Expert: Alan Kahn - 5/26/2006

Question
Hi my name is Justin and Ive asked you questions before on soutpaw boxing because im left handed this question is a little different. Im fifteen and in high school, im about 5'10". Ive been in fights before but it was against people my size. I don't pick the fights its mainly self defense. But as soon as I hit high school people are a bigger and there are alot of jerks who are alot bigger than me. I used to just wing it and try my best. But do u think I should just staight up box with them? Some of these people fight really dirty actualy most of them. My cousin says mix boxing with street fighting whats your advice on this?

Answer
Hello Justin,

My advice is to stay out of fights. Learn to be Sophicles, not Hercules. Expecting to be picked on may be setting your self up for it, since you may consider every confrontation as a presumed challenge to fight and "prove yourself". That is not necessary.

But having been the little guy among giants myself in High School, there may be those times when all attempts at diplomacy and discussion fail - and there is no alternative but to defend yourself. If that is the case, then of course boxing is helpful. Unfortunately, many altercations end up in closer quarters with grabs, holds and going to the ground in a grappling situation. In that case, a larger arsenal of self defense is needed. For that, you may need escapes from various situations, such as one or two handed grabs on the lapel, shirt, arm, cross body or same side arm grabs, choke release, rear grabs, etc. as well as grappling and ground (wrestling) techniques.  

suggested links about grappling, self defense (releases, throws, sweeps, escapes etc. )and martial arts. ( * I am not endorsing any of these techniques or systems, simply providing links to available information. I do suggest you seek qualified instruction if you decide to pursue any of these arts, styles or methods. )

http://martialarts.about.com/od/groundfightingtechniques/index.htm

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0897501225/ref=cm_bg_d/104-2114140-6173563?v=gl...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581603177/ref=cm_bg_d_5/104-2114140-6173563?v=...

Grappling information
http://www.grapplearts.com/Technique-List.htm

http://judoinfo.com/techdrw.htm

Judo throws, trips
http://judoinfo.com/techdraw.htm
http://judoinfo.com/animate.htm

http://www.grappletv.com/expert.htm

I also Suggested learning some basic kicking techniques. such as these:  

Basic Front Kick, Side Kick, Back kick, Roundhouse Kick, Hook Kick and Crescent kicks (inward and outward)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Again, IF you decide to pursue this types of Martial Art of self defense activities, I highly recommend you find qualified instruction locally. Try to learn many of these techniques and moves by yourself, or alone with your buddies, can cause injury.

train safely and good luck to you staying out of fights in high school!

sincerely,

Alan Kahn