When I coach a fighter, what am I actually looking for? In this video lesson I talk through it. And this does not only apply to fighters. It applies to anyone training in martial arts or for self-defence.

It is for coaches who want to see their athletes more clearly, and for students who want to know what a good coach is watching.

Foundations First

We all know about foundations. We all know that without a solid foundation, the house collapses. And yet this gets ignored all the time.

People want the fancy combinations, the spinning techniques, the secrets. But if the foundations are weak, none of that will hold up when it matters. When I look at a fighter, I look at the basics first, because everything else is built on them.

Foundations include things like:

  • Stance and balance. Can you stay balanced when you punch, move and get hit?
  • Footwork. Are your feet putting you in the right place at the right time?
  • Guard and defence. Are your hands where they should be, especially after you throw?
  • Basic punches. Is the jab sharp and honest? Are the straight shots straight?

The Other Things That Get Ignored

Foundations are not the only thing people skip. There are other areas that matter just as much and are too often left out. When I watch someone train, I am also asking questions like these:

  • Do they listen? A fighter who cannot take instruction is hard to improve.
  • Are they honest about their weaknesses? Everyone has holes. The good ones work on them.
  • How do they react under pressure? Technique that disappears when things get hard is not really there yet.
  • Do they recover well? Turning up fresh and ready is part of the job.

How To Use This Yourself

If you train, use this as a checklist. Be honest with yourself about your foundations. Film yourself if you can. If your stance falls apart when you get tired, that is where your work is.

If you coach, resist the urge to teach the exciting stuff too soon. Get the foundations right and everything else gets easier, faster and safer.

Take It Further

If you are a coach and want to learn more of how I work, have a look at Private Mentoring or my Training Camps. If you are a fighter building your foundations, the Learn To Box Online Course is a good place to start.