Fundamentals
Punch and return as one motion
Body, then hand
A punch doesn't start from the hand. Your body moves first, and your hand rides on that movement and goes out. And it doesn't end where you land: bringing the hand back and returning to your guard are part of the same motion. The idea is not to separate punching and returning. This is a basic for people who punch with just their arms or leave their hand out after punching.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Punch and return as one motion: how to do it
- Start the swing with your body, such as turning your hips and shoulders.
- Let your hand ride on that body movement and throw the punch.
- Once you land, bring the hand back at the same tempo and return to your guard.
Punch and return as one motion: key points
- Body first, hand second. Don't start the swing with your hand alone.
- Don't break the motion where you land. Punch with everything up to returning to your guard as one tempo.
Punch and return as one motion: common mistakes
- Moving your hand first. You end up arm punching and there's no weight behind the punch.
- Stopping the motion where you land. Your hand stays extended and you're slow getting back to your guard.
Punch and return as one motion: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, one punch at a time, repeat the order of body moving then hand going out, and returning to your guard, all in one rhythm.
- On the heavy bag, punch so that landing and returning to your guard don't break apart. If the return is late, reduce your power and fix the form.
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.