Review of Glenn Smith's Boxing Masterclass 18th February 2008

By Tony Terranova

For those interested in mixed martial arts there are benefits in being instructed by a specialist on a specific discipline. Experienced martial artists accept that basics can be as advanced as you want them to be; and that correct footwork is the foundation of good balance and smooth body movement that ultimately generates maximum power for the least effort. The fact is all martial arts start and finish with movement (nothing happens until you move). We are a mixed martial arts club and therefore recognize the value of providing specialist masterclasses for our students.

On February the 18th 2008 Fighting Fit Martial Arts (FFMA) had the privilege of being instructed on the art of boxing by Glenn Smith. Glenn was assisted by experienced martial artist Tony Somers (who has previously instructed at FFMA). Glenn and Tony have been friends for many years and together they provided a sharp and dry sense of humor throughout the session, which put all our students at ease.

Glenn's initial focus was on correct footwork for the science of boxing. He used a series of mobiltiy drills that served to calibrate our footwork whilst allowing us to become comfortable within a mobile boxing stance. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a stance that was nominally shoulder width wide to ensure good balance and form could be maintained during sparring. Glenn has also practiced other martial arts, and therefore understands the need for some degree of flexibility with footwork when the student is also using kicks, knees and elbow strikes. His analogy of footwork with respect to optimum body alignment necessary to deliver smooth and powerful punches is invaluable to all martial artists, as his principles of correct body movement are universal to all.

We then drilled the straight jab. Like all boxing professionals he emphasized the importance of the jab as being one of the most useful punches in the boxer's arsenal. His method of teaching is such that one technique integrates into the next providing a continual theme in the session. When explaining the jab he re visited the points discussed on footwork and linked the importance of correct foot placement with the ability to deliver a good jab. His explanation on the jab was detailed; the following are only a few of Glenn's tips discussed in the session:

• If you look down your arm using the first two knuckles as a gun site, it will ensure that you keep your shoulder close to your chin for protection.
• Your left foot should be directed to the point of impact to get optimum body alignment.
• Keeping your elbow pointing down to the floor for as long as possible will ensure that your arm does not splay outwards and lose power; it will also allow your fist the maximum twist (rifling like a bullet coming out of a gun) upon impact.
• Keeping your opposite hand close to your chin with your elbows tucked in protects your chin and allows the shoulder that is jabbing to smoothly rotate and punch out the jab.
• There are many uses of the jab; these are only some of those Glenn demonstrated: to find your punching distance; break the other fighter's rhythm; blind your opponent before throwing the second punch; as a feint to set up your next punch (and other applications).

The next phase of the session focused on the straight right (also referred to as the reverse punch or right cross). He continued with the theme of integrating from one technique to the next. When explaining the straight right he again re visited the points discussed on footwork and gave a demonstration of how you should transfer your full body weight when punching. His explanation on the straight right emphasized that your fist is a like a spear (or other weapon), which is thrown using your body weight (and not your bicep power).

His explanation on the straight right was based on fluidity resulting in power; the following are only a few of Glenn's tips discussed in the session:

• It is important to keep your head straight (looking at your target) when punching, as this allows the body to rotate around the centre line of your spine resulting in maximum speed and also prevents over rotation of the right shoulder upon impact.
• Same principle applies as the jab; if you look down your arm using the first two knuckles as a gun site it will ensure that you keep your shoulder close to your chin for protection.
• Keeping the right heel marginally off the floor (20mm) allows the rear leg to smoothly pivot on the ball of the right foot. The smooth rotation of the rear foot prepares the body for correct mechanical movement of the right hip and shoulder to whip before throwing the punch. A quick smooth whipping movement results in a fast and powerful punch.

Glen then put it all together, footwork with the lead jab and straight right. At this point he further integrated the techniques clarifying that, as the jab is retracted, the straight right is being thrown. He effortlessly demonstrated that the perfect combination should result in the jab and straight right meeting half way; that is when the jab is 50% retracted the straight right should be 50% executed. This explains how a smooth transition from one punch to another is achieved as pulling the jab back mechanically results in the straight right effortlessly going out.

There were many other details discussed that applied to the punches we practiced. One of the most important was the need to stay relaxed until the point of impact. Keeping your hands open until the moment of impact enables the forearm muscles to stay relaxed and results in more speed. Another was the importance of accurate punching distance. Punching the correct distance with the arm about 2/3rd extended at the point of impact will result in a punch that can penetrate the target. If you are too close you won't gain momentum and if you are too far away the power of the punch begins to dissipate and is weak upon impact. Glenn demonstrated how a light but well-timed fast punch with correct distance on the jaw could send you to sleep. It only takes a nominal 2 pounds of pressure on the correct point on the jaw to knock someone out.

The session ended with some cardio boxing drills, which enhance your fitness levels whilst utilizing some of the body mechanics and movements used for punching.

The FFMA students were all inspired with some deciding they would make the 60-mile journey from where they live to train at Glenn's club in Coventry. I was personally impressed with the level of detail that Glenn was able to discuss and demonstrate, all of which made logical sense to me. As an engineer I saw real relevance in the way Glen explained movement and body mechanics. His belief in the importance of correct technique, movement and relaxation all follow one of the well-established principles of physics. Force = mass X acceleration. Basically this equation means you will hit with more impact if you transfer your full body weight (mass) at maximum speed.

This article only touches the surface of the level of detail that was covered by Glenn over the two (2) hour masterclass. We highly recommend Glenn to any other martial arts establishments that want to learn about the science of boxing (and you can find out about all those other details that we were privy to in our session that I have not noted in this article). We also take this opportunity to express FFMA's thanks to Glenn and Tony for agreeing to provide a high caliber masterclass and we look forward to their future sessions at our club.

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