"James, all I have is gloves and mitts. How do I use my mitts to learn boxing? My brother can hold them for me. There is not a gym in my area and I haven't a place to hang a bag while I'm in this apartment."
-Jose
I'm excited for you, Jose.
Your brother can learn what he needs to be a good coach without actually learning how to box himself. For now, I will address the mitts.
The most important innovation in combat arts training equipment in my lifetime has been the punching mitt, which years ago, was the focus mitt. The mitts have three different high values in terms of your ability to prevail in the ring against another boxer or an MMA fighter:
1. If you opponent has been trained on the mitts he will have a hard time getting your time and measure.
2. If your opponent has been trained on the mitts his punching power will suffer, primarily because he will tend to punch “at” rather than “through” you.
3. If you have a pair of punching mitts than you may be able to pawn them, sell them or trade them for useful training equipment.
That’s it, bro.
Look, if you are competition fighter than having mitts with you at the venue to warm up on, in the hands of the right coach, can be useful. Mitts are for the trainer to examine the fighter’s focus from the opponent’s perspective. That is the only thing they do better than other training apparatus, and this is inferior to having your trainer just get in front of you and assess your form with his empty hands or a pair of gloves.
The next segment will be on the equipment you need to train yourself at home, followed by the jab terminology and the first jab exercise.
Really looking forward to more articles on the jab. Especially what's that lead foot supposed to be doing?
Would you say "Mitt" Romney's sole purpose was to deflect the punching power of the Right to allow that welterweight dude his 2nd term? (sorry, couldn't resist)
Excellent pun, Sir!
I will start jab drills tomorrow.
Footwork will be covered in the hand uses and foot work sections.