Fundamentals
Brake with your front foot
Brake
Braking with your front foot means using that foot to stop the momentum of stepping in, all at once. The stopped momentum turns into body rotation, and that puts power into your punch. It also stops your weight from drifting forward, so it's easier to get back to the middle after you punch, and you move on to your next action sooner without trying.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Brake with your front foot: how to do it
- Step in and build forward momentum with your whole body.
- As your front foot lands, use it to stop your forward movement sharply.
- Send the stopped momentum into the rotation of your hips and shoulders, and throw the punch.
- Keeping the front foot braced, bring your weight back to the middle between your front and back feet.
Brake with your front foot: key points
- Stop your forward momentum with your front foot and it turns into rotational power.
- Stopping with your front foot also stops your weight from drifting forward.
- Because the drift stops, your weight comes back to the middle more easily and you can link into your next move.
Brake with your front foot: common mistakes
- You punch with the momentum of the step-in instead of stopping with your front foot. Then your whole body drifts forward and you leave an opening as you finish.
- Your feet stop but your upper body keeps leaning forward. Then your weight doesn't come back to the middle and your next move is late.
Brake with your front foot: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, repeat just stepping in once and stopping on your front foot, checking that your hips turn the moment you stop. Once you're used to it, add a one-two.
- Step in toward the heavy bag and punch as you stop on your front foot. Check that your body isn't leaning on the bag after you punch.
Related techniques
Left and right are written for orthodox (left foot forward). If you're southpaw, swap left and right as you read. How to read the notation
This is Japanese-style boxing: techniques as taught at a boxing gym in Japan. American or Mexican coaches may teach some of them differently.