If you can’t back away from a fight, defend yourself. Boxing trainer Sam Colonna and 2004 Olympic light-heavyweight gold medalist Andre “Son of God” Ward saves your ass.
1. SET YOUR DEFENCE
Strike a slim profile so you’ll be harder to hit. Stand sideways, knees bent slightly and legs 60cm apart. Have your
left leg forwards if you’re right-handed; reverse
the stance if you’re
a southpaw.
2. PUT ‘EM UP, KEEP ‘EM UP
With your chin down,
keep your arms in front of you, knuckles facing upwards and fists loosely clenched. Tuck your elbows to your ribs.
If you’re a righty, your
right hand should be beside your right cheek and your left hand about 30cm in front of your left cheekbone. Now you’re set up to deflect a punch and counter with your own.
3. FIND AN ESCAPE
Don’t be baited into
losing your cool. Keep
your opponent at arm’s length to avoid a jab, and back towards an exit.
4. INTERCEPT AN ASSAULT
No escape? Deflect a punch by slapping it away with your open palm. Reset your defence and use your forearms to fend off additional punches, using your upper body to push your opponent’s fists away.
5. FOLLOW THROUGH
If you see an opening, strike with a jab that lands between his chin and ear. Rotate your hips for power, and connect with the knuckles of your index
and middle fingers.
You’ll leave him stunned.
