Why Every Martial Artist Should learn Boxing

Learn Boxing: Refine Your Technique and Become a Well-Rounded Martial Artist

Written by Hays Daewoud, Founder: ACE Martial Arts

As a young martial artist, I never considered the need to learn boxing. I was captivated by stars like Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Their impressive kicks—flying side kicks, jump kicks, and spin kicks—seemed superhuman. Inspired by their moves, I spent countless hours as a karate student mastering these kicks, Boxing never occurred to me.

But when I started full-contact martial arts like kickboxing, I quickly realised there was more to learn. While those kicks are powerful, they become less effective when an opponent is aiming punches at your face. That’s when I discovered the importance of boxing training.

Learning Boxing: A Game-Changer for Martial Artists

I remember one of my early sparring sessions. I relied only on my kicks, and at first, my opponent struggled to keep up. But soon, he closed the distance and landed a punch straight to my nose. My kicks had become predictable.

A hamstring injury led me to focus on learning boxing, and it changed everything. I trained several days a week, working on my punches. When I returned to kickboxing, I was stronger in every range of combat. My boxing skills even made my kicks better, giving me the versatility I had lacked before.

The Power of Boxing in Martial Arts

As I improved my boxing technique, my kickboxing and kung fu skills also improved. Boxing helped me avoid being predictable, and it enhanced my ability to set up powerful strikes. Even now, as both a student and teacher of martial arts, I continue to practice my boxing skills with Hussy Hussein, an Australian boxing hall of famer.

Why should every martial artist learn boxing? The answer is simple: the punching techniques taught in traditional martial arts don’t match the refined skills you develop in boxing. Boxing is often called “the sweet science” for a reason. It teaches precision, timing, and power that other styles can’t match.

The Benefits of Boxing Training

Years ago, my former coach Mick Spinks, an undefeated fighter, wrote an article called “To Be a Better Kickboxer, Be the Better Boxer.” Mick knew that mastering boxing was key to becoming a great martial artist. By adding boxing training to your skill set, you expand your combat abilities and become a more complete fighter.

Even Bruce Lee recognised the value of boxing. He incorporated many boxing principles into his own style, proving that even the best martial artists can benefit from learning boxing.

So don’t hesitate. Boxing is an essential tool that will improve your overall martial arts ability, giving you a better edge in any fight.