I have mentioned before that I am a Systema (Russian Martial Arts) guy, and the ideas of getting hit (and hitting) and doing a variety of breathing drills are right out of Systema.

Even exactly the idea, of holding your breath to try to get near that panicky feelling -- and ride it through, not really overcoming it, but finding a way to have peace with it.

The four principles of Systema work for just about any sport, but especially well for boxing: always be Relaxing, Breathing, Moving, and maintaining Form (posture and balance).

Those while HEETING are the keys to Systema.

I haven't mentioned that the only real issue that I have at 57 is some moderately severe and very chronic knee (and other large joint) arthritis.

My knees hurt almost all the time -- and frequently its the worst when I am sitting still or even lying in bed, but I seldom hurt at all when I am on the mat or in the ring.

The adrenaline and endorphins make the chronic aches and pains disappear.

As you say, there is something relaxing about getting a solid -- but non-damaging -- hit, both the hit itself and knowing you can survive it, roll with it, absorb it, dissipate it, and even use it to power your own counters.

I did a couple of rounds of jab only shadow sparring today and it was totally enjoyable as well, almost as good as real HEETING....

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HerbM