Did you know that boxing initially surfaced as a self-defense mechanism? It originated back in the 1400s, used by soldiers as a tool to practice hand-to-hand combat. In modern times, boxing is predominantly seen as a leisure exercise. However, is it still regarded as a reliable self-defense strategy?
Boxing may not be the best option for self-defense. It is a worthwhile pursuit, but some people might want to look at other options instead of relying on this one activity for their safety. Boxing can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to get in shape, but it doesn’t have the same benefits as other exercises do when it comes to self-defense.
Find out here: How Many Calories Does Boxing Burn?
Boxing is a great sport and hobby, but it’s not the best option for self-defense. There are some important reasons why, which we’ll go over now.
- Boxing uses only your upper body to fight. This means you leave yourself vulnerable if you’re up against somebody with a weapon with their lower half (like a knife or a gun).
- You can’t wear protective clothing, so it’s easy to get hurt. Plus, you’re more likely to be cut with the opponent’s fingernails.
- Boxing is all about power and strength, which means that your punches will have a lot of momentum behind them. This leaves you open for counter-attacks if your opponent can block or dodge your punches.
- It’s easy to leave yourself open to the other person, especially when you’re trying to hit them with all of your power. They might be able to work around that and get you in a vulnerable position.
- Many boxers train on punching bags instead of focusing on defense. This leaves them with the misconception that they can punch anything and it’ll work (which isn’t true).
Plus, boxing doesn’t help you improve your reactions or judgment skills. If you’re placed in a self-defense situation, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to defend yourself like you would in a ring. You need to be able to react quickly and without overthinking about it. Boxing doesn’t exactly train you for that kind of stimulus-response behavior, so there are better options out there.
Related read: List of the Best Boxing Pads – 2021 Reviews
There are benefits to taking up boxing, but they’re primarily physical. It’s the perfect way to get in shape while learning a new skill, which will provide a lot of entertainment. If you’re curious about boxing, go ahead and try it out. You never know what you’ll get from something new! But if you want to focus on self-defense, other martial arts should be considered before boxing.
If you were looking for a reliable self-defense option, boxing should not be your first choice. Try something fun and practical, like aikido, instead.
Conclusion
It may be tempting to rely on boxing as a self-defense tool, but it’s important not to forget that there are other martial arts out there. Boxing is undoubtedly an enjoyable and challenging sport, but those who want the best protection should consider taking up another form of combat instead.
If you’re still curious about what boxing can do for your fitness level or like more information on how it might fit into your life, we encourage you to check out some resources online! You’ll find plenty of helpful tips and insights from people in the know.
