The punch you dont see coming vs bracing for a punch.

[AlexKid]

Ive been told that beginners do the worst thing by bracing for a punch by tensing up their jaw and neck etc at impact, this makes the force of the punch more violently smash the brain around inside the skull.

A pro for example Naseem hamed rolls with the punch and says loose to minimise the impact on his brain and face/head in general.


However they say the worst is when you dont see it coming because you dont have a chance to brace for it!?

I thought bracing for it was the worst thing you can do and staying limp at the head/ neck allows you to go with the flow? So why is a punch you dont see coming the worst?


Is it because going with the flow is different than being blindsided by a punch one is going with the flow slowing the impact, the other is having you head accelerated from a stand still to a really high speed which means the impact wasnt slowed at all.

[Redd Foxx]

Ive been told that beginners do the worst thing by bracing for a punch by tensing up their jaw and neck etc at impact, this makes the force of the punch more violently smash the brain around inside the skull.

A pro for example Naseem hamed rolls with the punch and says loose to minimise the impact on his brain and face/head in general.


However they say the worst is when you dont see it coming because you dont have a chance to brace for it!?

I thought bracing for it was the worst thing you can do and staying limp at the head/ neck allows you to go with the flow? So why is a punch you dont see coming the worst?


Is it because going with the flow is different than being blindsided by a punch one is going with the flow slowing the impact, the other is having you head accelerated from a stand still to a really high speed which means the impact wasnt slowed at all.

You misunderstood. It's ideal to roll, slip, block, etc. But, you don't always have that option. Not seeing a punch isn't the same as rolling with it. Rolling is to move with the punch to mitigate impact. If you have a buddy punch you in the gut while you brace for it, it isn't nearly as bad as if he surprises you when you're not looking, right? If you don't see the punch your brains are getting scrambled far worse than if you have a split second to tense up. When you tense, your muscles absorb some of the shock. When you're loose, the head snaps and the brain bounces off the walls of the skull. Definitely roll with the punch whenever you can but realize that you're not going to see every punch coming and even if you do, it takes time to ingrain the instincts of which direction to roll, etc.

[AlexKid]

You misunderstood. It's ideal to roll, slip, block, etc. But, you don't always have that option. Not seeing a punch isn't the same as rolling with it. Rolling is to move with the punch to mitigate impact. If you have a buddy punch you in the gut while you brace for it, it isn't nearly as bad as if he surprises you when you're not looking, right? If you don't see the punch your brains are getting scrambled far worse than if you have a split second to tense up. When you tense, your muscles absorb some of the shock. When you're loose, the head snaps and the brain bounces off the walls of the skull. Definitely roll with the punch whenever you can but realize that you're not going to see every punch coming and even if you do, it takes time to ingrain the instincts of which direction to roll, etc.

so u r saying bracing is good? hammed doesnt look like he braces at all?

[Rockin']

roll wit' da shots..... but still if you don't know it's coming than you don't know it's coming and it will greatly amplify it's affects on you.

it's just much better off if your brain is able to 'brace' for impact. Your brain will prepare for impact and already have you locked in a bombshelter awaiting the bomb instead of leaving you standing outside on the lawn.

train the third eye

[AlexKid]

roll wit' da shots..... But still if you don't know it's coming than you don't know it's coming and it will greatly amplify it's affects on you.

It's just much better off if your brain is able to 'brace' for impact. Your brain will prepare for impact and already have you locked in a bombshelter awaiting the bomb instead of leaving you standing outside on the lawn.

Train the third eye

lol very very advanced answer thanks rock

[SalimShady1212]

Never stay still, always be moving so when you do get hit the punches will slide off you and will take most of the sting off. Don't keep your jaw loose and don't bite down hard with your eyes closed however do keep a firm bite as it will prevent your gumshield flying out and your teeth getting knocked out.

[nivek535]

Never stay still, always be moving so when you do get hit the punches will slide off you and will take most of the sting off. Don't keep your jaw loose and don't bite down hard with your eyes closed however do keep a firm bite as it will prevent your gumshield flying out and your teeth getting knocked out.

i disagree......

[Rockin']

Never stay still, always be moving so when you do get hit the punches will slide off you and will take most of the sting off. Don't keep your jaw loose and don't bite down hard with your eyes closed however do keep a firm bite as it will prevent your gumshield flying out and your teeth getting knocked out.

i disagree......

I mean, when you are completely out of range than no you don't need head movement.

But if I was any where close to being in range to exchange than my head was moving.

It's not just a defensive tool, when operated in an experienced way it becomes an offensive tool as well.

and I would never recommend taking a shot with a limp neck.

[Redd Foxx]

so u r saying bracing is good? hammed doesnt look like he braces at all?

It's not always a choice! Get some sparring in and you'll understand. Sometimes you can roll with a punch but other times you see it as it's about to hit you. In those instances, you will clench. Trust me, you will. If you intentionally make yourself limp somehow then you'll get fked up, bigtime. Roll whenever you can but understand, you don't always have that luxury and will sometimes find yourself bracing as you get hit. Again, when you have the option, roll with it. Clenching is the last resort and it's more of an instinct than a choice.

[PitbullParsons]

i disagree......

I'm assuming because you're talking about moving into a punch? If you take your time and learn to move your head instinctively and not in a pattern then the chances are greatly reduced. Feint your head movements too, not just punches. The guy who comes in going back and forth like a metronome is the perfect candidate for a left hook or looping right. The guy who is everywhere and reactive to punches is more then likely going to counterpunch you.

Don't be predictable