Warp Spider is right on about all this perceived rigidness in boxing. A boxer that isn't in the ring isn't going to fight like he's in the ring! Your logic is entirely flawed, Neil; it's a double-standard. You maintain that a boxer isn't going to behave like he's in a street fight, but any other martial artist would. If a boxer wouldn't normally hit below the belt, then do you assume that a karate practicioner would completely avoid strikes to the face and head - simply because those kinds of attacks aren't usually allowed in tournaments? Get real! Aside from rebutting Neil, there are a few other points I'd like to make about boxing in general, as some people here tend to regard it as ineffective against kicking martial arts. 1) Bruce Lee. He's regarded by many people (myself included) as being a martial arts genius. Sure, he was "just" a movie star, and an arrogant SOB to boot. But the man knew his martial arts like van Gough knew painting. And his Tao included more information and elaboration on basic boxing techniques than anything else. Bruce Lee admired western boxing more than his native Wing Chun, and that says something. 2) Even if some people only consider it a (small) step above professional wrestling, the UFC and Pride competitions say a lot about martial arts effectiveness. With the possible exception of grappling, these fights are by and large determined by the better puncher. You'll certainly see the odd kick-to-the-head knockout, but it's mostly the guy who can punch the other in the face harder and faster that walks out of the ring on his own two feet. Unless you're talking about Vanderlei Silva and his magical knee. 3) Neil is partially right about street fights being very chaotic. Even the most wise and aged master can and will resort to pushing, slapping, and hair pulling when really ticked off. Why? Because if you ask me, simple is better (and Aesop would agree with me on that). Boxing doesn't teach you a million and a half techniques that you have to remember when dealing with an attacker; instead, you focus on a few that you're sure will work. In a paced sparring match where you have the leisure to play tag with your opponent's knee, it's an effective way to hurt, distract, and annoy him/her. In a fight, where you have only a split second before the other guy comes flailing at you, tactfully kicking him in the leg is a one-way trip to a bloody nose. 4) And finally, a video that proves everything I've just said beyond all doubt.
