Jack Dempsey. Fight like a champ. Explosive strikes and aggressive defense. Dempsey Spin

Absolute world champion from 1919 to 1926. Born June 24, 1894 in Manassa, Colorado. His real name is William Harrison. On his father's side he was of Irish descent, and his mother was Scottish.

Dempsey began performing in the professional ring in 1915. Quick victories gave him the opportunity to get a match for the title of absolute champion with Jess Willard. It only took four rounds for Dempsey to knock out the giant and claim the title.

Fighter boxer

An fighter is a boxer who bases his tactics on melee range. Infighters tend to be stocky, strong boxers with limited long-range capabilities.

The fighter bases his tactics on aggressive actions, giving him a decisive victory in the shortest possible time. In close combat, where all actions are based on short knockout blows, there are great opportunities to use natural physical strength. Therefore, the fighter, when meeting with an enemy who maintains a long distance, strives first of all to force his defense and gain a foothold at close range. To do this, chasing his opponent around the ring, he tries to drive him into a corner or pin him against the ropes. He usually avoids counter-attacks from the enemy by ducking and taking a defensive group stance. When he manages to get close to the enemy, he always energetically attacks the enemy with a series of blows, trying to hit them as hard as possible. The strength of the blow is the fighter’s main chance of winning. The first rounds of a fight with a technical boxer are usually losing for the fighter, when the force of his blows has not yet had time to affect the opponent’s condition, but when the fighter manages to catch the opponent with blows, the latter loses his advantage in technique and becomes a victim of the physically stronger fighter.

A prominent exponent of the fighter's style was Jack Dempsey. He perfectly suited the tastes of the American sports viewer, being exceptional; an aggressive and temperamental fighter striving for quick and decisive victories. In close combat tactics he had no equal. His hooks and uppercuts were devastating and quickly knocked out his opponent. A common pattern in all of Dempsey's matches was an unrestrained desire to engage his side in close combat and avoid facing him with his opponents. The tactics of unrestrained attack were supported by his strong-willed and physical qualities. Dempsey endured blows and always bravely accepted a counter fight.

Of the entire galaxy of absolute champions, he was the most crushing fighter, possessing exceptional power in his blows. The quick knockout wins that dominate his fight record speak volumes about his fighting qualities as an fighter.

"Drum" beats

In American boxing terminology, this figurative name is given to blows delivered several times in a row with the same hand. They are applied only at close range, both to one target and changing it. The number of beats in a “drum” series is 2-3.

“Drum” strikes are effective due to their surprise, because the alternation of strikes in a series usually occurs with both hands alternately. Hooks with the left hand, directed alternately to the head and torso, can be practiced as “drum” strikes. They are very effective because in a left-sided stance, protecting the right side of the body is a little more difficult than protecting the left. Flank strikes with the left hand that are well-placed in strength and accuracy are considered among boxers to be a sign of high skill.

Also very effective are “drum” uppercuts with the left hand to the body, which in a fighting stance, being turned to the right, is at a convenient angle for strikes with the left hand.

Uppercuts to the torso are especially practical as “drum” strikes for the right hand. Jack Dempsey demonstrated them effectively in his time. All the blows that made up the “drum roll” were delivered equally strongly several times in a row to the opponent’s left side. They had the following tactical meaning: the first blow hit the enemy’s tense body, and the second blow acted on the weakened abdominal muscles, since it coincided with the moment when the enemy took a breath.

“Drum” strikes have a special effect when used by boxers with strong arms and torso. It is quite difficult to use them against an opponent who has a quick defensive reaction.

When using “drum” strikes, you should not abuse them by frequently repeating them in the same place, since the enemy will adapt to them in defense and select counteractions.

"Sun"

"Sunshine" got its name from the rotating circular movements of the body that Dempsey used before an attack as feints. The tactical purpose of these feints was to enter close combat, avoiding oncoming blows and at the same time preparing to open the enemy's defense. Leaning forward and to the right, Dempsey began to make slow movements in a circle to the left, up and right. At the same time, his arms, bent at the elbows, moved rhythmically in and out. Dempsey intensified the effects of feints on the enemy with small steps to the sides. Dempsey's mobility made it difficult to deliver counter blows from the enemy, whose defense Dempsey vigilantly monitored.

The result of all this preparatory work was Dempsey's sharp attack, always beginning with a left hook aimed at an open target. The blow was delivered with a wide lunge with the right leg forward and to the right; this lunge served him to maintain balance after the blow.

The only way to avoid Dempsey's devastating attack, which usually began with the sun, was to move to a long distance in time. Since Dempsey's time, the sunshine, as an attack started with a short punch, has come to be considered a classic attack for fighters, who usually prefer to start it with a left hook. Boxers, who make little use of maneuvering, also always try to get closer to the enemy before attacking.

Currently, Dempsey’s “sun” has become widespread among boxers who adhere to their style of close combat.

"Blow for blow"

This method of oncoming combat consists of exchanging blows with the enemy in order to break his attack and seize the initiative of the fight in hand malfunctions.

This tactic is often observed among boxers who have a strong knockout blow and endurance in matches with an opponent to whom they are inferior in speed and agility. She was often seen in Jack Dempsey's fights. Possessing devastating blows and the ability to take them himself, Dempsey always sought to escalate the fight, offering his opponents open combat.

This rather primitive tactic has little in common with the skill of a skilled boxer, who always seizes the initiative of the fight by means of a technique, that is, defense combined with a counterattack, which serves as the beginning for him to develop a counterattack. But in some cases, the “blow for blow” tactic can be successfully used in a battle with an enemy who does not have a strong blow. Exchanging blows with such an opponent will be beneficial to the knockout artist, since it will allow the latter to use the power of his blows when alternating serial blows with the opponent, which creates a mutual opening of the defense.

Boxing has been thriving for several centuries, but only by the beginning of the 20th century did it acquire the status of a national sport for American workers. An industry appeared, crowds of fans appeared, the first legends were born who fought to the limit of their capabilities.

One of these legends was the “Bonebreaker of Manassa,” otherwise known as Jack Dempsey (1895-1983). He grew up in a poor family, started fighting at an early age and at one point won the world heavyweight title. His fighting style was based on aggressive defense and explosive strikes, his technique was unmatched, and he quickly became something of a myth in the boxing world. There is nothing strange about this - during his career he lost only 6 times and won 62 fights.

We think this is the kind of guy you should learn self-defense from.

Even a child can hurt an adult

Dempsey is confident that in every blow, the circumstances of its delivery are important. He illustrates his point with a speculative story: “What would happen if a one-year-old child fell from a fourth-floor window onto the head of a huge man standing on the sidewalk?” He continues: “I’m almost sure that the man will lose consciousness. He could die from a concussion or a broken neck.” Think about it - even an innocent little child can maul your face. If he can do it, then why are you so unsure of your own abilities?

Beware of large crowds of people, they lead to conflict

It's better when you rely on situational awareness. Not only Dempsey, but also many other professional fighters warn you against large gatherings - these are places of increased danger. The “Bonebreaker of Manassa” himself said the following:

“Over the last quarter century, the population has grown, transport has appeared, people began to live very close to each other. The pace of life has become so intense that today there is much more tension in any action than in the old days. The pressure, pace, and tension cause people to have outbursts of anger and, as a result, provoke fights. This is especially noticeable in cities, where fights start even from standing in traffic jams, crowded subways and buses, in queues, nightclubs and salons.”

We're not saying you should avoid all this, but if you go into a crowded area, be prepared for a fight.

Use your environment

If you are drawn into a physical confrontation, take a quick look around before throwing punches. In a split second it is possible to find a lot of useful things from the place where you are. The battlefield is a very important thing that can either give you advantages or take them away. How good are you at fights that take place in confined spaces? If you don’t know how to fight in close quarters, then tell your opponent: “Do you want to fight? Let's see if you have the courage to go outside and fight me like a man!” This is especially important when your enemy's cronies are sitting indoors - they can ruin your victory, so the street is always better.

Stumble before you strike

Dempsey had his own - it was called “Sunshine Dempsey”. Despite the funny and peaceful name, the strike itself destroyed many heads along the way. The point is that you have to move forward and kind of dive under the enemy to deliver a crushing blow to the jaw, mouth or nose. If the situation is rubbish, then a dive can be presented in the form of a stumble, a quick and clumsy step in order to mislead the enemy. Just stepping forward gives your punch more power, since you are using not only the strength of your arms, but also the strength of your entire core. It's best, of course, to practice this blow at home so you don't accidentally fall when it's time to fight.

Your little finger is the key to your power

Few people understand why a powerful blow is born. Dempsey believed that most people treated their shoulders in an amateurish way. He said that you need to “draw” a straight line from the shoulder to the little finger - your energy passes along this line, which creates a strong blow. Dempsey wrote: “Look at your little finger with respect. Energy passes from the shoulder down to the lever in the form of a fist, and the little finger is the barrel of a gun, the release of energy into freedom.”

Use your opponent's pauses to get your chance.

In boxing you cannot hit a person if the referee calls a break, but if we are talking about a street fight, then any break is your opportunity to strike. Especially when you “hug” with your opponent to catch your breath - you’ve definitely seen this in boxing, but this is not uncommon in street fights.

Based on Dempsey’s experience, it looks something like this:

1) Keep your head to the left of your opponent's head. Your chin should be slightly behind his shoulder.
2) Maneuver with your left arm to catch your opponent in the crook of your right elbow, thereby immobilizing his right arm so tightly that he cannot use it.
3) Guide your left hand under his right to pinch it just above the elbow, just below the bicep. When you hold your opponent in this manner, he can't hit you, but you're in the perfect position to explode and throw a surprise overhand punch.

Direct strikes are the basis for self-defense

Any pro will tell you that direct strikes are the key to victory - they are the most accurate and the most effective in terms of destroying the enemy's defense. Dempsey thought so too, he said: “Some modern wrestlers try to use the bolo punch, but let me warn you. The bolo is an extremely ostentatious strike. This blow is more dangerous than the enemy himself. The same goes for the long-range uppercut. If you want to signal your undertaker, then put them on. If you want to defeat your opponent, then use direct blows.”

For reference, a bolo punch is an exotic boxing punch that resembles an uppercut: the arm goes down from a fighting stance.

“Bonebreaker” believed that the main thing in a person is his skeleton. It’s about the same for everyone, so you don’t need to be afraid of a big man who comes at you with his fists. Many giants can be killed with one blow if you learn how to hit correctly. Don't be afraid of size - be afraid of good technique.

The faster the fight, the better it is

Your opponent may be tired, but you can't be sure of his condition if he's just staggering and retreating. Don't end the fight if you see him going backwards. The longer you fight, the less chance you have of winning - you can make a mistake at any time, and fortune, as you know, has a habit of betraying its favorite. Therefore, if there is an opportunity to end the fight ahead of time, then gather your courage and finish this fight with a knockout. A knockout is much more important in fistfights than in boxing because your safety depends on it.

And remember, if a child can break the skull of a grown man, then you can do it too.

12.01.2016

American sports journalist and writer Mike Silver reproaches modern boxers and their coaches for being overly enthusiastic about strength training: “I still can’t get over that terrible show (I can’t call it a fight) that Klitschko and Fury gave us.”

Heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey is a legendary boxer with a powerful punch. The 86-kilogram “Manas Bonebreaker” could cope with opponents who weighed much more than him. His left hook has been compared to a mule's hoof. The amazing muscles of Dempsey, and especially his left arm, speak of crazy destructive power.

Jack Dempey's workouts (video)

Dempsey's impressive muscles developed on their own, without the help of dumbbells or machines, supplements or steroids. This is the result of genetics and many years of work, many years spent in the gym, sparring and fighting. His body seemed made for boxing. Unfortunately, many of today's boxers mistakenly believe that improving their musculature by lifting weights ranging from 20 to 100 pounds, targeting specific muscle groups, will increase punching power and overall athleticism. But such an irresponsible training technique does not take into account the fact that fully trained boxing muscles are extremely important for this sport, just as, for example, ballet muscles are for ballet. The old school coaches understood this. They believed that adding weight lifting to your workouts was like putting sand in the gas tank of a Cadillac.

If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it

Before the advent of barbells, dumbbells and machines in the 1980s, we had never seen a boxing gym. “If it ain't broke, don't fix it” is a phrase that suits boxing well. Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier said it best: “We train the old way. We train boxers the way Louis, Dempsey, Henry Armstrong, Willie Pep, Jack Johnson, Rocky Marciano and other boxing greats trained. These were the best boxers, and if it was good for them, it’s good for us.”

Today's boxers are not helping themselves at all by using chemical supplements that are not scientifically approved. Any exercise or workout that does not develop speed or reaction in the legs or arms should be eliminated. Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev are two of the strongest punchers, but not the most muscular. To their credit and the credit of their coaches, they clearly do not include weight lifting in their training. Let's hope it stays that way.

Competent coaches (the few still left in the sport) are not narrow-minded. They are open to new ideas that have been proven to improve the performance of boxers. Unfortunately, most people who train and manage boxers don't understand "what's broken and what's not." As a result, they cannot give boxers anything to improve their technical performance. They require boxers to spend a lot of time mindlessly punching a punching bag or gaining strength with a fitness trainer (a completely different sport) and I think this will make the boxers stronger and add power to their punches. She clearly doesn’t understand that for a boxer, strength and power are not the same thing.

Compensation for lack of knowledge

Many so-called trainers adopt these unproven methods to compensate for their lack of knowledge. Instead of improving a boxer's balance, defensive and offensive techniques (which most boxers don't have), they focus on physical fitness, which is just bullshit. Legendary trainers Ray Arcel, Jack Blackbury, Charlie Goldman and Angelo Dundee would never allow anything like this to happen. As Teddy Atlas says, “Neither the boxer nor his manager understands that they are destroying the boxer step by step. Instead of improving the necessary indicators, they are looking for shortcuts.” Some of the boxing training techniques you see on YouTube are not only stupid, but also harmful.

Over the past 20 years, too many boxers have fallen victim to improper training. For example, Tim Bradley, whose career was almost destroyed by "strength" coaches who had no idea how to train boxers (watch the video about this on YouTube). Luckily, he fired those trainers and hired Teddy Atlas, who restored his style and banned weight training. But the damage had already been done. Another victim is Jeff Lacy, who was once a very promising boxer. Lacy made the mistake of hiring a “strength” coach, who decided that this already powerful athlete needed to pump up some more. His career quickly declined. Having pumped up huge biceps, Lacy became stiff and clumsy and lost the ability to deliver direct blows. He became an easy prey for the fast-moving Calzaghe, who never got carried away with unnecessary “weight” training and retained his natural speed.

The late Emanuel Steward, who became famous in the 1950s, also fell victim to the new techniques. In 2008, I interviewed Steward for my book, The Boxing Arc. Modern coaches should listen to his advice: “Many “strength” coaches confuse the strength technique necessary for boxing with that necessary for football and other sports, where, by the way, strength training has long been abolished. It’s a pity that “strength” coaches work with professional boxers. Boxers like Michael Grant and Frank Bruno are so huge that they can't throw a punch properly. And after 5-6 rounds, their muscles get tired. In addition, there is an increased risk of tearing muscles when lifting heavy objects. Look at Tommy Hearns, Bob Foster, Joe Lewis and other great boxers. They are usually slim guys. Even Foreman was a slender and naturally very strong guy. They didn’t have those huge muscles that come from lifting the glands.”

About mountain lions and bears

Compare Dempsey's trim but muscular physique to the overly muscular Wladimir Klitschko, who recently lost his title. Who has a better body type for boxing? Does the slow-moving mountain have muscles - the 2-meter Klitschko with a weight of 112 kg or the 185-meter, 87-kilogram Dempsey, whose punches thrashed opponents at the speed of a middleweight? The answer is obvious. Klitschko is the same weight and height as Jess Williard, whom Dempsey simply destroyed in 3 very tough rounds, winning the title. Without a doubt, exceptional speed and punching power would have been the same decisive factors for victory had he met Klitschko.

Jack Dempey's Best Knockouts (video)

The argument that today's heavyweight giants would be too big for Dempsey, Louis and Marciano is simply ridiculous. At 86kg, both Dempsey and Marciano could throw far more punches and at far greater speed than any of the larger heavyweights. And they did it tirelessly. No 110-kilogram piece of meat has ever combined the speed, endurance and punching power of an 86-kilogram boxer. Is a mountain lion too small to take down a much heavier bear? If you think so, watch NationalGeographicWild and you will see the truth. What could a “strength” trainer do for a mountain lion? Strength, cunning, speed and courage determine the winner.

The strongest survives

Smaller, but faster and smarter - these are the heavyweights that often defeat opponents of greater weight and strength. Any boxer who weighs between 85 and 95 kg is big enough to handle a super-large heavyweight if he has the technique, intelligence and understanding of how to handle larger size and strength. In fights between heavyweights, survival of the fittest does not always mean survival of the bigger. At least that's how it's always been. However, today everything is different. This is an era of super-big heavyweights coupled with an era of mediocrity. So today, when talent is scarce, size can matter.

If you remove the super talented people from any group, those at the bottom will take their place. But if it is impossible to say who is better, then the difference is incomprehensible. This is exactly what has happened to boxing over the past two decades. Sports have degraded at all levels. Today, the heavyweight division is so devoid of talent that those who were last have become first.

I still can’t get over the terrible performance (I can’t call it a fight) that Klitschko and Fury gave us. At one point I found myself screaming in disgust at the television screen. I've seen some terrible fights in the last 50 years, but this one was special because it made someone call it a "heavyweight championship." The absolute incompetence, lack of professionalism and boxing spirit of both opponents was simply amazing. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. This was the last straw. I was ready to throw the towel in the face of the sport I once loved. Honestly, if I don't see another boxing match again, I won't care.

Modern life is characterized by its speed and increasing separation from the past. Nowadays, the champions of past years have become so distant from us that sometimes it seems as if they did not exist at all. This is especially true for athletes who competed at the dawn of the 20th century. But, as you know, history cannot be forgotten, because we all come from the past to some extent. This article will talk about a man named Jack Dempsey, who to this day is one of the best boxers.

Brief biographical information

This great athlete was born on June 24, 1895 in the American city of New York (according to other sources, the place of birth is the city of Manassa, Colorado). He bore the nickname “Manas Bonebreaker”. The fighter’s height was 186 centimeters, and his arm span was 196 cm. During his career, he fought 83 fights, winning 62 of them. Died May 31, 1983.

Tyson's predecessor

Few people know that it would be more correct to compare Mike Tyson with someone who is more similar to Zhelezny in his mentality, namely Dempsey. Jack and Mike have a similar fighting style, so Jack Dempsey is considered the real analogue of Tyson as a boxer.

Signature reception

Our hero was a unique person in many ways. During his life, people, as they say, made themselves and were in many ways inventors. So this legendary boxer also did not stand aside and came up with and actively used a technique that later became known as “Dempsey’s Sun”. The essence of this technical action is as follows: Jack ducked under his opponent’s side kick, feinted to the outside and carried out his side kick to the head. Moreover, the dive was often followed by an additional blow to the body. This combination is actively used in boxing to this day.

The beginning of the boxing journey

Jack Dempsey came from the poorest sections of the population. Until the age of nineteen, he worked in the mines, until in 1914 he received an offer to compete in the boxing ring. He agreed without hesitation, taking on the pseudonym Kid Black.

It immediately became clear that the guy had not only great physical strength, but also an explosive temperament and perseverance. This mixture was provided by his blood, in which the Irish and Indians were mixed.

With each fight, the boxer’s popularity grew, and therefore he concluded that life would be easier for him in the ring than in the mines.

Hike to the top

In 1915-1916, Jack Dempsey fought 29 fights, losing only twice. The young talent became even stronger and more courageous, and also increased his agility and speed.

In July 1918, a fight took place between Dempsey and then world title contender Fred Fulton. Initially, this fight was planned for Fulton as a warm-up, capable of further raising his authority before the championship fight. Fred himself was a very large guy: with a height of 190.5 cm, he weighed 118 kg. It would seem that he should have taken Dempsey down with one left. But…

The outcome of the fight shocked the audience, as Jack Dempsey, a boxer who had not stood out much until that moment, knocked out Fulton in 23 seconds. Many observers and experts at the time considered this an accident, but the subsequent series of knockouts from Dempsey proved that he truly deserved a fight for the title.

Duel with the champion

On July 4, 1919, in the squared circle of the ring, Dempsey, being in the status of a challenger, met with the champion Jess Willard. The title holder was 26 kg heavier and 11 cm taller than his opponent.

As a result, Jack spectacularly knocked out Jess in the third round, which was able to finally dispel all doubts among the public about his worth as a boxer.

After winning the title, Jack defended it five times. The box office receipts from each of these fights then exceeded a million dollars - an unheard of amount of money at that time.

The first defense of the title took place in a fight with Billy Miske, whom Dempsey knocked out in the third round.

Another outstanding fight of Jack can be considered his confrontation with the Frenchman Georges Charpentier. 90,000 people gathered to watch their fight. But already in the fourth round, the former pilot from France found himself in a deep knockout. This fight was built on contrast, because Dempsey was always considered a bad boy and a dodger, while the Frenchman was a hero of the Second World War and a favorite of many women and the public.

The last successful defense of the belt for Jack was a fight with Argentinean Luis Angel Firpo. Their fight did not last long, and the challenger went home without the desired title, and even after being knocked out.

Dempsey lost the belt in a fight with Gene Tunney, to whom Jack lost on September 23, 1926. He lost to him in a rematch in 1927, after which our hero left the professional ring, only going out to box in exhibition matches.

Life after sports

After completing his boxing performances, Jack became a fairly successful businessman and opened his own restaurant in New York, where he often organized meetings and dinner parties for famous boxing veterans.

During World War II, Dempsey was a member of the US Coast Guard and was responsible for the physical training of soldiers. He also loved to enter the ring as a referee, officiating at boxing matches. In 1954, Jack was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

In addition, Jack Dempsey, whose book with his detailed biography was published back in 1977 under the title “The Autobiography of Jack Dempsey,” retained excellent, one might even say magnificent, physical shape almost until his last days of life. A clear confirmation of this is the case when his wife’s purse was snatched out of her hands by two young guys during their walk together. Jack was not taken aback and rushed after them. As a result, he not only caught up with them, but also physically punished them thoroughly. And he did it so efficiently and skillfully that the failed robbers themselves turned to the police for protection, who were somewhat unable to keep up with the events unfolding before their eyes. This incident occurred in 1977, at that time Dempsey was already 82 years old.

Also, fans of boxing and martial arts, if desired, can find another book written by Jack Dempsey - “Explosive Strikes and Aggressive Defense.” In it, the author paid close attention to the nuances of close combat, mid-range exchanges, the peculiarities of a street fight, and the execution of a direct strike.

PreScriptum To this day, debates continue about how to punch correctly - with two knuckles or three? Everyone finds arguments in their favor. But let's listen to the professionals. Here, I found some interesting material on this topic on the Internet:

Jack Dempsey technique

I read Jack Dempsey’s book “Explosive Strikes and Aggressive Defense” and understand the words of Morpheus from the movie “The Matrix” when he said that fate is not without irony. impact Like, you can’t hit with 3 dice!! We need two, “according to the classics.”

As already mentioned, fate is not without irony. In 1950, former world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey bitterly complained that promoters and incompetent trainers who had never punched anyone in the face were retraining young boxers from the classic “three-bone” punch to the punch. "two", exposing the latter risk of wrist injury.

A LITTLE EDUCATIONAL EDUCATION FOR THOSE TO WHOM THIS NAME SAYS NOTHING
Jack Dempsey, nicknamed “The Bonecrusher of Manassa,” is an American professional boxer, world heavyweight champion, and a strong knockout artist. He fought more than 80 fights, winning 62 of them and knocking out his opponents in more than 50. Boxed from 1915 to 1927.

By 1950 he wrote a book "Explosive Strikes and Aggressive Defense", in which he criticized modern boxing, which, in his opinion, had turned into show business, where boxers of the game plan replaced true knockouts. This man was born just 10 years after boxing gloves officially appeared in boxing.

This boxer was not just a puncher, but also defended himself very competently - many years have passed, and modern boxers are in full swing with the so-called. “Dempsey's sunshine” - it is still relevant.

Dempsey learned to box when the art of pugilism was still based on the developments gained in the era of competitive wrestling. naked fists This is why Dempsey's recommendations are more than valuable.

Those interested can refer to the full English version of Dempsey's book - http://dfiles.ru/files/t7pxiraz5

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find it in Russian. Too old (issued in 1950) - I doubt that anyone has translated it. As a result, she is almost unknown to the general public. But in vain. There are a lot of interesting findings in the book. So curious that I even translated some of them.

For those who are not fluent in English, you are welcome to familiarize yourself with what I have translated. I think it will be interesting.

From the book Explosive Strikes and Aggressive Defense by Jack Dempsey, 1950. “Line of Force.” Impact surface of the fist.

For a blow to be truly powerful, it must be delivered along the “line of force.” This line runs from your shoulder straight down your arm, through your hand, and ends at the knuckle of your little finger.

You can check it yourself - rest your fist against the wall at chin level and try to lean firmly and securely on your fist. The conclusion is clear: the natural and most reliable end of your hand, creating an ideal and rigid striking structure without distortions and unnatural bends in the joints, is the knuckle of your little finger.

Accordingly, we will achieve the greatest strength and severity of the blow by hitting it with it. For comparison, lean on the other 2 knuckles - the index and middle fingers. Note the unnatural twist of the wrist. This position of the hitting hand has now become very popular, and in vain, since it creates a direct threat of fracture and dislocation of the wrist.

Unfortunately, the palmar bone behind the little finger is also the weakest of all 5 bones. It is very easy to break. Therefore, under no circumstances try to aim with your little finger knuckle!

If you only hit it, you risk getting a severe fracture of the carpal bones. The problem is solved like this: INSTEAD OF YOUR LITTLE FINGER KNACE, AIM WITH THE KNACE OF YOUR RING FINGER.

Look at the position of the knuckles of your fist: the knuckles of the middle finger, ring finger and little finger are located almost in one straight line. This is the ideal striking surface of your fist..

If you aim with the knuckle of your ring finger, you will almost always hit with 3 knuckles at once, distributing the impact impulse between them and thus insuring the striking surface of the fist from damage. In addition, the shock impulse will pass very close to the ideal “line of force”.

All other options are dangerous!

Thumb. Avoid any blows that use your thumb as the striking surface. Not only is it located farthest from the “line of force” (and therefore simply not able to deliver a strong blow), but it also breaks easily and is knocked out of the joint.

Forefinger. The knuckle of the index finger is strong - and sometimes it will hit the target along with the other three. It will hit - well, okay. But purposefully hitting with it is a big mistake, since the displacement of the striking point from the “line of force” causes an unnatural position of the wrist and is fraught with a fracture.

Middle finger. The knuckle of the middle finger is the strongest, but also sticks out the most. If you try to aim with it, then it will be the only one you hit. This is the source of most hand injuries. The bone of the middle finger is quite strong, but not so strong that it can withstand the full force of a blow “with investment” alone. Especially when the hand is not protected by anything.

BOTTOM LINE: ALWAYS AIM WITH YOUR RING FINGER. Nature will take care of the rest - the shape of the fist will not allow the other 2 knuckles to remain away from the blow. This will not only strengthen the blow (since the “line of force” runs nearby), but will also significantly protect the fist - there are 3 striking knuckles at once, and besides, the knuckle of the middle finger is the strongest on the hand.

Over time, you will understand that these principles apply equally to straight punches, hooks, and uppercuts. If the blows are placed correctly, the striking surface of the hand remains the same.

Let's summarize. The power of a blow depends on the "mass investment" and whether the blow is struck along a "line of force." Blows delivered along this line hit the target with 3 knuckles: the middle, ring and little fingers. In order to evenly distribute the shock impulse between them and avoid injuries to the hand, it is necessary to aim at the target with the knuckle of the ring finger.

Any blows that do not reach the target with this striking surface (in particular, swings) are inherently incorrect. They deviate from the line of force, lack striking power and can easily injure the striker.

About swings. The swing is one of the most ineffective strikes and is more dangerous for the striker than for the one at whom it is aimed (there is no strength or investment in the body in the strike itself, there is a high probability of damage to the striking limb, the strike is struck sweepingly and for a long time, it is easy to read, it makes it much easier leave and protect yourself than from the direct one).

Don't confuse swing with hook! The hook is a short side blow with a body attachment, a purely melee weapon. The dependence is this: the greater the distance, the more the “hook” loses its effectiveness and in the end turns into a “swing”.

By the way, a sweeping “uppercut” at long and medium distances is not an uppercut at all (for a true uppercut, like a hook, is a melee weapon), but the same swing, but which opens up the striker even more. The paradox is that “swing” is the most natural striking movement for the average person. The real place of this blow is in the trash heap. Give it up and never think about it - of course, unless you want your brains blown out.

Mid-range exchange rule. In a head-on collision and exchange of blows at mid-range, the more “straight” you hit, the more likely you are to be “inside” your opponent’s attack.

The general rule of exchange is that whichever opponent dominates the “central straight” has a significantly higher percentage of hits on target.

The opponent, “pushed out” from the central line, is forced to throw punches along circular trajectories with an additional swing. Displacing the enemy from the “central straight” at an average distance leads to the fact that he is left to work mainly with SWINGS, with all the ensuing consequences.

Circular blows of a person forced out of the “central straight” are often delayed or fly by, because must travel a greater distance compared to the trajectory of a direct strike - which is also the shortest distance to the target.

If the swings hit, then they cause significantly less damage than counter straight ones along the “center line.” Remember: any type of swing used against competent straight work has no chance of success.

From this comes the rule for mutual exchanges at medium distance - try to “round off your blows” as little as possible, strive to master the central straight line and find yourself “inside” the line of attack, pushing the enemy’s attacking limbs to the periphery.

A fight and a knockout blow. A fight has a number of significant differences from fighting in the ring. The main thing is a very high level of injuries. Always remember: the longer the fight goes on, the more likely you are to become crippled. Each new minute of a street collision dramatically reduces your chances of getting out of it without serious injuries or injuries.

Several important conclusions follow from this: the fight must be ended as quickly as possible. The best way to stop a fight is to knock out your opponent. Therefore, the fight should be dominated by HEAVY KNOCKOUTS. The place for light jabs and beautiful maneuvers is in the ring. In a fight, it is not beauty that is important, but efficiency.

The importance of throwing a knockout punch with the left hand. For a street puncher, landing a knockout punch with the LEFT hand is of great importance. Why do we start on the left? The fact is that for a “standard right-hander” the left fist is much more important than the right (we don’t take left-handed people into account, it has its own specifics). At first, such a statement may seem strange, because we are trying to deliver a knockout blow as quickly as possible and, logically, we should start with a “strong” right.

Will explain. In a left-sided stance, the left hand is closer to the opponent. Accordingly, it reaches its target faster and is more difficult to parry than the right one.

A well-placed left straight or hook will at a minimum keep your opponent off balance and open him up to a finishing right hand.

Hitting with your left is not only easier, but also much safer. The hitting hand covers the rebound, on the other hand it is protected by the right hand. The left hand is one of the least vulnerable striking positions. It is for this reason that the striking series is usually started with the left.

Starting with a right hand against an experienced opponent is so dangerous that this blow was even called “catch the pussy” (another translation option is “sucker punch”). However, I in no way deny the possibility of using this blow with lethal effect.

Unfortunately, modern boxing has almost lost the skill of the knockout left punch, replacing it everywhere with the play jab, which serves only as preparation for the knockout right punch. At the same time, for some reason everyone forgot that a correctly placed blow with the front hand can successfully knock out the enemy no worse than the back one.

The basics of “investing” body weight into a blow. The basis for throwing a strong punch is to move your body weight. There are only 4 ways to invest our body weight in a striking movement: 1). fall forward 2). forward movement jumping forward 3). rotation of the shoulders with the involvement of strong back muscles and transfer of body weight from one leg to the other 3). upward movement of body weight - for example, when throwing uppercuts.

Each blow combines at least 2 of the 4 listed components. The more components in a blow, the stronger it is. That is why the most powerful blow that can be delivered with the left hand is a direct blow delivered at a “falling step”.

It combines 3 elements simultaneously - falling, forward movement of the body and twisting of the torso. Today this blow has been almost completely forgotten and erased from the combat arsenal. Meanwhile, the “falling step” itself guarantees the presence of a hard direct blow into which most of your mass will be invested.

There are a number of reasons why the straight line at the “falling step” has almost ceased to be used. New-fashioned instructors teach boxers to strike exclusively by twisting the body.

For some reason, stepping forward with a strong left hand in the blow is considered a dangerous maneuver - they say, the enemy can dodge and knock out with a counter blow. Well, spanking with jabs is much safer.

And if you think about it - what's the difference? Essentially, every time you extend your left fist towards the target in an attempt to reach the enemy, you expose yourself to the danger of receiving a counter blow. Moreover, a boxer who is accustomed to using a jab uses it much more often than a striker who puts knockout power into his front hand.

This is understandable - they don’t exchange knockout blows in vain and don’t poke them anywhere. So isn’t it better to hit hard with your front hand, with the goal of knocking out your opponent, rather than just slapping him in the face?

My advice is this: use a light jab exclusively in the “two” - when your left fist hits the opponent in the upper part of the head - lifting it and thereby allowing the right blow to clearly hit the upturned chin. In all other cases, use the technique of direct strikes “in the fall.”

Setting up the technique of direct strikes at the “falling step”. Stand in a left-handed stance. Bend your knees slightly, transfer the main weight of your body to your front left leg, so that the metatarsus of your right foot touches the floor lightly.

Now, WITHOUT PRELIMINARY AUXILIARY MOVEMENT, take a long, quick step with your left foot in the direction of the target. I emphasize - WITHOUT additional movements! You will definitely want to move back a little - don't do it.

The idea is that you sharply bend your left loaded leg and allow your body to FALL FORWARD with a long stride. The whole movement is fast, convulsive and from the outside looks extremely clumsy. But it is precisely this clumsy leap that is the basis of a knockout direct blow. This is the basis for setting up the heaviest direct blow with the investment of the entire body weight.

Actually, when we walk, each step we take includes a slight “fall.” The human step in general is a series of ups and downs.

In the “falling step,” the fall stage is brought to its maximum, it is enhanced for two reasons: 1. before the step, almost all the weight is on the front leg 2. the step is so long that it gives gravity the opportunity to give the body an unusual “free fall” moment.

It is for this reason that at the end of the movement your left leg “slams” heavily into the floor. In the twilight of his career, Joe Gans rarely missed with his long, straight left—but when he did, the landing of his left foot could be heard half a block away.

Despite the fact that at the beginning of the step your weight was loaded mainly on your left leg, you did not fall to the floor. Why? Because after lifting your left leg off the floor, the toe of your right leg instinctively pushed you forward with a leap, trying to maintain the balance of your body falling forward. The left leg acted as a trigger for the subsequent push with the right leg.

I repeat again - there is no preliminary movement before the "falling step" - and especially not moving back, which is a natural reaction of your body! Shifting your weight back will slow down the strike, signal the opponent to start the strike, and weaken the strike itself.

In a fight there is no room for the luxury of unnecessary movements. There may be only one convenient moment to hit the target. Therefore, no preparation.

PAY ATTENTION TO A VERY IMPORTANT DETAIL – THIS PUNCH IS BEEN HIGH BY THE FIST IN A VERTICAL POSITION.

Twisting the fist and turning it palm down is used in the now very popular “semi-straight punches” - which are fought by rotating the shoulders. But that's why they are semi-straight.

THERE IS SUCH A RULE: AS soon as you start placing your fist with your palm down, you start to turn your punch, and the straight line turns into a barely noticeable loop.

This is nature, it is impossible to deceive it, it loves round movements, there is more harmony in them. This is how the human body works. But the "falling step kick" is a PURE STRAIGHT KICK - it doesn't require any rotation. They will only smear it and give it unnecessary curves. The blow must go clearly in a straight line!

Be sure to learn how to make this kick with a long step - then you will not care whether your step is half a meter long or several centimeters long, which is almost invisible from the side.

After you learn how to do the “straight in the fall”, compare it with the direct one applied only by twisting the torso - and you will see for yourself that in the second option you will never achieve such a penetrating effect and investment as with the “falling step”.

The fact is that in a left-sided stance, the fighter is turned to the enemy with his left shoulder - which significantly reduces the torque put into the left blow. So it turns out that the left blow through rotation of the shoulders is stronger the further the left shoulder is pulled back at the beginning of the blow.

Pulling the left shoulder back in itself gives a signal to an experienced opponent about what kind of blow will be delivered. In addition, it weakens your defense and creates the risk of receiving an oncoming knockout blow.

If you cannot step into the enemy, hit him straight with your shoulders turned, but if you have the opportunity to step forward even a little, hit him using the “falling blow” principle.