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Learn to Box
Getting the Rhythm, Flow and Style
by *R. Michael Onello, author of
“BOXING THE AMERICAN MARTIAL ART”
Boxing, like music, is a rhythm and flow activity, with highs and lows, highs referring to strong aggressive periods and the latter referring to rest periods where you coast or are forced to be completely defensive. Even its exercises such as: plyometrics, jumping rope, speed bag work, shadow boxing and abdominal work are in essence rhythm! Every great fighter has his own rhythm or style you can watch and learn from. Some great examples from past to present are; Muhammad Ali, (who moved with grace and style to a slow or fast beat, back and fourth, in-out or side-to-side) always being like a chameleon able to adapt to any opponents movements. Lennox Lewis is an example of a fighter without flashy style or grace. (He never looked good, but he was great and able to get the job done his own way). Keep in mind there is no right or wrong rhythm, everyone moves to their own drum beat. Rhythm is nothing more then proper timing of the motions of your body, along with correct coordination of your brain and muscles’ moving in harmony.
A good boxer is never still. He is always in motion making him elusive to hit. When in constant motion, your reflexes have a shorter reaction time. An example is a tennis player: When the server starts to serve, the receiver is already in motion. Much the same, boxing is like a dance. You must be light, quick and smooth on your feet. However, there are always exceptions.
There are two types of rhythms- Side to Side and Back and Forth. Learn both or whichever feels natural to you. There are also two types of styles- a boxer and a brawler. Do not try to be either; your natural talent and form will develop on its own. Some examples of boxers are: Roy Jones Jr. Sugar Ray Leonard, Pernell Whitaker. Some examples of brawler’s are the following: Joe Frazier and David Tua.
Please refer to my book “Boxing the American Martial Art” for a full explanation and practice of the rhythms and styles.
Every bout has an Ebb and Flow to it, just the same as different times, situations and circumstances of your life do. A smart boxer knows which rhythm and style to apply and when to apply them, (in doing so he/she will be choosing the path of least resistance). An example of ebb and flow is water, you never want to go against the current (“water”), you want to blend with it. Good luck!
Note: Portions of the above article were excerpted from my book “BOXING THE AMERICAN MARTIAL ART” available through at www.turtlepress.com R. Michael Onello is the owner and trainer at his private personal boxing studio located in Ft. Lauderdale FL. You can contact him at the following address: miketenaciity@juno.com
* Article by *R. Michael Onello, author of “BOXING THE AMERICAN MARTIAL ART” .
* Back to This Issue's Frontpage
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