Mixed Martial Arts Training

A well-conceived offense has a built-in defense. This basic notion permeates my fighting style as well as every individual technique I use and teach, whether it be boxing, wrestling or mixed martial arts. My objective in every fight is simple- to defeat my opponent as quickly and decisively as possible, while incurring the least possible amount of damage to myself. This involves integrating my offense and defense, using offensive techniques that don't leave me vulnerable to my opponent's simultaneous or counter attacks.

Following this principle, straight punches originate and end at cheek level, out and back on a line so that the shoulder directly involved in the punch protects one side of the face, while the opposite hand protects the other side. Or, when I throw a left hook my right hand pulls back hard to cover the right side of my face. This not only adds snap to my punch, it also protects me from my opponent's left hook, which is the most common threat in that situation. By using offensive techniques that are defensively sound, you can attack with aggressive confidence, unafraid of taking punishment when you engage.

If you lack confidence in your defense you'll generally adopt one of two fighting modes:

1.Point-karate mode, where you lean back to avoid your opponent's strikes even as you're attempting to throw punches. In doing so you effectively negate the force of your punches, rendering them meaningless.
2.Caveman mode, where you abandon any semblance of defense, grit your teeth, and desperately flail in an attempt to knock your opponent out before he knocks you out.

I suppose the principle I'm describing could just have easily been written as "your defense has a built-in offense," for it's not enough to just block an opponent's punch or avoid his takedown attempt. Your opponent will simply regroup and attack again, often with even greater resolve. Instead, always try to make sure your opponent feels a negative consequence for throwing a punch or attempting a takedown in the first place. Block, slip or weave each punch, then immediately counter punch while your opponent is extended. Or, when he attempts to take you to the ground, don't be content to simply avoid the takedown. Use your hips to crush his position, then work to secure the takedown yourself. Not only will you double the opportunities to score against your opponent, but your actions will have a lingering defensive effect. Think about it. If your opponent is always paying a price for mounting an offense, he may have second thoughts about initiating an attack as the fight goes on.

When I consider making a technique part of my boxing, wrestling or mixed martial arts arsenal, the technique must satisfy three criteria. First, it must have the potential to hurt or create an opening to inflict damage on my opponent. Second, it shouldn't present a defensive liability. And third, it must leave me in a position to continue attacking.