The Jab Part 1

What is it about the Jab that causes so many great boxers and, only now, MMA fighters to talk incessantly about it? Your understanding of the Jab, indeed, is arguably parallel to where you are at in your progress as either a boxer or a Mixed Martial Artist. So ask your self what is it about the jab that causes so many great boxers focus their attention on it. When I first started hearing again and again from so many commentators such as George Foreman, Lennox Lewis and Sugar Ray Lennoard on HBO it got thinking about the basic elements of the Jab.
Often coaches will tell you "If you cant hit them with your jab, you can forget anything else"

It is closest to the opponent, it is fastest of all punches, it can be used to blind, confuse and trick your opponent and other 'functions' as such. I thought once I had mastered these 'actions' then I would have greater success and I did, however i realise now this is the Primary school level understanding of the jab as a weapon. As you grow to understand and use the jab you find it easier to get into position, put your opponent of what they are doing and out of posture, still there is a next stage of understanding

The point where you realise the jab is a question is when you start to use it properly. The Jab finds out how someone reacts, what the are looking for how fast they move or adjust. You oppositions Jab is a question you must answer, there is an saying old in boxing "If you cant beat a mans jab, you cant beat him" There is a point where you must decide answering the question a jab poses. Are you the student? Answering questions unexpectedly when asked, becoming coming stressed at exam time, fumbling and trying to catch up at the last minute. Or are you trained? Are you learned, studied and are you now the teacher designing the tests and leading the way down paths.

This is now bring you up to a high school grade of Jab pedigree. Stay tuned for Part 2 where I will explain the TRUE place of the Jab and perhaps you can earn your Masters in the Jab.