striking and stance in mma

[Blue Wave Gym]

here's a debat for ya
let's agree on some facts first though
1. striking (punching in mma ) is not done to full extension, it's mostly head hunting and theres not much slipping bobing and weaving
So one of my mma coaches who's more of a wrestler use to yell at me for standing like I would in kickboxing he preferred a natural stance because he said I'd be giving up my wrestilg base if I punch from a kb type stance, another coach who's a little more bjj got pissed when i stood in neutral stance and told my training partner the next time he stands like that throw his ass to the ground, so who's right, btw like every mma fight I've seen the guys use a stance similar to kb until it becomes clinch time then they swithch to a classic grappeling stance which we all know is different than a striking stance

[pstevens]

Good question.

Most MMA guys I've trained alongside have a wider stance - one that is between a boxing and stagger stance. I had to fight my kickboxing tendencies as well, as it was my first discipline. But while it may feel a little awkward throwing jabs from a slightly wider position, you feel more secure against a takedown.

I have a tendency to lower my center of gravity as I approach my opponent, because of my BJJ training. It would be interesting to hear other people's thoughts.

[cam427]

I also have trouble with this and tend to use a boxing stance rather than a cross between boxing and wrestling as pstevens says is usually used by MMA guys.

I am really comfortable in this position when the punches/kicks are flying so I only change when I get in close in or if the person I am fighting looks like he may go for a takedown. From a boxing stance I find there is enough time to sprawl.

Many of the fights in our gym never get to the ground or if they do we often get back up.

Blue wave, I think your plan is a good one (change stance as the range changes). This is what I do too.

Remember, alot of MMA is not about doing what is right, but about doing what works for YOU so if it is working, stick with it.

Cam

[ncaltruist]

Thanks for starting a good post. Some of the questions on other parts of the forum are pretty silly. You are a great person.

[Blue Wave Gym]

Originally Posted by ncaltruist

Thanks for starting a good post. Some of the questions on other parts of the forum are pretty silly. You are a great person.

The nicest thing anyone has ever said to me in my life.

[SamuraiGuy]

I use a Krav Maga stance I would say, even though I've started to do more boxing for standup, If I was boxing I would use the boxing.. but the krav maga stance gives me a low center of gravity, easy to sprawl, my hands are out, I can protect my face, its pretty good, only problem is your supposed to stand kinda square to the guy... its a bit of a change, I kinda just put my hands up and feel whats right, I guess its based off the krav maga stance but it just feels natural and feels I've got all my basis covered.

[cam427]

I had an intersting experience that made me reevaluate my stance since my post last week. On Friday I was sparring (Vale Tudo rules) with a guy who is a black belt in Karate and is better than me with his feet (I hardly use my feet at all as I dont like to lose my base) and he managed to sweep my front foot when I stepped with my jab. I had to adjust my stance to stand more square on than a boxer would to keep my front foot out of his reach.

I guess I now have a new stance.

Cam