How Do You Get Used To Being Punched To Be Able To Stand Up For Yourself?

[Surfgod]

Thanks, that inner peace thing is exactly why I started the boxing training in first place so its good to see it helps others too.

[Gray Lion]

Your a guy I would love to spend some time with and give you what advice and experience I could. I do not know the extent of someone picking on you, I do not know if this is one individual or a group. Is it happening at school and if so, what is their policy toward bullies?
When I was in the 7th grade, I was being bullied by two guys who were 16 and 17..both bigger then me. I feared taking a hit in the face. My uncle,who had a reputation in the county as being someone not to mess with gave me some advice. He told me that first I had to learn that getting hit and beat on was not the end of the world. If I lost blood, I would not bleed to death. I had to mentally set my mind to the fact that pain could be overcome. His second lesson was for me to get in the first punch and make it count. The nose, the area between the rib cage and gouging to the eyes---inflict pain immediately and keep fighting. You may get the hell beat out of you...but the guy will know and remember that you can and will hurt him. He wont be so anxious to come back for seconds. Continue on with your boxing lessons and make it your goal to get stronger and proficient to one day return and knock him out. Andrew Jackson (Old Hickory) was almost beaten to death by a bully in his youth. His family did not seek revenge and said that once Andy got his size and some more years, he would return and set things right with the bully....he did.

[johnny@ExpertBoxing.com]

You have to spar at a MUCH MUCH slower pace until you can get the hang of it. It takes time for your body, defensive awareness, reflexes, and eyes to be able to see the punch and prepare your body to absorb the impact intelligently. Some people are more naturally able to absorb punches than others.

If you feel like you're always getting "surprised" by punches, you must slow the pace down and give yourself some time to get accustomed to it. It's that simple. The most basic thing I can tell you is that it's all in the eyes. You need to train your eyes to the punches coming. Keep slowing down the pace until you see every detail of every punch. This might mean slow motion but you will improve greatly from it. Good luck!