Expert: Alan Kahn - 1/6/2004

Question
Hello


 I'm 15 years old and im interested in boxing. I really dont have room for a big bag or anything. I'm just wondering what i can do to get better at boxing. i really dont know much about guarding and punching techniques. I'm 6'1 and 257, real strong an im also quick. But when i lets say fight someone, i tend to try to slam or grapple. Can you give me some pointers on how to punch better and get quicker. So when something comes up, i can wrestle and box. any ideas on how to make a homemade punching bag?, or even just a homemade target to hit? well thanks for your time

bye

Dan

Answer
Hi Dan,

15 is a great time to start boxing. It can become a lifelong fitness activity as well as a very effective method of self-defense.

lets look at your first question.  "...any ideas on how to make a homemade punching bag?, or even just a homemade target to hit"

If you are meaning a hanging "heavy bag", than you could wrap up some old carpet into a tight roll and try to tape it ( using Duct tape ) but the problem is it won't be very heavy. Probably not nearly enough for your size and stength. So I would really recommend you purchase a high quality bag to withstand your power and protect your fists.

Check out some of the bags at Ringside boxing:

http://www.ringsideboxing.com/store/products_punchingbags.asp?dept=14&pagenumber...

or at Title Boxing:

http://store.titleboxing.com/title-professional-freestanding-heavybag-speedbag.h...


For your mentioning about "guarding" and punching techniques, you are asking about the real techniques of boxing skills. Unfortunately, that can't really be answered properly in a quick online answer, for that will require either a coach or detailed information to show you help you practice various moves many many times.  I would recommend the following sources for that: The Kenny Weldon "learn to box" series is a well respected program.  

find it at the bottom of this page:

http://www.ringsideboxing.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=LTB%20S&variation=&aitem...

or perhaps the John Brown Boxing training series.  Here is a link to his "defense" tape.  

http://www.ringsideboxing.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=JBVDVD%2012&variation=&a...

John Brown owns ringside boxing and he is a well respected source of knowledge within boxing, particularly the amatuer level.  He sponsors many national tournaments and training seminars. I would also suggest learning to "shadow box" which is an effective way to learn moves and punching motions.

But nothing beats a personal trainer who can help on a daily or weekly basis.  particular in something as intricate as boxing ( footwork, punching, blocking all at once..)

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As for your personal fighting style of "grappling", that is a very effective self defense technique also.  Most altercations end up in a grappling situation, ( hands on each other or going to the ground).  I can't imagine anyone wanting to take on someone your size in that kind of situation, but for you I would suggest leaning some grappling/wrestling techniques. Some of the Martial ARts that are "grappling" oriented are Hapkido, Jui Jitsu, Aikido and Judo.

Here are a few links on those:

http://www.usjujitsu.net/links.htm

for some judo video clips:

http://www.judoclub.ca/judoclps.htm

Lots of videos available
http://www.masterkiller.com/grappling_videos.html

and Gracie Jui Jitsu (very effective grappling)

http://www.masterkiller.com/brazilian_jiu_jitsu.html

http://www.groundfighter.com/

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My own Martial Arts experience is with HapKido

http://www.hapkido-info.net/html/hapkido_home_com.html

http://www.superfoots.com/hapvidvol1.html

If you tend to be a grappler, that is fine. that is when the inside throws, joint lock and ground techniques are necessary. It would help to learn some of these techniques, since a big heavy guy can easily be "unbalanced" and taken off his feet by a knowledgeable grappler. You might also want to learn to kick effectively, since an altercation with a smaller man might have him trying to "stay away" from you, out of punching range. That's great, since if he is away he can't hurt you, AND you have more time to talk and try to avoid the physical confrontation - that is the Best Defense!  But if he persists than kicking is a good way to extend your reach, and be ready for his kicks too. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

I hope this helps answer your questions, Dan. Be sure and train safely. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask something else if you think I can be of help.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, "The Speed Bag Bible"