Time for a little straight talk about straight punches. Whether you’re throwing a traditional reverse punch, a boxer’s 1-2, or an old fashioned palm heel, there is one big mistake you want to avoid… letting your elbow flare out. Why is flaring your elbow a problem? First, flaring your elbow gives away power because you’re…
Tag: self-defense
Self-Defense Tip: Finish the Fight
In my video, How to Take A Punch, I talked about how calling “time out” every time you get hurt during training can build a bad habit that might get you killed in a real fight. Well, there’s a flip side to that. You might be building the same bad habit even when you’re winning!…
Kicking Drill for Sparring and Fighting
Are you kicker? If so, I’ve got a kicking drill that’s going to make you a better fighter on the mats, in the ring, or on the street. If the video doesn’t play, you can find a summary below. Happy kicking! The Problem… Many martial artists throw solid kicks, but then let their foot fall…
How to Spot a Bad Self-Defense Teacher
Do you know the difference between a good self-defense teacher and a bad self-defense teacher? A bad self-defense teacher makes fighting seem easy. Don’t believe the hype! Fighting for your life is not easy. That’s why it’s called fighting. In this video, I offer a reality check for anyone who has ever studied with a…
#35: Can You Really Fight? [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #35 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Can You Really Fight?” Martial artists love to debate over what works in real life and what doesn’t. But no matter what style you choose, or which techniques you believe in, there’s an even bigger question that needs to be answered— Can you…
Build Stronger Punches with a Belt
Want a simple, old school exercise to build stronger punches? Here you go! This is one of my all-time favorite exercises. Check out the video and give it a try. If the video doesn’t play, you can find a summary below. Let me know how it goes! You know that feeling you get when you’re…
How to Take a Punch
Do you know how to take a punch? Whether you’re training in the martial arts for sport or self-defense, learning how to take a punch is a crucial skill. It may be even more important that learning how to punch! The basics of taking a punch are pretty simple— Keep your mouth shut Tuck your…