Many people feel that they will not be good at self-defense because they are not “strong” or do not have prior experience. Here’s the thing, anyone can learn simple self-defense moves that could make a difference in an emergency situation.
The question is often asked is boxing good for self-defense? Boxing is good to learn because all the punching you need to use to fight back in a self-defense situation comes from boxing. The jab, rear cross, hook punch, and uppercut are all the key punches needed when in a fight.
I know you are saying that these are not the only punches you can use in a fight. The thing is these are the key punches you need to know to set yourself up to win a fight.
If you cannot punch properly then your chances of winning a fight go down. Boxing is a good thing to learn when wanting to know self-defense.
There are many different techniques in boxing that anyone of any size and level of expertise can use. It is important to keep an open mind and realize that it is never too late to learn something new.
You do not have to be an expert or master boxer you can simply just learn the boxing basics which you can use in a bad situation.
Boxing is really effective in real-life situations. Boxing is the best for training to punch properly, learn head movement to slip punches, and learn footwork.
Here are some examples and reasons why you should consider boxing when wanting to learn self-defense.
Boxing is Successful in Real-life Situations
Boxers are known for being able to take out their opponent in a single punch. This can be extremely useful when it comes to self-defense because you could take out your attacker quickly.
This will then easily get you out of a bad situation.
The techniques of the punches for boxing are known for having more accuracy, speed, and power than most martial arts. The main purpose of boxing is to learn to punch effectively.
This is why it is known as a good self-defense martial art because a strong powerful punch can go a long way.
You will need to work on footwork and body movement in boxing. If you move well it will be hard for someone to punch you.
Boxing and the Bully at School
I went to a small farm school but we had our share of bullies and idiots. I remember the story my buddy told me of this guy at our school named Phil.
He was a shy kid and kept to himself so I did not know this kid very well when my friend told me this story.
I guess Phil accidentally bumped into Dan in the hallway. Phil said he was sorry but Dan for some reason wanted to bully and harass Phil.
I guess Dan kept harassing Phil and was telling Phil he was going to kick his ass. This went on for a while until Phil had enough and said he would meet Dan at the local carryout store to fight so it was off school grounds.
I did not see the fight so I am just recounting what my buddy told me.
The funny thing is that Phil’s dad knew boxing so Phil was trained to box by his dad. The bully had no idea what he was walking into.
Just like in most bully situations, the bully is 100 lbs. bigger than Phil and much taller.
They squared off to fight and right when Dan the bully stepped forward Phil launched a jab and then a rear cross to drop Dan the bully into the mud hole in the dirt parking lot.
Dan was stunned that he just got hit twice and dropped.
Dan jumped up determined to show Phil who is the boss when BAM, he got two more hits to the face and fell back into the mud.
That last two punches knocked the toughness out of the bully Dan because he just got up and walked away.
Phil only knew boxing and was able to easily beat the bigger bully. To learn boxing basics check out our free training.
The basic jab training video below
Everyone can Train in Boxing
Boxing is known for being one of the best fighting sports to train in. This means that it will not take too long to learn certain skills and techniques.
Some self-defense martial arts can take a long time to learn whereas boxing can take less time and everyone can learn it.
This is important because you can use it for self-defense without perfecting the art.
Other martial arts can definitely be used for self-defense as well, but it may take a little longer to learn it in general.
How to Start Training
It is first important to decide why you are boxing. You want to know what your motive is. In this case, it is probably for self-defense which is a great motive to have.
This means you are learning this to better yourself and to protect yourself and those around you. This should help you when training.
Always keep your motivating factor in mind.
It is then important to make sure that you have the right equipment. If you are going to an actual boxing gym then you will need the equipment below.
- For boxing gloves, you need to buy good gloves not cheap ones
- Wraps for your hands
- You may need boxing shoes if the gym you are at requires it
- Headgear if the gym you are at does not have any
- Mouthpiece if you are sparring
- Membership to a boxing gym is usually $100 or more
Here is the equipment you will need if just working out at home.
- Boxing gloves good ones
- Wraps for your hands
- Heavy bag
- Speedbag
If you are going to spar with a friend or another boxer at home then get headgear and a mouthpiece so you can keep your teeth.
The Basics
Next, it is vitally important that you understand the basic fundamentals of boxing. This is different from watching boxing, this means you have to actually understand how to do it yourself.
Boxing is very different than watching it on TV. You want to focus on how to have a proper stance, throw basic punches, and have the correct footwork.
These three things may seem small but they are the three fundamental concepts of boxing. Without learning these properly you will not be able to be a successful boxer.
You don’t want to just imitate what your favorite boxer on television does, you want to learn the basics yourself.
Boxers on TV have been doing this for years and may do things a little differently than you should as a beginner.
You won’t be able to develop your own style like your favorite boxers until you get the fundamentals down.
So take the time to learn the basics so that you can have fun and figure out your own style.
Here is how to throw a rear cross.
Get in Shape
Getting your body into better condition can overall help you as a boxer as well. Don’t underestimate the impact of staying active and fit.
This will help with self-defense as well because the more in shape you are, the better your odds of getting away from an attacker.
What you are putting into your body also affects your physical shape. You don’t have to go on a crazy diet and workout plan to be a successful boxer and be able to defend yourself.
It is not necessary to diet and work out, however, it is a lifestyle choice that will definitely help you stay in great shape.
You may need to last 2 to 3 minutes in a street fight or self-defense scenario so you need to be in great shape. That is why we push for you to get into fighting shape.
Try to Constantly Improve your Abilities
It is important to understand that just because you have mastered some things does not mean you have nothing left to learn. There are so many different moves and techniques involved in boxing.
Never give up after learning the basics, because you could go on to learn so much more. I knew how to throw a hook punch in my twenties. I kept working on that punch so I could generate more power with it.
Now that punch is my most powerful because I worked on it for a long time.
You also want to make sure to continue to practice the punches and combinations you do know. You don’t want to lose your muscle memory.
Punches
There are many different punching techniques in boxing.
The four main punches include:
- Jab
- Rear cross
- Hook
- Uppercut
Jab
The jab is the most important because it helps with distance and is the closest weapon to your opponent.
The best target for the jab is the nose. A jab is when you throw a straight punch with your lead hand. You want it to hit your opponent’s chin, nose, or eye.
Rear cross
The cross is usually aimed at the opponent’s face targeting the chin for a knockout or the nose.
To throw a rear cross you simply want to throw your punch with your rear hand across your body towards the target in a straight line. This is a good technique to use when countering a jab from your opponent.
Hook punch
The Hook is a semi-circular punch thrown with either hand that has a primary target of the opponent’s jawline.
You could also target your opponent’s lower body depending on what the situation is when in the middle of the fight.
Uppercut
An uppercut is a vertical rising punch aimed at your opponent’s chin. The point of this punch is to knock them out because the uppercut is a power punch.
There are also a lot of different combinations that you can do with each punch.
Defensive Boxing Training
Defensive moves that are important to learn to include the slip, bob, and weave.
Slipping is a good way to make an attacker miss hitting you. You just slip the head left or right depending on which hand the attacker throws at you.
Bob and weave is a great defensive head movement technique for beginners. This is a must to learn when starting out.
You want to keep your hands up, and “weave” your head outside of the punch when your opponent throws one. This gives you a great opportunity to strike back and start doing another technique.
Slip punches video below
Conclusion
Overall it is important to realize that boxing is a very good base to learn to fight. Boxing has techniques that are easy to learn for a person of any size and prior experience.
It can be easily learned by anyone if they put the time and effort into it. Boxing is easy to start training as long as you make sure you learn the fundamentals first. Once you know the key basics, you will be set.
It is also important to keep your body in shape as well. Boxing will be easier for you if you are already working out and staying in shape.
You can always improve and learn new things. Boxing is a great way to get yourself learning new techniques to help you successfully defend yourself.
To learn more about boxing combinations check out this information.