Actually I did talk about 'punching' in one of the threads but nobody took it seriously. But to be honest, it's okay they didn't because I've developed a definite position against promoting boxing, and call me hypocrite if you wish 'cause that's what I am - I love watching it and will continue to do so as long as it exists but I will not be involved in anything that will contribute to any brain damage of any of those poor chaps...
Just as a example, let me discuss a little. This is for anyone who's interested... Karatemen can see some flaws in many boxers and boxers probably can see some against karatemen too if they try to box. But as a karateman I can say that most boxers are lousy punchers. It's probably got to do with their training styles. Boxers start training with gloves, punching soft bags while karateman starts with bare fist punching somewhat harder padded board call makiwara. The best way to describe a good punch is by analyzing how good punchers punch. Among the best punchers of this generation is Felix Trinidad. Some of the best today are Ponce de Leon, Darchinian, Marquez brothers, and perhaps also Katsidis, not to mention Pacquiao. What are the major characteristics of a good punch? For the reason I stated above, I'll just give you one. One prerequisite of a good punch is 'stiffness.' Good punches must be stiff - it must come from a well-cocked or stiffened arms right down to the knuckles. You can see most boxers punch with their arms somewhat flabby and sometimes seems to be just dangling from their bodies. Watch how de Leon or Darch punches. They cock their arms regularly before throwing a big punch. When they 'cock' their arms, they are actually trying to tense or stiffen the arm muscles as much as possible before they fire. Karateman regularly practice muscle tensing, not only of their arms but also their full body, thru excercise call kata. Actually, with right training you don't have to cock your arms repeatedly like de Leon or Darch or Katsidis do 'cause you can almost automatically do that at the right moment... So if you want to see a good punch next time, see how stiff the arms are when punching. If it looks stiff like a piece of hard stick, then it must be good. But remember one thing, this just a drop in the bucket, naw, more like a glassful in the bucket so to speak. There are several other prerequisite of a good punch and 'stiffness' is not even the most important one. But of course I will not discuss it any further for the reason stated above. Sorry about that.

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