Expert: Alan Kahn - 2/14/2006

Question
I was just wonering what advice you'd have for my scenario: I'm tall lanky guy (5'10-11" 135-140lbs.)and just recently "boxed" my older brother (5'8-9" 150-165?lbs) just for fun. I had a few good hits and did better then i expected to, but he was definitely in control and id definitely say he won. He also had a slight advantage of doing some Mixed Martial Art training. Since getting beat on, I've gone online and gotten various tips on boxing sites such as proper stance and the basics on how to properly throw punches like the jab, hook, and uppercut. Mainly just the basics. I've also been doing some shadow boxing with/without 5lb. weights to work on my technique and strength. I had alot of one losing, and I'm sure it would be even more fun to actually do some damage myself. Any advice you could give me on training methods or even basic ways to not get man handled would be very much appreciated. Thank you so much for your time.
Dean

P.S. He does still have a black eye and its nearly a week later. I hope that means i have some kind of potential. :)  

Answer
Hello Dean,

If you have have already obtained the Basic information on stance and punches, than I would suggest you stay with that if training alone without a coach. Without a knowledgeable partner or coach it will very difficult to proceed with more advanced moves, theory, defense, footwork etc. Because you will not know if you are doing it right or not.

Concerning someone having a "black eye" a week after a fight has NO significance concerning your skill or potential. It may have some relevance to the level of injury of the person with the black eye, and he may need to seek medical attention. As a general rule, I do not advocate unsupervised sparring or boxing between people who are untrained and "just fooling around". There is way too much chance for serious injury, and neither of you, or your untrained friends who may be watching, will know enough about any situation to treat an injury.

I suggest you Stick with weights, fitness activity, working the punching bags and shadow boxing.  When you get a decent coach, then proceed to sparring.

good luck and avoid injuring yourself or others.

Alan Kahn
http://www.putfile.com/speedbag