Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/12/2003

Question
Dear Mr. Alan,
              I'd really like to learn how to fight, but don't know how to start, and what to do to get in shape, I really want to learn how to fight because it can add at least about 40% to my confidence so I can relax, I've been robbed before and don't want that to happen again, if you can show me what kind of exercise, to do to develop my stamina, my strenght and my punching skills, and incase it's too long to write and you can recommend the website or a book to read to get me started I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Emmo

Answer
Hi Emmo,

I am sorry you were robbed. that must have been a frightening and humiliating experience. Unfortunately, Boxing might not have stopped that, particularly if the robber had a weapon.  Learning to avoid situations were you might be vulnerable to attack may be more useful. But if it comes to having to defend yourself, boxing would be a good choice, And so would learning to throw a few basic Martial Arts kicks, such as front kick, round kick, crescent kick and side kick. Learning the basics of footwork, punching and kicking will most likely boost your self confidence.

Yes, writing all about punching and kicking would take a long time, and I will recommend some websites and training information.  However, there are a few things you can easily practice on your own now. I will assume you are right handed (if not, simple change the directions for the other arm-leg)

Get in a "fighting Stance", or a boxing stance, facing a yourself in a mirror. Left leg and Left arm forward. You should be turned slightly sideways, so your front shoulder is protecting your chin. You should have a front ( left ) arm and a rear arm ( close to your chin). Now aim at your face in the mirror, or an eye-level target on the wall, and SLOWLY extend your front fist at the target, and then retract it directly back to where it started. That would be a punch called a JAB.  Do it again, slowly.  Do this many times, and start to feely how your weight wants to move with it.  Begin to let your weight "shift" with this punching movement, and let it begin to get faster. A secret is to make the straightest movement possible, without a "wind up" or any wasted motion.  
 Now do this with the rear arm.  Extend it straight out and straight, for a "straight right" or a right-Cross punch. Feel how the weight shifts when you do this and how you will turn on the ball of your right foot. Do this Straight right slowly until it becomes faster and more powerful.  Now do a combination with both fists, A left Jab, then Straight Right. Do these until you can do each with a crisp powerful motion.  You can also practice these on a heavy bag. NOW, put the other arm and leg forward and practice them the other way.  This will be harder, but keep trying until you can throw each punch with either hand, with power and accuracy.  Once you can do that, you can face either direction and punch with skill and power for these two punches.  You can add other punches (Hook & uppercut) as you get more comfortable with the weight shifts and leg motions.  Always start slow, to learn the body mechanics of each.  

I would suggest you also find a good quality coach or join a legitimate self defense school, ( for boxing or martial arts. )

One of the best ways to learn if you CAN'T find a good coach or afford to join a club is to use legitimate training information on video and in books.  These links will offer a few suggestions:

Learn to box by Kenny Weldon ( a super program!)
http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=LTB%20S&variation=&aitem=85&mi...


Boxing Manual by John Brown ( great coach and owner of Ringside Boxing)

http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=BM&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=10...

Many books and videos

http://www.boxinghelp.com/books.html

http://www.boxinggyms.com/submit_article.htm

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

I hope some of these will help you.  Also, there are some really good Boxing Forums on the net.  Here are two I really like and post in myself occassionally.

RossBoxing: ( also a great boxing / fitness website )

http://pub47.ezboard.com/brossboxingforum

Defend.com ( look for the "Boxing" forum.
Many good MA forums here also:

http://www.defend.net/deluxeforums/
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For getting in shape, there are many easy and affordable ways to build your stamina and get stronger.  Believe it or not, simply jogging, riding a cycle and jumping rope can increase you "wind" and stamina.  Push-ups and "angle" push-ups ( put your feet up on the bed or couch to increase the angle to make it harder and require more effort..) Also lots of sites for this on the internet.

Take care, Emmo.  Thanks for your question, and if I can be of further help, please let me know.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible