Coach's Corner: Pro Tips & Techniques

Your gear matters just as much as your technique. If you are using 8oz bag gloves for live sparring, you are risking injury for both yourself and your partner. We always teach our students to choose the right weight for their specific goal, whether it is bag work or partner drills, because staying injury-free is the only way to stay consistent.

Mastering Your Punching Form

Many beginners make the mistake of focusing only on power, forgetting that a bad punch can ruin your wrist. When you throw a punch, keep your wrist in a straight line with your forearm. Your knuckles must face forward, and as you impact, lift your shoulder slightly. This does two things: it protects your chin from a counter-attack and adds structural integrity to your strike. Remember, a sloppy punch is an open invitation for your opponent to hit back.

Choosing the Right Gloves

Stop using one pair of gloves for everything. Your gear has a job to do. If you weigh under 65kg, 10oz gloves work well for general training. As you go heavier, you need 12oz or 14oz gloves for that extra padding to protect your hands and your training partner. Use lighter, low-padding gloves only on heavy bags or for shadow boxing. If you are sparring, wear the heavy stuff. It is not just about protection, it is about keeping you in the gym for the long haul.

The Essentials of Safety

Do not skip the basics. A gum shield is non-negotiable for any contact training. It is cheap insurance against dental bills. A groin guard and headgear are just as vital if you want to push hard without worrying about getting sidelined for a week. We treat safety with the same discipline we treat our training, because a consistent fighter is always better than an injured one. If you have questions about your specific gear or technique, drop into the gym and let us break it down with you.