2026-01-07

Teaching my regular classes at the Ross Farnsworth - East Valley YMCA.

When students begin free sparring, they tend to hold their hands like boxers - with their forearms pointing almost straight up. That’d be fine if we were boxing, but we’re not. When we stand in “guard” position, it’s best to have both fists pointing at the “bad guy” at all times. Think of it this way: If your arms are pointing up, then punching requires you to lower your arm until it points at the target before you punch - he’ll see that coming. It’s far better to simply have your arms pointing at the target in the first place.

I tell my students to pretend they have laser pointers strapped to their wrists and, unless they’re already punching or blocking, they need to keep the laser dot on the bad guy at all times. That way, there’s no need to “aim” because it’s already done. All they need to do is thrust their arm forward.