Modern Self Defence: Lessons from Bareknuckle Boxing
With the resurgence of interest in combat arts, it’s only natural that we see more in-depth explorations of different fighting styles. In a recent video session with the YouTube channel Hard2Hurt, run by Icy Mike, Jared Robinson, a professional boxer, was given a crash course in bareknuckle boxing. Let’s delve deeper into the invaluable lessons this training reveals for those interested in realistic self defence. Bareknuckle Boxing: A Misunderstood Art Bareknuckle boxing often evokes images of gritty, unregulated street fights, yet, as Icy Mike attempts to rebrand it, it’s more than just thoughtless brawling; it’s a martial art with techniques and strategies as intricate as any regulated combat sport. Starting with the basics, bareknuckle boxing focuses on trapping hands and counter movements. Essentially, it is about creating an opportunity to land solid hits while avoiding or minimising incoming strikes. For instance, you initiate with presenting an appetising target, then use your opponent’s desire to land a hit against them by using subtle movements to parry, slip, or counter-attack. Layered Defense Influenced by Footwork Mike makes the point that defense in bareknuckle boxing (and by extension self-defence) is layered, starting with footwork. It forms the first line of protection, allowing you to maintain optimal distance from attacks while allowing you to manoeuvre yourself in the best position to counter-attack. Head movement paired with proper positioning of hands also contributes to your layered defense, providing several lines of defence to navigate through before an opponent can land a successful hit. Harmonising Defense and Attack In bareknuckle boxing, every defensive move potentially carries an offensive opportunity. For example, the video demonstrates two strategies: using short, light jabs to the nose to keep opponents at bay and exposing them to cross-hooks or smashing opponents hands with your forehead as they come down on you. Each strategy harnesses the principle of using your opponent’s force and momentum against them. Advantage to Having Tactile Sensitivity Unlike traditional boxing where the use of gloves dampens tactile feedback, in bareknuckle boxing, you have less protection but better feedback. This heightened sensitivity enhances your perception of an attack’s direction and strength, allowing for more efficient parrying and more precise counter-attacks. Engaging in Clinch Fighting Clinch fighting, where you’re holding your opponent while hitting them, could be frowned upon in professional boxing, but in practical self defense, it’s a crucial skill. Proper understanding of this technique could provide you with superior control over your opponent, allowing you a dominant position enabling effectively placed shots. In conclusion, bareknuckle boxing provides valuable insights into real-life self-defence beyond preconceptions of brutish street fights. The lessons learned, from the importance of footwork to the ability to exploit tactile sensitivity and the advantages of clinch fighting, enhance our understanding of how to better protect ourselves. One might not partake in a bare-knuckle boxing match, but integrating these lessons into your self-defence repertoire may prove advantageous in a tight spot. Remember, the ultimate goal is not to win a match but to move out of a potentially dangerous situation safely.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a YouTube channel owned by Icy Mike. He uses his extensive experience in personal security, law enforcement, and martial arts to teach effective self-defense techniques. His content merges physical fitness training and personal safety skills, focusing on real-life scenarios and practical strategies. Icy Mike’s approach is direct, honest, and often humorous.
Self-Defence Block
always using giant puffy 16oz gloves makes your punching sloppy. I always recommend a few minutes now and then, in just wraps or bare, on the bag to keep your wrists and fist finely tuned.
Have you ever tried/used a bolo gun? I want to see you review one if you can
Mike!
Please try boxing with some lead-filled SAP gloves. Would love to hear what you think about them in self defense. Only self defense "weapon" I personally have used in an actual defense situation.
Sheesh! Even in slow mo, you can see Jared's training! that "pop" at the end of his strikes. Yikes!
Now that you addressed BKB I would love to hear your thoughts on 52 Blocks system of defense specifically the one that is being taught by Lyte Burly and Professor Mo. I appreciate and respect all your content.
The fighting style "52 Blocks" uses alot of these techniques. A few boxers use that style like Zab Judah. Good shit.
"That Don Frye Takayama thing". LMAO. I remember Pride 21. That was nuts.
Looks a lot like old school karate and kung fu lol 🤔
Putting your forehead in the way was some advice I got from the 1992 Brian Denahy movie Gladiator. This confirms the script writer wasn't full of b.s.
Lots of Wing Chun movements here.
Skull && bones 52 blocks, no shout out once again bum, that's the master style of bare knuckle and ur too scared to mention.. u related to Elvis presley? 🖕🏿
Thanks for the lesson Mike. It's Awsome. I'm taking Capoeira classes 4 years now and starting to getting in the jiu jitsu classes also. Have a bit of street fights in my 19ish 20ish {8 years before that is} with barenuckles (not the sport. The what your looking at style and I figured I sucked at fighting so took some boxing and muay Thai classes, so I'm a bit better at taking punches now, without fear that is. I'm also starting to taking classes to be a teacher so I can help people, but admitidly I suck at it for now. My bro helping me at that for now, he wants to know of how he can defend himself in the streets(teaching him how to throw a jab and a cross that's what I know how to teach at a begginer. Also teaching him about footwork) and your videos are my go to for instructions. Love your work, and for real your making me a better person, everytime I watch something, not only better at fighting. Thanks a lot again and sorry for the big sheet of comment. KEEP IT HARD!!!!
very cool, I love the parries and the elbow limb destruction reminds me of some 52 blocks/prison boxing technique. definitely going to incorporate this into my practice, thank you
BKFC Is my favourite combat sport to watch because of the fast action and clinching. Love it!
Make the videos longer please
Bokator + 52 Blocks man = box hands gameover
Mike you been watching hajime no ippo? The art of blocking with your face? 😂😂😂 jokes aside yeah bare knuckle has different needs than gloves sport boxing so it makes sense
This is genuinely frustrating and it makes me borderline mad. I love your channel and your enthusiasm, no criticism towards you.
Every tip that you mention here is what I do instinctively when I'm stressed ur stuck in a mean sparring. Everything from the long arms, to the locking of hands, elbow blocks and even the holding of the head. Every opponent I ever had is larger and more skilled then me. Right now it feels like everything other coaches and boxers ever said to me was to hold me down, to get me down on their level.
even in a video dedicated to bareknuckle boxing, mike still refuses to train bare knuckle
Many of your bare knuckle boxing are movements and biomechanics found in classical Wing Chun. Interesting.
Havent seen the video yet but hey its the internet, who watches what they comment on anymore anyway.
Blocking punches with your head does actually work if its bare knuckle, just make sure you dont close your eyes and pull your shoulders up and hope the dude doesnt use feints. The forehead is very hard to hurt
Using the elbows like that reminds me a lot some stances and forms used in Muay Chaiya. Mike, have you trained this form or Thai Boxing ?
This was pretty interesting. I recognized a lot of the concepts from the panantukan ("Filipino dirty boxing") I've been taught at my FMA gym 🙂
that headbutt move remind of a movie there the ending involve bar knuckle fighting and the Opponent use that move.
Finally, a video with sound advice, not just blatant chicanery.
stay at range keep moving left range finder right power all good form
I miss Coach Jared! Bring him back!
Don’t get me wrong, while Boxing is the Art they all use, the fights in BKB organizations today are way more interesting to watch than gloved boxing. Not because of „blood and gore“, but from a technical perspective much more interesting.
You'll hurt yourself the second you touch someone without a glove on. You're not even training the right angle to land your punch with all that padding.
I told you to use the elbows and made a video for u and you made fun of my house you said i live in a cardbox huse…
Good content. Respect