Archives for June 2011

This goes against everything I believe in as a Krav Maga instructor and a nitpicking technician, but I’m going to teach you how to throw a good sloppy punch.

Why?

When we introduce 360° Defense in Level 1 classes, we typically begin by illustrating its efficacy for defending against an overwhelmingly common attack: the bar room haymaker. This is that wide, arcing swing typically thrown by an untrained person aiming to knock the head off the object of his or her ire. Make no mistake, this attack may be ugly on a technical level, but it is very powerful and very dangerous. But it is also very telegraphed and therefore much easier to defend than, say, a straight punch or a tight hook punch.

Enter 360.

In order to properly train the defense, though, we must be able to replicate the attack. The what-I-hesitate-to-call-technique should come naturally. The only cue I have to give most students is “throw a ball”, and a tight swing of the arm becomes a gloriously wild, full-body bell-ringer. A little experience playing catch and the aforementioned ire are all you need to throw a proper hooligan punch. But, being a slave to detail, I will now break down the sloppy punch into far more detail than it deserves…

1. Start from a neutral position of some sort: hands down, arms crossed, hands up in an “are you talking to me” position, etc.
2. Excessively load the punch by rearing back and putting the majority of your weight on the same side foot.
3. Step forward with your opposite foot as you begin sending your punching arm out in a wide arc.
4. As the arc develops, lean your torso into the punch and transfer your weight to the opposite foot.
5. Recover in some manner to continue your frenzied attack. Alternatively, taunt the KO’d person in the most boorish manner possible.