Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/28/2007

Question
wen i was young,i was left handed but i was beaten vehemently and violently because it was a taboo 2 use da left 2 eat,shake or collect an object from someone with da left hand.thus i was beaten severely with da cane.thus i had 2 4go it.i found out now dat i prefer leading wit my right & i am comfortable and can maintain my stance well when shadowboxing in front of a mirror + my left(rear) hand is somehow fierce wen shadowboxing via a mirror.pls tell me if i hv made a mistake.again i intend 2 be a kickboxer in d future.pls,what should i incorporate into my boxing.i will check out ur teaching website.compliments of da season.

Answer
HI Oluseun,

First, I am sorry to hear about your treatment as a child because you are left handed. I understand their are some different culture taboo's between countries, and I've heard some societies do not condone left-handedness, but in America it is not such a taboo, and children are free to develop their potential with either hand. But apparently you have adapted well. Leading with your and holding your left back puts you in a southpaw stance, which will work very well. You should use this stance and see how you do fightkng with others using different stances. Learn to do many combinations, moving in, out, circling and backing up.  find the balance in your movements. In the ring, many right leadig fighter do very well, particularl when you size up the opponents weekness..  Good luck with it and let me know how it works out.