What challanges have people with non boxing martial arts experience encountered while learning to box?

Posted on Jun 25, 2010

Hi,

I was curious whether there are other on the site with martial arts experience other than boxing? I've noticed a couple challenges with the first few lessons, and wanted to see what others experienced and if they had tips for adjusting. Challenges I found so far are:

1. Its tough to fight only in an orthodox stance. As I move around the heavy bag I keep wanting to change my stance (switching between orthodox, south paw, and a side fighting stance) and have to consiously remind myself to get comfortable fighing from orthodox.

2. Its tough to keep my guard in peekaboo since I am used to fighting with my arms further from my body.

I'm interested to hear your thoughts on things I should keep an eye out for.

Thanks,
Sean

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Comments

Submitted by Jaxxon on 1 July 2010 - 12:42am

I started off in kickboxing, so I don't have any traditional martial arts training. That said, I have a couple of thoughts on the challenges you are having.

1) In Aaron's article on the stance, he mentions that it will be uncomfortable at first. Part of that is that you may not be used to using your weaker side. I'm a natural lefty, but I fight mainly in an orthodox stance. I have always switched stances but I primarily do it on purpose. When you are starting out, be deliberate when you are moving.

I would avoid a side fighting stance. In boxing it's not good for balance, defense, power, or for attacking.

2) Peekaboo is the basic starting guard but I'm really wide across the chest and it makes me feel tight and I can't relax. I used a mixed guard and learned to move my head. I have fairly good reflexes and it works for me.

I see Aaron is helping you tweak your stance, I would go with his suggestion to keep working with the peekaboo for awhile until you get a little more experienced.