The first and most important thing to remember about boxing is that it is the art of the jab. In its modern form boxing actually began as a means by which urban swordsman might use the principals of the fencing thrust with their lead hand to keep rural wrestlers at bay. Hooks, then called “round blows” were the province of the rural wrestler, the strong man. The jab was the means by which the urban, gentleman boxer or his frightening lower class counterpart, the prizefighter, would dominate the combat space and keep from being tossed or “griped.” To this day, a fighter who does not base his boxing on the jab, is described by observers as a puncher, not a boxer.

Before we complete the jabbing section and wrap up the basics of boxing, which are all contained in the study of the jab in its many forms, let us review our boxing fundamentals from floor to head.

1. Feel the floor with the balls of both feet.

2. Never stand with a 50/50 weight distribution, but make sure that one leg is at least bearing slightly more weight than the other, so that weight might be set in motion to power a punch, or to check his movement.

3. The feet are to be spaced between the width of your hips and the width of your shoulders.

4. An imaginary line runs between your rear heel, which is not pointed at your target, but at a 20 to 90 degree angle, and your lead toe, which is not pointed at your target but off from 10-40 degrees. This line intersect with your target in order to facilitate two-handed punching at all times. Taking either foot across this line takes away target access and power from your rear hand.

5. Bend the knees slightly.

6. Your hips should not be squarely facing your target, but off set.

7. Your elbows should be protecting your ribs and maintaining continuity between your hands and your hips.

8. Your hands should be up.

9. Your lead hand should be forward.

10. Your shoulders should be relaxed, not tense or shrugged.

11. Your chin should be tucked.

12. Your mouth should be closed.

13. Your eyes should be on your opponent’s chest, so that you may catch shoulder, elbow and hip movement, all of which are precursors to the punch.

14. Your mind must be relaxed, at ease and focused, in order to express your will through your body mechanics.