Punches in Bunches

Many people as they mature as fighters go through a period of conservative punching where they try to pick their shots intelligently and setup openings. This usually results in using single punches and short combos more frequently. For some time, I have been going through this phase myself. Only a few days after my hands healed up and I can punch again, I'm taught a thorough lesson on the effectiveness of punches in bunches.

While I was glad I was not in the ring sparring like the other farang, facing the likes of Nopparat Keatkhamtorn, it was only a small consolation as I was facing a recently retired fighter turned trainer, Ta. The sparring began slow but predictably with low power as Ta evaded my every punch and observing my movements but not countering often. I notice that his eyes light up a little when I feign back with my lead hand down, so I continue this to attempt to bait him. Going into the second round the pace begins to pick up and Ta is coming hard at my intentional opening. Though I was able to address his first cross, I did not expect him to be able to follow with 2 more solid crosses so quickly.

My chin and my mind were beginning to feel the effects of being knocked. I change my tactics on addressing the cross, sometimes covering, other times throwing an early counter instead of feigning back. I can see that Ta is starting to have some fun with the variety I am throwing at him as his power increases. I start to find a few openings on him with offensive and counter-offensive combos, but after 1-3 punches, I usually stop for fear of a solid counter on my own chin. He is able to evade most of my punches still while landing most of his own shots. His offense is relentless, throwing 6-8 punches each time he moves in. It isn't until near the end of the 3rd round when I start to catch a rhythm and trade shots evenly, throwing equally long combo strings.

Completely exhausted and mentally dazed, I learn several important lessons.

1. I need to bring my lead hand up even if I am feigning back. This is a habit I have prayed on many other sparring partners, and now I have gotten a good taste of my own medicine.
2. The longer the combo, the harder it will be for your opponent to evade EVERY shot, thus increasing your chances of success. However, with greater success comes greater risk at eating a few counters. Leading to lesson 3.
3. I need to work on my in-range but outside the pocket comfort level. Bangkok style Nak Muays tend to sit inside each others jab range and box from there. Learning to relax enough to respond to punches while inside this range with covers, parrys, and counters is vital to my growth. Everyone wants to look like Pacquiao, but being able to work inside as well as moving in and out are equally important skills in a fighters portfolio.

Here is some video of some of the others boxing in the ring. The Farang are a pair of professional Nak Muays from Chok Dee Muay Thai in Belgium, preparing for a fight on June 18. Some more video and commentary to follow.