a basic boxing question

[zerolimitii]

im starting to learn a little boxing from friends that take classes.

 

but i sorta have a bit of a problem. when i have my guard up and they try to punch my face, they hit my forearms and i sorta get that scared reaction. like i close my eyes when he throws a crack or sometimes i would move my head or body back. did anyone have this problem before? and how do i get rid of it?

[Mart]

Thats what takes time.

 

You need to spar regularly.

 

Most non full contact MAs dont prepare you for that.The answer is to get him to slow down a little and do it regularly. Then speed it up

[Guy_Mendiola]

You'll need to know how to bob and weave and when that punch comes towards and it hits your forearms don't I repeat don't and try not to make it a habit to close your eyes all you have to do is just keep your eyes on the opponent.

[Fat Donkey]

Yeah, as Mart said practice. Heres a good exercise. Minor deflecting. Stand in your guard and have a friend throw punches at u, slowly at first, and building up to full speed. Tap his hands away as he throws. Don't block, just slap them out of alignment from your face. Do the same for ducking, slipping and dodging. U get used to looking for the punch instead of closing your eyes.

[Legion]

as you block side step a little .. less force needed and u gain a side avantage too

[Justfulwardog]

Closing your eyes is a normal reaction. We think that it makes us safer to close our eyes. I think it is from years of conditioning, not to let things get in our eyes. After all, it's painful and frustrating to have particles in your eyes. I think the way that I broke myself from doing it, is that I kept telling myself that I was putting myself in more danger by closing my eyes than leaving them open. You can not see what is coming at you (direction, speed, etc.), and you can't go on the offensive, and defend yourself with good offense. In short, I rationalized the situation. It just don't make much sense to close your eyes in a fight. I have seen many people do it, and they take a beating every time.

[Thuggish]

experience

[White Warlock]

Be afraid, be very afraid!

 

hehe...

 

Seriously though, when you have adrenalin kicking in your body, your eyes will be glued open. Practice as if your life depended on it, but maintain control at the same time (i.e., respect the trust relationship). Most people tend to blink during their early years of training mainly due to a failure to perceive the practice session as anything more than horseplay, and secondarily due to habit. Break the habit by treating your sessions seriously.

I think the way that I broke myself from doing it, is that I kept telling myself that I was putting myself in more danger by closing my eyes than leaving them open.

Like that!

[Fenris-wolf]

Hmm, that drove me mental for a while - my instuctor suggested leaning over a bath and splashing water in your face and trying to keep your eyes open. It's extremely unpleasant but I have to say it did help.

 

And yeah, it'll go away with experience. Probably!