To shadow-box properly

[Big Kahuna]

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]

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]

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]

Great, thanks for the info.

[aseepish]

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

[Little Apple]

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]

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