the punch as well as, it is difficult for the opponent to see it coming. This punch should be used very carefully. Your timing is important, so that you will not accidentally elbow your opponents.
    
    
• Spinning Backfist
  • From fighting position - ( left side forward) begin turning head away from opponent - eye contact from opponent should be at the bare minimum - turn body and quickly follow with backfist - aim elbow at target and release as body arrives back to center point (target). It is important to turn waist and pivot feet together. Power in punch will come with the momentum of body movement. Combinations will be featured in a separate section to show with hand and feet combined.)
    
    
• Slipping
  • This is done by tilting your upper body to the left, right or forward and backwards to avoid kicks and punches. This will allow you to stay in the striking range of your opponent. To often a fighter will unnecessarily move out of the range of a blow to avoid being hit. They do not realize the detriment in that they can often not hit their opponent. The slip will not only keep you in proper striking distance, but it will also allow you to land cleaner and harder punches and kicks to your opponent.
    
    
• A- Fighting Position
  • Knees slightly bent tilt upper body to right side - continue the half circle motion to center and left ending at start position.
    
    
• B- Fighting Position
  • The slip can also be done to left and back to starting position - to right and back to starting position and so on....
    
    
• Weave and Bob
  • From fighting Position - slightly bending knees dip into a half moon position to the left or right and repeat in opposite direction.
    • Note: Always keep your eyes on your opponent. Always keep your guard in front of your face - do not stick your head beyond your defenses. These Boxing ideas, if followed should do a lot to enhance your fighting skills. Most Karateka's have decant kicks. However, with the proper Boxing skills we will not only have good fighters and quality champions but we will indeed increase the spectator appeal in the sport overnight and that means profitability for everyone involved.
      • Personal Note: I remember the days when it was not necessary for me to use my hands. I literally would throw 30 kicks per round. But when I realized how much easier I made my fights with better Boxing skills, it really motivated me to improve them to the "max". Most people thought that I was a Professional Boxer. That was until they saw me kick...

All information on this page Copyright by Johnny Davis, 1995
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