well, the last body shot i got i dealt with by getting a bruised rib... definitely don't recommend my method.
Bruised ribs can take a while to heal. They can always end up setting you back further than originally anticipated, in my experience.
actually this leads me on to another point how long does a bruised rib take to heal, off course it depends on the severity of the bruise i suppose, but if its lightly bruised what do you do about it ? My ribs been hurting for a week now and each time i spar im just really nervous about getting hit in the ribs cause it hurts like hell! should i stop sparring and let it heal or what ?
Even lightly bruised ribs can take months to heal. Don't spar at all. Shadowbox instead and when your ribs no longer hurt, start sparring but ask your partner not to go to the body, would be my advice.
Obviously the conventional abdominal exercises are necessary, but should only be done a few times a week, to create general strength throughout the core. The stuff that will really prepare your core for actual combat is what some other guys have said: medicine ball drops/slams, having someone punch you - essentially conditioning your abs to taking strikes in all forms. Stand up against a wall and have someone punch you while holding your breath; hang on a pull up bar and have someone slam a medicine ball into your abs. Anything that creates the tension reaction to contact helps. Crunches and leg raises only go so far - strengthening and toning the muscle. But they don't do **** for being able to react against pressure/force/etc. Specificity training: practice getting hit (hard) so that it's normal when you spar/fight.