To shadow-box properly

Big Kahuna · 01-25-2006, 06:26 AM

Since I started training in MT I have been asked to shadow-box to warm up at the beginning of class. Now, I think the point is to practice by imagining a target and praticing techniques on it. Is that true? If not, can someone please enlighten me?

Thanks,
Ken

Khun Kao · 01-25-2006, 07:02 AM

Its not just that. That is the "visualization" part. But you are also practicing combinations to teach yourself a comfortable "flow" and balance while doing so. Hopefully you have mirrors so that you can watch what you're doing to spot any errors in your technique (dropping your guard, leaving your chin up, etc)

gabbah · 01-25-2006, 08:51 AM

I think at the beginning you should focus more on your form than the imaginary opponent.
Do you drop you right side guard when throwing a left hook or jab? Do you keep at least one hand up to protect you face when doing a push kick (preferably both in the beginning)?
Or you flatfooted or on the balls of your feet.
When you shadow box you should be your own coach and correct your technique.

Big Kahuna · 01-25-2006, 10:02 AM

Great, thanks for the info.

aseepish · 01-25-2006, 06:43 PM

In addition to form, shadowboxing is also where you get your speed.

Little Apple · 01-30-2006, 05:25 PM

When I started shadow boxing, I concentrated only on stance, and anything else I did was only to see if I could keep a good stance while in motion. Then I used the time to work on technique of my individual attacks, the jab for example. After that I started putting them together into combinations. Finally, after that, I imagined a little Thai guy opposite me and sparred with him.

This is a little off topic, you'll have to forgive me, but I had a funny and frustrating problem once I reached this stage: My imaginary friend was way better than me and I couldn't get anything in.

He barely left any openings, he was way faster, and his distancing was perfect. And I couldn't make him be less skilled for some reason. So finally I pretended we weren't fighting, but that he was being nice and working with me, that way he slowed down so I could do something, and left bigger openings. Don't ask me why, I humor myself by saying that it's because my understanding for the motion is greater than my ability, but I'm pretty much full of it on that one.

gabbah · 01-30-2006, 06:36 PM

lol, yeah those little imaginary thai guys are so fast and skilled aren't they!

01-25-2006, 06:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
Big Kahuna Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 49	To shadow-box properly Since I started training in MT I have been asked to shadow-box to warm up at the beginning of class. Now, I think the point is to practice by imagining a target and praticing techniques on it. Is that true? If not, can someone please enlighten me? Thanks, Ken

01-25-2006, 07:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
Khun Kao Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 823	Its not just that. That is the "visualization" part. But you are also practicing combinations to teach yourself a comfortable "flow" and balance while doing so. Hopefully you have mirrors so that you can watch what you're doing to spot any errors in your technique (dropping your guard, leaving your chin up, etc) __________________ Kru Brooks C. Miller USMTA Director of DC, MD, and VA http://khunkao.com/

01-25-2006, 06:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
aseepish Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: British Columbia Posts: 1,629	In addition to form, shadowboxing is also where you get your speed. __________________ "It was about that time I realized that searching was my symbol, the emblem of those who go out at night with nothing in mind, the motives of a destroyer of compasses." -Cortázar

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01-25-2006, 08:51 AM	#3 (permalink)
gabbah Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sweden, Stockholm Posts: 573	I think at the beginning you should focus more on your form than the imaginary opponent. Do you drop you right side guard when throwing a left hook or jab? Do you keep at least one hand up to protect you face when doing a push kick (preferably both in the beginning)? Or you flatfooted or on the balls of your feet. When you shadow box you should be your own coach and correct your technique.

01-25-2006, 10:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
Big Kahuna Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 49	Great, thanks for the info.

01-30-2006, 05:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Little Apple Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 372	When I started shadow boxing, I concentrated only on stance, and anything else I did was only to see if I could keep a good stance while in motion. Then I used the time to work on technique of my individual attacks, the jab for example. After that I started putting them together into combinations. Finally, after that, I imagined a little Thai guy opposite me and sparred with him. This is a little off topic, you'll have to forgive me, but I had a funny and frustrating problem once I reached this stage: My imaginary friend was way better than me and I couldn't get anything in. He barely left any openings, he was way faster, and his distancing was perfect. And I couldn't make him be less skilled for some reason. So finally I pretended we weren't fighting, but that he was being nice and working with me, that way he slowed down so I could do something, and left bigger openings. Don't ask me why, I humor myself by saying that it's because my understanding for the motion is greater than my ability, but I'm pretty much full of it on that one.

01-30-2006, 06:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
gabbah Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sweden, Stockholm Posts: 573	lol, yeah those little imaginary thai guys are so fast and skilled aren't they!

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