There are differences between the boxing ring, MMA, and self-defense applications of boxing. Let's look at them.
Boxing is one of my base arts because (no particular order):
- It has a "flow." Intrinsic to this art and "sweet science," is a smooth integration of offence and defense, with built in combinations coming from the position one technique ends in flowing into another technique, and so on
- Boxing training teaches one to take a hit and deliver one back, because you can practice all the legal techniques safely with some control and do no harm to your partner
- It smoothly integrates with other systems and styles, as seen in muay Thai, American Full-Contact, and MMA (including all hybrid sport styles), and has even changed point fighting
It's effective - boxing techniques generate the most power out of hand techniques, with the possible exception of the spinning backfist - Every martial artist must learn to defend against boxing punches, so most instructors who teach self-defense or "reality" fighting have to know it to some degree
Today we will address how Western boxing has been integrated into MMA competition, and contrast it with its uses in self-defense training.
Boxing in MMA: Boxing seems to form the basis for standup striking with the hands for all MMA fighters that I've seen. Its basic punches (jab, straight/cross, hook, and uppercuts), plus elbows have formed the basis for the upper-body arsenal. I like it, it's effective, and most striking KOs in MMA seem to come from boxing techniques. With the addition of the little 4-Oz. MMA gloves, gone are the open-hand strikes that were a mainstay in the early days. Striking is now encouraged by the rules, and even the better grapplers must know it, know how to defend it, and are using it to create openings for takedowns. Where I have a problem with MMA fighters use of boxing is in two areas:
- The jab is almost a forgotten punch. The jab is designed to lead, stop-hit (intercept and counter) a curved strike, as a range-finder, and disrupt an opponent's offensive rhythm. It's been replaced by rear-hand leads haymakers and overhands, which look cool, but are an open invitation to get countered. More jabbing would get fighters in to do damage safely. I may never have stepped into a cage, but I've watched and participated in fighting of one form or another for over thirty years, and I can tell you that more jabbing will make most of these fighters and fights better.
- The open or "peek-a-boo"-style guard is nearly universal. When you are standing up and away from your opponent, use a guard that puts your hands in the way of straight punches; force your opponent to work for an opening by keeping something in the way. The peek-a-boo works for boxers because they also use constant side-to-side movement of the head (see an early Mike Tyson for a good example), and dip to avoid straight shots. MMA fighters have to worry about leg kicks, surprise head kicks, but also blasting straight punches. Keeping the hands up and out in front will take care of that. When you get inside, that open guard position is perfect for stopping hooks and elbows.
Boxing for Self-Defense: There are quite a few differences between boxing in a ring or octagon, and for self-defense. What you may learn from actually hitting someone in the head with no gloves on is that you won't hit as hard without gloves, due to fear of injury, and that the fear of injuring your hands is well-founded. When adapting boxing for self-defense you need to:
- Modify all techniques aimed at the hard parts of the head to be palm or hammerfists to avoid injury. Much has been written on this (by me, and many, many others), but hitting something hard with your fist isn't smart. In a real fight for your life it could be suicidal as your hand may be disabled, and the pain may distract you long enough to get killed. The jab should morph into an eye jab or lead-hand palm to the nose, chin or forehead. Open hand strikes (like a hook, but with an open hand) should replace hooks and overhands.
- Boxing techniques to the body are excellent, except the body jab, straight, or cross. To perform any of those properly, you have to get your shoulder level with the target. That will put your head in perfect position to accept a knee to the face. Stick to uppercuts to the groin, bladder, solar plexus and kidneys. Hooks are the same, but may also be used to the side of the neck with great effectiveness.
- Defensively, slipping and parrying, are great, but ducking is a no-no. It will get you flattened by a knee. Add in bumping with the shoulders and hips, and checking or grabbing with your hands. Traps are also possible now.
