Is the kickpad routine the one for diagonal movement? I've been a bit disorganized and haven't done much of that yet but if that's the one you mean I'll get into it

Saturday just gone I went there again and sparred a Nigerian guy 3 kg lighter than me. He was slightly lighter but a lot more experienced (just turned pro) and he didn't pull his punches - seems I don't keep my hands up enough at all. I think i was a bit concust by the end which usually doesn't happen to me in normal sparring.

If my balance is the reason i don't always keep my hands up aswell I'd be eager to learn that ASAP! Any other suggestions Scrap?

He was a southpaw too but his reach slightly shorter than mine so not technically too difficult - if only I could NOT have my head so open I'd feel much safer doing what appears to be hard sparring now with him - according to his coach sometimes when you develop that power you just don't know how to control it - that theory seems a bit backwards to me though!

One of the coaches said if I punch with my thumbs facing upwards sometimes my shoulders will raise naturally a bit and protect me from some of the hooks. What do you think about that Scrap?