Just wondering what other peoples defense is when they spar or fight. Lately I've been trying out two types of defense. Hit and move or turtle defense and catching punches. And what works the best for me is the turtle defense. When i hit and move i get tired fast but when i turtle i seem more effective defending punches and my offense is better. What works best for you guys?
Both, depending on my sparring partner's style and how tired I am. Although i'm not comfortable with the term "turtling up", as this is the term I use to describe what newbies do - where they take shots dead on (no rolling to reduce impact) and either close their eyes, or not look for countering opportunities and simply wait for their sparring partner to stop punching. I'm not saying this is what you're doing. I'm just saying, i'd rather use the term "covering up" versus "turtling up".
I use a modified Philly-shell from the southpaw stance from the outside. high-guard in medium range and I shell when in-fighting. I usually rely on my reflexes and speed to slip and counter. But I block and counter almost as often.
Yeah when I mean turtling I mean more like high guard and occasional slipping of punches. Like winky wright is a good example
For any fighter, your primary defense should be your ability to judge distance. You don't have to defend against punches that cannot reach you. Second, your position relative to your opponent. For two orthodox fighters, that means you shade to your right because that keeps is right hand behind your left shoulder, and you basically out of reach. Third, the angle of your body. Keep your front shoulder and hip well forward- but don't lean forward!- and you can use them for protection. You don't need to block, slip or get hit by every punch. If you utilize the above three steps properly, you don't even have to acknowledge most punches. Ever wonder why old time guys fought with their hands down (and it is easier to punch from there than with your hands up in front of your eyes)? They stayed out of reach until they moved in behind a slip/counter move. Wonder why, when you spar, you seem to be constantly defending? Because you stand right in front of the guy.
Keeping distance is my key defence, as a tall fighter when I'm on my game I liked to stay just out of range and let my opponent fall short. When in range I keep my elbows in and the earmuffs on, on the ropes I just cover up and move my head the odd time. I never try to counter because I've never had much success with that, always take clean shots to head when I open up.
i do a ton of headmovement. i worked diligently on it for years by myself before i ever stepped foot in a gym, so its something i rely on quite a bit. my coach also works alot on it with me. alot of the guys i spar with get very frustrated not being able to hit me despite the fact i am in range, just recently i have been able to start adding in counters. but majority of the time i stay tight, hands high, just out of range, and i like to catch and parry shots
