Shadowboxing for Boxing

Nothing is ever smooth when it comes to learning something new. Every new skills that is required for each job I had comes easy, countless times when I failed miserably. I believe in perseverance and courage for each step of a goal. No boxer or fighter in general that I heard of ever skip shadow boxing in daily training routine. You might have seen past videos of Muhammad Ali, Fraser, Floyd shadow boxing in front of mirror or without it.

The specific movement makes me feel awkward in the beginning and by far the hardest to do! I know some of you boxers enthusiastic would disagree and pick something else. Let me explain why twas hard because it requires me to get in my own head and visualize and opponent. I am used to have mitt, bag to hit as a target.

If we are alike when it comes to shadow boxing, you are not alone! Though it’s awkward, I have found ways to make it less unpleasant especially when you head to boxing classes and when the coach mention “shadowbox for 30 seconds” you die in you mind, pretend to kinda move. You try so hard to look to other student look like they know exactly how to shadow box.

Who has made you mad lately

Who made you angry off lately? Imagine that person coming at you with all she/ he with a combination of 1-1-2. So you have to react, stay on defense or move. I prefer to just pick 2 combination and stay fluid with my footwork and making sure I stay connected with my hand not dropping too low. It is not common practice to have our first close to our chin because we walk with our hand next to our body. Remember pick 2 combination that you want to be great at and the one you can work on more.

1 > Jap

2 > Rear Straight

3 > Lead Hook

• 1-1-2
• 1-2
• 1-2-1-2
• 2-3

  

Remember : Keep it simple

K.I.S.S

No not literally kiss someone while you box. KISS stands for ‘keep it simple”. Your BRAIN is the most complex organ in the body, when it comes to boxing, this method will keeps you mind clear for short time. Boxing is the hardest sports. No one “play” boxing. You can play basketball, football, tennis. Either you box or not.

Reflection

I prefer gyms with mirror and anywhere else that I can see my reflection. When I shadowbox in my apartment, I will make sure I face the mirror. Another way to do it is to record videos of you shadowboxing form. This can give you more feedback on what is you weakness and how you can do deliberate practice on these areas. If you don’t have a coach, start recording different form and track it, compare it now and then. I hate picking up bad habits, so might as well learn things the right way without having to relearn everything all over again.

It is easy to get demotivated if you see you are not doing as well as you think when you see these videos. That is okay! I always step away like doing something else that I enjoy forgetting about this demotivated feelings. I prefer to sing and watch dancing movie which has something close to boxing that is footwork. What are things in you life other than shadow boxing that you have not done lately? GO DO IT! When you mind is fresh, a new day arrive, shadow box again.

Realistic Form

Shadow boxing is great opportunity to work on form. This is where you can slow down and breakdown to realistic punch. Few things to brush up on

• Boxing Stance
• Footwork (Back, front, right, left)
• Hands high (close to you chin)
• Defense

Stay Relax

Contrary belief that boxing is “hard” but I believe it is an art. Staying relax while doing boxing is to help to stay focus. Shadowboxing is visualizing about an opponent in front of you like a real match or spar. Visualizing is hard when you thoughts are everywhere. Visualizing is like meditation. Not everyone CAN let their mind stay still but use this chance to keep you mind from chattering. Matter of fact, there will be someone punching you if it is real sparring. So you want to make sure you know what is you next move. 3 ways you can stay relax when you shadowbox:

Breathe in you nose, let the air go to you abdomen

Keep you shoulder down and don’t tense you shoulder and upper back muscles

Eyes always ahead of you, keep you sight to one target. ( I pick a spot on a wall or mirror)

Deliberate Practise

I believe in daily practice. This also means practicing a specific task. I plan out what I want to get good at. If I want to practice shadow boxing, then I make sure I make time for it every day for at least a few minutes every day and get better at it. Follow expert advice on what I want to be good at and stick to their advice, feedback. Boxing have so much component to it, here are a few

• Stance
• Footwork
• Jap
• Cross
• Hook
• Agility
• Power
• Defense
• Shoeshine
• Shadow boxing
• Combination
• Speed
• Feint
• Duck
• Slip

  I like writing goals down this way I pick what to each step of the way. I use sticky notes and write all this down so I can remember what to work on each day, week, month. Deliberate practice is not “popular” this way but it is what separate people are GREAT and people who are average. I want you to fall on “people who are great” category. If you are serious on learning how to box which I think everyone should, the best art in martial art world. No one else in you life benefit from it as much as you do, so why not start shadow boxing with the tips I use above. Remember VISUALIZE! Every day.