Fought an experienced guy today and a dude who played O line for U mass. I made a conscious effort to stay relaxed and the difference was incredible. Relaxing in the ring and a good jab are the keys to boxing...

Relaxing in the ring and a good jab are the keys to boxing...


I agree... plenty of guys on here want to talk about how much they can lift and how fast they are... but focus, composure and relaxation rarely get a mention.. but you're so right.

the same thing i always say - relax relax relax! relax and breathe!

very underrated. my teacher constantly says that during sparring too. it should be a mantra for anyone who spars.

to be the best u can be, u have to feel comfortable. if u get nervous, u r bound to **** up and get frustrated.

the same thing i always say - relax relax relax! relax and breathe!

very underrated. my teacher constantly says that during sparring too. it should be a mantra for anyone who spars.

to be the best u can be, u have to feel comfortable. if u get nervous, u r bound to **** up and get frustrated.
My sentiment exactly!

My sentiment exactly!

does anyone have techniques to train the mind and to focus better. i'd like to put some into my training

I notice when I'm relaxed my punch output increases greatly, I parry punches with ease and the stamina issue goes straight out the window!

I notice when I'm relaxed my punch output increases greatly, I parry punches with ease and the stamina issue goes straight out the window!
Exactly, and when you are a bit nervous or even intimidated your that much worse than if you just said relax and do my best.

Look at Pavlik - Taylor I.

Taylor was so tense, there was a lot of wasted movement (energy) and his stamina suffered greatly (even though he usually has stamina issues)

I notice when I'm relaxed my punch output increases greatly, I parry punches with ease and the stamina issue goes straight out the window!

I think that there's a phrase for it "being in the zone". That time and place where you breathe, relax, don't need to think. If you've done the ground work for fitness that place is where it all comes together in any sport, not just boxing.

does anyone have techniques to train the mind and to focus better. i'd like to put some into my training
hmm, the mind is to be trained just like the body but I would start watching some guys who are totally relaxed in their and see how they do it. You can watch Kelly Pavlik in his last fight and I like watching big George Foreman after his comeback. The guy was like he was just goin through the motions and nothing phased him. You need to be relaxed to operate at 100% and keep your stamina as well. Save your energy up for the split second that you snap a punch and thats all. good luck

hmm, the mind is to be trained just like the body but I would start watching some guys who are totally relaxed in their and see how they do it. You can watch Kelly Pavlik in his last fight and I like watching big George Foreman after his comeback. The guy was like he was just goin through the motions and nothing phased him. You need to be relaxed to operate at 100% and keep your stamina as well. Save your energy up for the split second that you snap a punch and thats all. good luck
Some good input coming in this thread!!!

For me, it was the muay thai kids. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EaNBCqvKNY) Look how composed and relaxed they are at what, 13 years old?

By contrast, this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBflcnHIehM) is an amateur title fight in the US by guys who have a good number of fights (the winner is a guy I used to train with). Better amateur fight than most, but also at the highest level of amateur muay thai in the US and still somewhat of a slug fest.

And below is what happens when relaxed muay thai from thailand meets slugfest muay thai from the states (watch the whole thing, the last minute doesn't disappoint):
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You can kinda see why the States is considered bottom of the barrel in muay thai.

For mental focus, taiji and the muay thai ram muay help me.
There are a lot of visualization, breathing, and yoga exercises you can do as well.

For me, it was the muay thai kids. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EaNBCqvKNY) Look how composed and relaxed they are at what, 13 years old?

By contrast, this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBflcnHIehM) is an amateur title fight in the US by guys who have a good number of fights (the winner is a guy I used to train with). Better amateur fight than most, but also at the highest level of amateur muay thai in the US and still somewhat of a slug fest.

And below is what happens when relaxed muay thai from thailand meets slugfest muay thai from the states (watch the whole thing, the last minute doesn't disappoint):
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dy9xOyNDCoM&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dy9xOyNDCoM&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

You can kinda see why the States is considered bottom of the barrel in muay thai.

For mental focus, taiji and the muay thai ram muay help me.
There are a lot of visualization, breathing, and yoga exercises you can do as well.
Sup Eric,

Great post; really illustrates the point I was trying to get across. Ironically I lived in Thailand for 3 years in my teens and never took up the sport much to my chagrin these days. O well, I still have boxing!

i agree with this. when you box up tight, you waste energy in tension in your arms and shoulders. you forget to breathe properly. its all about jab move breathe.
anyone whos interested, meditation, breathing practice and correct diet is the best way to stay focussed and relaxed. of course dont become too relaxed, just separate your agression from your body and keep it in your mind

does anyone have techniques to train the mind and to focus better. i'd like to put some into my training

I recommend visualization. Take sometime a few days a week, sit or lie down and go over a fight in your mind. Focus on reactions, techniques, etc. And, always visualize yourself dominating and performing flawlessly. It may sound foolish to some, but sport psychologist swear by it.