in sparring i use straight punching almost exclusively. i either setup kicks with straight punches, counter with straight punches, blast with straight punches, or directly attack with straight punches. on the mitts and on the bag i use quick and powerful hooks, but discard them when sparring. how can i use hooks in sparring or should i not try to apply hooks since i dominate with straight punches?

p.s. even in ground n' pound i use straight punches.

Hi Findog!

Hey bro, I say stick with what is working for you! Be aware of the existence of the other techniques, just in case the time and place for them arrives, but if straight punches work for you, as I always say, "Keep Blasting!" By the way, there is a very good reason that I say that! It works for me too!

Keep Blasting!
Sifu Lamar M. Davis II
Senior Instructor
Hardcore Jeet Kune Do
Sifu@HardcoreJKD.com
http://www.HardcoreJKD.com
http://www.RealCombatOnline.com
Phone (205) 956-1901

"Hit Hard, Hit Fast, Hit First - ALWAYS!"

thanks, lamar...

I like the lead punch as well. You can do so much with a jab straight type punch. You can double up with the jab, circle right/left, jab in close or far, jab low or high, jab on the ground. The lead punch is great. the Jab (& cross) are all you really need, you just add the different angles and the rythems will keep you busy with the basic straight lead punch, everything else is filler to keep you interested.

Phases ®

after watching the hopkins/de la hoya fight i decided to use body hooks. i doubled over three people going at half to three-quarter speed, last night. they tapped out from body hooks. it was nice.