Fundamentals
Switch between relaxed and set
Relax
If you stay tense in your guard the whole time, your movement stiffens and your breath runs out partway. The basic idea is to stay relaxed until you need to set, and tense only as much as you need at the moment you punch or take a punch. Switch clearly between relaxed and set, and you keep your joints' range of motion and your reaction speed while you keep moving through the whole round.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Switch between relaxed and set: how to do it
- When there's distance between you and the opponent, relax your shoulders and arms and hold your guard lightly.
- When you sense they're about to come in, tighten your guard early and set.
- When you punch, tighten your fist and body only at the point of impact.
- When you take a punch, brace your guard and stomach for it, then relax again afterward.
Switch between relaxed and set: key points
- Tense only at the moment you punch and the moment you take a punch. The rest of the time, keep it to the minimum you need.
- Staying relaxed keeps your joints moving freely and lets you react right away to the opponent.
- Stay set all the time and your breath won't last. Make time to relax now and then.
- Don't wait while relaxed. When they come in, reset your guard early.
Switch between relaxed and set: common mistakes
- You keep your whole body tense from start to finish. Then your movement stiffens and you get out of breath partway through.
- You meet their attack while still relaxed. Then you can't reset your guard in time and take it clean.
- You squeeze your fist hard before you punch. Then the punch is slower and the start is easier to read.
Switch between relaxed and set: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, alternate between moving relaxed and moments where you imagine the opponent coming in and quickly tighten your guard.
- On the heavy bag, keep your arms loose until you punch and check, one punch at a time, that you squeeze your fist only at the moment of impact.
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.