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If you are regularly watching UFC fights or you have friends that are offering grappling training, then you might see fighters with weird ears.

Weird ears are also known as cauliflower ear, traumatic auricular, and doctors called it hematoma.

Most of the fighters have weird ear because when the external portion of the ear suffers a blow, collection of fluid, or blood clotting under the perichondrium. It results in the separation of cartilage from the overlying perichondrium that is responsible for the supply of nutrients, and fibrous tissues are formed in the overlying skin.

So, as a result, the outer ear permanently remains swollen, and its shape looks like a cauliflower. 

Famous Boxers with Cauliflower Ears

1. Frankie Edgar
2. James Thompson
3. Alexander Gustafsson
4. BJ Penn
5. Randy Couture
6. Leslie Smith
7. Kazushi Sakuraba

If the fighters don’t go for a quick treatment option, and no draining of swollen air is performed, then the ear might remain deformed for life.

It has been seen that most of the fighters don’t go for quick treatment due to several reasons.

• The most important reason is they consider it a badge of honor. They want to show the world that they are trained fighters and have spent a good time in a training room.
• Another reason for not getting treatment is the chance of reoccurring of the injury during the other training session. Most fighters don’t want to wear headgear, so they open heartily, accept weird ears, and want to go with them. 

Causes of Weird Ears

The most frequent and common cause is hit to the ear. Repeated hits to the ear can result in the collection of blood, and that blocks the flow of nutrients and blood. When the outer layer of the skin is pulled from cartilage, it results in the deformed ear. Most of the time, cauliflower ears are because of sports injuries, but it is not necessarily true all the times. If you have an infection in the ear lobe, you might have weird ears. Trauma to the ear can also cause cauliflower ear. 

If the tissues die because of a lack of blood supply and nutrients, you may have a deformed and swollen ear. The effects of cauliflower may become more prominent and permanent over time. But the good news for the fighters and the common man is cauliflower ears can be prevented even after the injury. 

Who are at risk of cauliflower ears?

Weird ear occurs in those people who participate in contact sports, such as boxing and wrestling. Let’s take an example of wrestling; trauma can result due to hitting one another or rubbing the opponent’s head or even by touching with a wrestling mat. Weird ears are common in people who practice martial arts and rugby payers. People who participate in these sports are at more risk than others. Protective headgear can be used in these sports. 

It is not necessary that only sports players will have weird ears, it can happen with other people as well. Weird ears may be the result of an accident or any other physical altercations. If the higher area in the ear, such as cartilage is infected, it can result in a cauliflower ear. 

Symptoms of Weird Ears

The initial symptoms that lead the ear to weird or cauliflower ears can be similar to the blunt trauma. The first and visible symptoms can be red ear and swelling. So, if you have received multiple blows or even a single blow to your ear, don’t take it lightly, and it can result in permanent deformation. So, the quick and timely treatment can prevent the development of cauliflower ear, but it should be performed before the tissue faces the lack of blood flow. 

Treatment of Weird Ears

If you suffer from any injury that can result in blockage of the tissues of the ear, then there are great chances that you may develop a cauliflower ear. The purpose of treatment is to ease the blood flow so that tissues can gain the required blood. A doctor can help you to remove clot blood or to drain excess fluid. For reconnecting tissues, stitches are required, and to put pressure on the affected area; special bandages are used. This dressing needs to stay in place for a quick recovery for a few days or weeks. You will have to frequently visit the doctor to avoid the signs of infection and further treatments. For quick healing, the doctor can prescribe you antibiotics. 

Prevention of Weird Ears

The best thing to do in any situation is “Prevention.” If you are involved in any activity or sports such as boxing, rugby, wrestling, or any other contact sports, the risk for trauma is high, so to prevent this, wear protective headgear. Before buying, make sure that the headgear is a proper fit for you. Because the loose helmet can slip out of place and result in a severe injury. Too tight headgear can also be damaging as it will interact with your ear while wearing and taking it off. Athletes must wear headgear during practice and training sessions as well. 

Another important prevention of weird ears is, see your doctor if you feel any chances of trauma. Treatment can prevent your ear from permanent deformation. For good results, it must be done as soon as the injury occurs. 

Conclusion

As a spectator, when we watch fighters, we start thinking, why they have such weird ears? We consider their ear as the misshapen ear. At first, we might consider it as some sort of ear defect. Most of the MMA fighters have weird ears. As it is mentioned earlier, such ears can be because of blows to the ear. Some fighters consider it as an honor badge and don’t want to hide by using headgear. So, if you notice swelling and redness, visit your doctor. If the issue is not addressed for some time, it may result in permanent deformation. The best way to prevent weird ears is by using a headgear. Make sure that the headgear is a proper fit for you. Loose or tight headgear can cause severe injury. It is not necessary that only fighters may have a weird ear, a common man can also have a weird ear as well. 

As I stepped onto the fencing piste for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

• Fencing terminology, such as “en garde” (on guard) and “allez” (go), is often in French, a language associated with refinement.
• The pristine white uniform, the polished steel foil, and the graceful footwork all contributed to the aura of elegance surrounding the sport.

Is fencing really posh? Some instances and aspects can contribute to its perception as “posh”:

1. Historical Associations: Fencing has historical ties to aristocratic traditions, where it was considered a skill of the nobility and often depicted in period dramas and literature as an activity of the upper classes.

2. Elegant Attire: Fencers typically wear uniforms that include white jackets and pants, creating a clean and polished appearance. The uniforms, combined with the use of masks and gloves, can contribute to an air of elegance and sophistication.

3. Etiquette and Conduct: Fencing is known for its emphasis on etiquette, sportsmanship, and respect for opponents. The formality and code of conduct observed in fencing can give it an air of refinement.

4. Cultural Representations: In media and popular culture, fencing is sometimes portrayed as an activity of the cultured elite. Movies, books, and television shows often feature characters engaging in fencing as a symbol of their sophistication and social standing.

5. Fencing Clubs and Facilities: Some fencing clubs and facilities are located in upscale neighborhoods and offer an environment that aligns with posh perceptions, featuring elegant decor and comfortable amenities.

6. Private Lessons and Coaching: Private lessons and personalized coaching are common in fencing, allowing for one-on-one instruction that can contribute to the perception of exclusivity.

7. Participation in Elite Circles: Fencing can offer opportunities for networking and socializing in certain circles, which might reinforce the perception of the sport as a pursuit of the well-to-do.

Newham Swords team manager coach Linda Strachan shared the posh perception of the kids who learnt fencing “When they start some of the kids say fencing is for posh schools, but it is a fighting sport.”

Growing up, I had heard of fencing in stories and movies, often portraying it as an art of the aristocracy. Images of masked fencers engaged in duels of wit and agility graced the pages of history books and silver screens alike. It was hard not to be drawn to the allure of this seemingly exclusive world. 

In fencing class, I was struck by the camaraderie among the fencers. People from different walks of life came together with a shared passion for the sport. The posh perception I had held started to crumble as I see beginners exchanging stories of how we had discovered fencing and why we were drawn to it. The stories were as diverse as the individuals themselves – some were inspired by historical novels, some by Olympic champions, and some simply by the love of physical activity.

Curious about the real cost of pursuing the art of fencing? From the initial investment, explore whether the world of fencing is more inclusive than its posh reputation suggests. Click here to read: Is Fencing for the Rich? Unveiling the Costs 🤺

Cons of the Posh Perception of Fencing:

1. Exclusivity: The posh perception might deter people from diverse backgrounds who assume that fencing is only for the elite, potentially limiting the sport’s accessibility and inclusivity.

2. Misunderstanding the Sport: Focusing solely on the posh aspect might overlook the depth of skill, athleticism, and strategy involved in fencing, leading to a superficial understanding of the sport.

3. Financial Barriers: The perception of fencing as a posh activity could lead to the assumption that it requires substantial financial investment, potentially deterring individuals who might otherwise be interested.

4. Pressure on Participants: The expectation to uphold an elegant and refined image could create pressure on fencers to conform to certain standards, potentially affecting their enjoyment of the sport.

5. Undervaluing Diversity: The focus on poshness might overshadow the diversity within the fencing community, disregarding the unique stories and motivations of fencers from various backgrounds.

As I reflect on my journey through the posh perception of fencing, I am reminded that appearances can be deceiving. While fencing may carry an air of elegance and refinement, its true essence lies in the passion, dedication, and hard work of its practitioners.

How Much Do Fencers Make? Uncover the realities of turning your love for the sport into a viable career path. From the glitz of the Olympics to the grassroots of local competitions, we dissect the earnings, endorsements, and opportunities that await those who don the mask and take up the blade. 

The sport has taught me that breaking stereotypes and embracing diversity enriches our experiences and broadens our horizons. So, the next time I step onto the piste, I’ll do so with a deeper appreciation for the complexities that lie beneath the gleam of steel.

How Dangerous is Fencing? Peels back the layers of history to uncover three remarkable yet lesser-known incidents that shed light on the risks and evolution of this elegant sport. Click here to delve into the untold stories: How Dangerous is Fencing? And 3 Historical Deaths that Defined It. Adventure awaits! 

Are you looking for the best boxing gloves that provide wrist support?

When choosing boxing gloves for wrist support, there are several important factors to consider:

1. Wrist strap or built-in support: Look for gloves that have a wrist strap or built-in support to provide additional stability and protection for your wrists.

2. Material: Make sure the gloves are made of high-quality materials that will provide durability and comfort during training and competition.

3. Fit: It’s important to choose gloves that fit well and provide a snug, comfortable fit. This will help ensure that the gloves stay securely in place and provide proper support for your wrists.

4. Padding: Look for gloves that have ample padding to protect your hands and wrists from impact.

5. Brand reputation: Consider the reputation of the brand and read reviews from other users to ensure the gloves are of good quality and have good wrist support.

6. Budget: While it may be tempting to buy the cheapest gloves you can find, remember that quality gloves with good wrist support may be worth the investment in the long run.

Finding the ideal boxing glove that can protect your wrists while providing comfort and durability can be difficult. In this article, we shall look at 4 of the best boxing gloves that you can use in the ring for optimal wrist support.

1. Everlast Pro Style training gloves
2. WINNING boxing gloves
3. The Venum Challenger 2.0 boxing gloves
4. TRIDEER Pro Grade boxing gloves

Personally, I still recall the times when I was new to boxing and would be captivated by boxing gloves that were colorful and regal looking and assumed those were the best.

Yet over time, after experimenting with a few different glove varieties and paying attention to my training ability, naturally I resonated with a specific glove that I use to this very day, which is the Everlast Pro Style training gloves. I know, Everlast is a brand that nearly everyone knows, and it is not something unheard of yet the simplicity and efficacy of it during training blew my mind.

The gloves are relatively light, comfortable, and more importantly, provide excellent support for the wrist. A wrist injury can be devastating in the boxing world hence coaches and seasoned boxers always recommend strengthening the wrist muscles to minimize the impact of an injury. On the same note, the gloves that one uses have an important role in safeguarding one’s wrist and although this might sound trivial to some, having personally witnessed wrist injuries, one should do everything possible to avoid landing in that situation.

Link to purchase Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves

WINNING boxing gloves is another ideal training tool. I have used it a few times in the past and although it was not to my liking, it was and continues to be a popular boxing glove amongst friends of mine.

It is interesting to note that WINNING boxing gloves were also recommended by others because it emphasizes their ease of wearing and tight fit so that the gloves remain in position during training and do not move around. The only downside is that it is rather pricey.

Link to purchase WINNING boxing gloves.

The Venum Challenger 2.0 boxing glove is a second favorite of mine in training due to its thick padding and airy, breathable type of build. The wrist is secured tightly by a Velcro flap and I find that it provides firmness in the wrist region which indirectly forces a boxer to be in the proper position and to train using the right techniques. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain in physical or online stores.

Link to purchase The Venum Challenger 2.0 boxing glove.

TRIDEER Pro Grade boxing gloves are versatile as they can be used in boxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial Arts. Although I have never used this glove personally, a close buddy of mine stuck to these gloves religiously during training. He incurred a freak injury on his left wrist and thumb during sparring which left him unable to train for a period of time. After this he came across TRIDEER Pro Grade boxing gloves and fell in love with them totally over time he was able to spar normally without issues and he credits part of that to the boxing glove for its added support, not just for the wrist but for the fingers as well.

Link to purchase the TRIDEER Pro Grade boxing gloves.

We hope that all of you would now have a better idea of the best gloves you could get for yourself and you might all wonder why only four gloves instead of more. There are countless websites online that list numerous types of gloves yet not many go into how those gloves felt for them during training. Hence we decided to delve into the brands that we have had direct contact with rather than rehashing the same old content and boring all of you to death.

A practitioner can claim their style is the best because each karate style is different.

Effective karate means useful for street fighting, in a competition, or a ring.

Which karate style is most effective? Sports karate is the most effective given it focused on a practical use for competition, weapon use, and also retain some form of self-defense. 

4 Different Karate Styles

There are four main karate styles, such as Shotokan-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, Shitu-Ryu, Wado-Ryu. Each karate form has its unique technique that majorly depends on the core tenets of karate. So, it’s not simple to answer which karate style is most effective. 

Types of Karate

Karate has three different types, and each type has its own effectiveness. Three types of karate are:

• Okinawan Karate 
• Sports Karate
• Japanese Karate

All these types have different objectives and purposes. 

• Okinawan Karate

In the 19th century, Okinawa developed karate. Okinawan karate is not a combat sport, and it is the original karate. This martial art is dedicated to life preservation and personal protection.

It is the first form of karate for self-defense. Japanese and Okinawan karate have lots of similarities, but their objectives and application are different. Okinawan karate is more powerful, relaxed, and smooth as compared to Japanese karate. 

It uses more practical techniques and utilizes natural posture. Moreover, it is a close-range martial art that includes lots of throwing, grabbing, trapping, twisting, and dislocating.

In this karate type, there is no fooling around, and fighters walk straight in to destroy the opponent. It has clear goals of destroying the opponent. If you want to be practical, then there can’t be any type better than Okinawan karate. 

• Japanese Karate

At the beginning of the 20th century, Okinawan karate traveled to Japan and quickly transformed into a martial art. It became more social-oriented than self-defense and practicality.

Karate, along with other new martial arts like Judo and Kendo, were used to mobilize and educate the Japanese youth. The main idea behind this was to revitalize Japan after the depression caused by World War I. Martial arts especially karate plays a vital role in the rise of Japanese nationalism. 

The founder of Shotokan Karate Gichin Funakoshi removed many deadly aspects from Okinawan karate. These deadly aspects include joint locking, throwing techniques, and many strikes.

Karate became part of education in Japan. After a few years and World War II karate was transformed into a type of martial arts name as Budo, and it was far less concerned with practical applications and the effectiveness of combat techniques. However, it mainly focuses on the moral and spiritual development of the Japanese youth. 

• Sports Karate

The objective of Okinawan karate is survival and self-defense, and Japanese karate focuses on spiritual and self-development. Sports karate was derived from Japanese karate, which is more about scoring points and competition than anything else. Karate arrived in Japan in 1930, and the practice was quickly transformed into the competition. Japanese people love competition because they want to test the spirit of their participants. 

Some deadly aspects were removed from Okinawan karate, and some new techniques like hook kicks, jump kicks, and high kicks were added to match the competitive nature. Moreover, Okinawan karate was transformed into lower, wider, and longer stances to make sports karate appealing for competition. 

Sports karate techniques are not for self-defense; that’s why techniques are lighter, quick, and reactive designed for sports fighting. In sports karate, there are some rules, protective equipment, and scoring systems, which are different from self-defense and protection scenarios. 

Practicing all the techniques, sports karate practitioners develop habits, reflexes, and attitudes that are more dangerous and practical in any self-defense scenario. So, we can say that the purpose and objectives of sports karate are oriented towards competition, not practicality. 

What Should Be the Characteristics of the Best Karate Style?

 Basically, karate was created for self-defense. The best karate style must include self-defense and effectiveness at its core. So, the best karate style must have the characteristics given below:

• Understands Real Aggression

The best karate style must understand the reality of self-defense. It should be able to understand the nature of the violent assault. Sparring is entirely different than self-defense. For understanding real aggression, watch some videos on YouTube. 

• Always Has Effectiveness in Mind

Whatever you are learning in your karate class keeps the effectiveness of it in mind in real-life situations? All the techniques are not suitable for street fights, so follow a realistic approach while training. So, be honest and humble to observe ourselves and make changes if needed. 

• Covers Every Range

The best karate style must make you comfortable in each range. The distance when you are going to defend yourself won’t be the same in each situation. During a real-life situation, the distance between you and your opponent will vary, so the best karate style must cover every range. 

• Practices Sparring

Sparring is important to understand the movement of your opponent. So, the best karate style must practice sparring. 

• Practices Self-Defense

Another essential characteristic of the best karate style is to practice self-defense. In each class, spare some time to learn self-defense. You must know how to deal with street attacks. 

• Trains Against Weapons

The best karate style must teach you how to defend yourself against weapons. In street fights, your opponent may be going to be armed, so you have to be able to deal with such situations. 

Conclusion

Which karate style is most effective. The best karate style must have all the characteristics given above. Sports karate can be the best and can be used in each situation. 

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With a long history from 3,000 years before Christ (BC) in Iraq, boxing had been a way of life in society. 

Many pro boxers and wrestlers trained by punching alone in shadowboxing as a warm-up and cool-down.

Even Ronda Rousey practice shadowboxing as seen by Conor McGregor.

So, ever wonder why is shadowboxing so important? Shadowboxing was a routine created by boxers to get into the right mindset before every fight, conditioning their rhythm and techniques together with the proper breathing technique. Using shadowboxing, a boxer would focus only on the upcoming fight and training conducted and forget about other distractions in life or past fights. 

Types of Shadowboxing

There are 2 kinds of shadowboxing with different purposes

1. Reflective Shadowboxing
2. Passive Shadowboxing

1. Reflective Shadowboxing

Reflective Shadowboxing meant having an assistant or typically facing a mirror alone to see your boxing form and technique and improve it. it is 

• Slower and low intensity
• Focused on glaring errors you make when punching or improvement you can make in your movement.
• There is also no need to focus on your breathing (unless you have an assistant to help you see)

2. Passive Shadowboxing

Passive shadowboxing is the more common shadowboxing used to focus on warm-up and improving your breathing. It is

• Faster and Medium Intensity
• Focused on improving your technique and breathing during punches

3 Myths about Shadowboxing

The reason that most people shadowbox is that it is the easiest way to warm up your muscles used in boxing rather than doing a regular warm up. Here are some myths to shadowboxing:

• Myth 1: You must imagine what your opponent will be doing and countering them in shadowboxing. Seriously, this is why people find shadowboxing pointless and useless because a real person never follows what you think. Instead, focused on yourself and your technique.
• Myth 2: The longer your shadowbox, the better you are in boxing. You really don’t need more than 15 minutes to get your body into the right mindset from shadowboxing. That is why many boxing and MMA gyms implement only 6 minutes (2 X 3-minute rounds) to 15 minutes (5 X 3-minute rounds) for shadow boxing.
• Myth 3: You will do similar actions in every shadowboxing sessions. While it looks the same when you see professional boxer shadowbox, usually they focus on one or two points to improve in each session. Read on to learn more.

What Does Shadowboxing Improves

Besides warm up, below are some focus point you can have during your to improve your shadowboxing.

• Technique – Following reflective shadowboxing, you can go slow, take your time, and check out your form in your mirror or from an assistant. Choose 1 or 2 actions to focus on. Once that part feels right, you can move on to another detail or try the movement in it’s entirety. This is similar to how dancers learn moves too.
• Coordination – Some people are talented in moving around the arena advantageously. This can also be improved by training. You can try different rhythms on when you will move in and pull your jab technique for both your hands. The focus is getting the footwork correct first then your punches will get the full power. 
• Rhythm – This is a simple and most common thing you improve with shadowboxing. You can work on your rhythm together with 3-4 punches, 3-4 slips, 3-4 steps, and repeat. Don’t worry too much about the technique since you would should do it at reflective shadowboxing.
• Strategy – Shadowboxing is perfect for working on key strategic moments prior to a fight. You will train your muscle memory to reach what you want rather than your natural instinct that might lead to running away from a great opportunity to put in a jab.

When to Stop Shadowboxing

Many people stop shadowboxing in training and only used a quick version just to warm up their muscle memory before a fight. This is common as shadowboxing is most useful when you are new to boxing.

As you get better, you tend to train differently and will focus on your strategy. You should not shadowbox if you come out of it feeling useless or worse. Shadowboxing is meant to improve your state of mind and mindset.

Some professional boxers still maintain their shadowboxing routines as it is a habit, just like some people touting making your bed in the morning will lead to success.

Conclusion

Shadowboxing will remain in the industry as a useful way to let new boxers train up and get into boxing. Besides that, professional boxers who loved the mindset and state of mind coming out from shadowboxing still practice it regliously.

It is a controversial topic as some who find shadowboxing a waste of time and repetitive. The most important is focused on what improve you and yourself only.

Sky Hoon. About Martial Art Fan He started his love on martial arts by watching MMA and Angela Lee. He then started this blog to learn more about the different martial arts.

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Wing Chun technique is famous because of its unique structure. Using this technique you can block and attack at the same time.

It involves rapid vertical punches, trapping, an effective strategy that can help you to control the center with constant forward pressure, and to focus on the shortest distance between two points. There are lots of techniques that can be used effectively for self-defense and fighting.

Unfortunately, the training of Wing Chun is provided in such a way that it makes it ineffective for both the fighting and self-defense situations. In this article, you will learn how to deal with this situation and what are the techniques that are used in Wing Chun. 

Great things about Wing Chun

Although it is not as effective as the other martial art techniques it has some great things to offer such as

• The technical structure of Wing Chun

This technique includes solid and forward focus, defensive blocking and trapping, and attacking. In this technique, you can trap an opponent’s limb that will help you to create an opening for you to attack your opponent. It has a great physical structure. This technique will not only rely on muscle strength, but it will also rely on the proper alignment of bones. This technique focus on constant forward motion can be a good choice for self-defense situations. 

• It offers defense and offense simultaneously

A good thing about the Wing Chun technique is it offers simultaneous defense and offense. With every block, there will be a simultaneous attack or stroke. If you have not finished your training yet and you are at an intermediate level still you can use a strike to deflect the incoming attack. This simultaneous strike will help to cut the line of attack. It offers forward pressure, solid technical structure, constant offense and defense make it an unbeatable fighting style. 

• Trapping

Since the MMA can in to act the trapping style used in Wing Chun is under serious debate. Most of the sport fighters consider it an ineffective style and it is rarely seen in sports fighting. There are three main reasons for this:

• Firstly, the training of Wing Chun is unrealistic. Practitioners of this training are unable to apply this technique against skilled fighters. There are many more trapping techniques evolved that are very much effective so that’s why this trapping style does not work much. 
• Secondly, sport fighters don’t think that this technique will work for them so they don’t even take an interest in learning this. 
• Thirdly, the trapping technique can be effective for self-defense situations but not for fights. In fighting both the contestants know what’s coming up and at the start, they tend to stay at some distance. When someone is continuously moving and is out of range you can not apply the technique. 

In the case of self-defense situations, trapping can work best. In self-defense, it will help you to tackle immediate attack and the trapping move will prevent the opponent to take defensive actions. Simple Wing Chun trapping can be used effectively in sparring. 

• Two against one

Wing Chun training schools focus more on this than the other martial art training schools. The idea behind this is to maintain a superior position and you will be using two hands against one hand of your opponent instead of standing in “chest to chest” position and fighting two against two. In Wing Chun technique jamming, trapping, and grabbling plays a major role so moving outside with a strike that will make contact with the arm of your opponent and then you will try to pull it and blasting him with a strike that will do very nicely for you. 

Techniques used in Wing Chun

There are lots of effective techniques that are used in Wing Chun such as

Hand strikes

In hand strike, you can use

• Punch
• Finger Jab
• Back fist
• Chop

Kicks

You can use three types of kicks such as

SidekickTraps and Blocks

• Pak Sao (for smack or press)
• Bong Sao
• Tan Sao (for center bock and palm up)
• Biu Sao (High outward block)
• Lop Sao (For pull and jerk)
• Gaun Sao (Low outward block)

Training of Wing Chun

There are lots of training options such as 

• Forms and Solo training
• Interception drills
• Sparring integration
• Trapping

Most of the Wing Chun styles use Solo forms for the training method. All the training styles of Wing Chun do not contain forms. There are some benefits of solo training and you can enjoy even more benefits by getting partner training. Solo forms are only recommended when you don’t have the facility of a partner. These forms are illogical. The basic purpose of creating forms was to satisfy Chinese superstitions. Each form contains 108 movements and all the movements are not taught during training. So it is better to let the student decide which movements they want to learn and practice. 

You can do solo practice and nothing wrong with it. You can throw punches at punching bags, wooden dummy, and in case if no target available you can try even in the air. Solo practice can be helpful for exercise, technical improvements, and to improve conditioning. 

A simultaneous block and strike is an interception. Interception drills are practiced where you want to attack and trap against the incoming attack. There is a wide range of interception drills that you can practice. You can try these drills even in isolation. You can easily attack and defend either with a left or right punch. These drills can help you in self-defense situations. 

When a student feels comfortable with traps and attacks used in Wing Chun, now it’s time for them to practice live sparring integration. Sparring should be done at a low to medium density. You can do this with or without gears. These techniques will help students not only in Wing Chun fighting but also in real-life situations as well. 

I spent extensive time creating a list of fencers along with their last known weight and height to come up with the following height and weight of fencers.

Photo of commanding Konstantin Lokhanov getting first (Source LA Jolla Fencing Academy)

Height of Male Fencers

The tallest male fencer on the list is Konstantin Lokhanov from Russia, standing at an impressive 199 cm (6’7″) tall. Their height gives them a significant reach advantage, allowing them to effectively control the distance and execute long-range attacks with precision.

On the other end, the shortest male fencer is Edoardo Luperi from Italy, standing 170 cm (5’7″) tall. Despite his relatively shorter stature, Edoardo  Luperi’s agility and quick reflexes make him a formidable opponent, especially in close-quarters exchanges where his speed can be an advantage.

The average height of male fencers is around 184cm based on the table.

Weight of Male Fencers

When it comes to weight, the lightest male fencer is Daniele Garozzo from Italy and Benjamin Kleibrink from Germany, weighing 65 kg (143 lbs). Their lightweight allows her to move swiftly on the piste, making her a nimble and evasive fencer.

Conversely, the heaviest male fencer is Konstantin Lokhanov from Germany, weighing 90 kg (199 lbs). Hartung’s robust build and strength give him power in his attacks and defense, making him a force to be reckoned with in bouts. On average, male fencers on the list stand at around 184 cm (6’0″) tall and weigh approximately 77 kg (170 lbs), showcasing a diverse range of body types and skills within the sport.

The average height of male fencers is around 77.65kg based on the table.

Photo of the towering Batini with her teammates (Source: Eurofencing)

Height of Female Fencers

Among the female fencers listed, the towering presence of Martina Batini from Italy stands out at an impressive 186 cm (6’2″). Her height grants her a distinctive advantage (even taller than most male fencer counterparts), enabling her to dominate the fencing strip with a commanding reach and strategic prowess, often executing precise long-range attacks that keep opponents at bay.

Conversely, Yuka Ueno from Japan, standing at 159 cm (5’2″), embodies a dynamic agility and rapid responsiveness that deftly maneuvers her through close-quarters engagements. Branza’s shorter stature proves deceptive, as she leverages her speed and nimbleness to outmaneuver opponents, showcasing the diversity of styles and strategies in fencing.

The average height of female fencers is around 172cm (around 12 cm below male fencers) based on the table.

Weight of Female Fencers

Turning to weight distinctions, Lee Kiefer from the USA emerges as the featherweight contender, tipping the scales at a nimble 49 kg (108 lbs). Kiefer’s lightweight frame complements her lightning-fast movements, allowing her to dart across the piste with fluidity and precision, often catching opponents off guard with her quick reflexes.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Martina Batini from Italy embodies strength and resilience, weighing in at 80 kg (176 lbs). Batini’s muscular build lends power and force to her attacks, making her a formidable force in bouts where her strength and endurance are on full display. These contrasts in height and weight highlight the multifaceted nature of fencing, where diverse physical attributes contribute to a rich tapestry of skills and strategies among female fencers, each bringing a unique perspective to the sport.

The average weight of female fencers is around 62kg (around 15 kg lighter than male fencers) based on the table.

Below is a long table of famous fencers with their weight and height, including some additional details of their country of origin and gender.

Fighting was considered a serious offense in my school years ago and it continues to be so, in many if not all schools here.

• Many of us are raised as kids with sayings such as ‘fighting is bad’, ’fighting is something that hooligans do’, or the classic ‘fighting is for losers’. 
• Teachers, parents, and our society harp on how fighting is totally unacceptable and if one dares to challenge the rules, he is swiftly punished.
• Yet fights still occur and bouts of physical aggression are still seen in many age groups, the predominant being young red-blooded males.

Stopping behaviors innate to boys, such as rough playing and play fighting, will cause boys to lose touch with that primal fire within them, and over time it affects them insidiously in many ways throughout their life until they decide to reclaim that fire.

These young men then grow up into adults and deal with issues such as anxiety and loneliness and some of them take refuge in the digital world of online games and media. They avoid adversity and prefer to remain on comfortable and safe paths laid out by others and they possess no desire to explore their own potential, strengths, and weaknesses to become a better man.

Stopping fights will lead boys to obediently follow the instructions of their elders. We also covered if fighting can solve problems.

We live in a time where people who are fully in touch with themselves and not afraid to show it are seen as strange and ‘out of the pack’. With the media and society’s obsession with topics such as toxic masculinity and how being masculine is bad, the greatest hit has fallen upon the young men of our generation, ranging from schoolboys to young teens.

The question that seems to elude all who condemn combative behavior in young men is:

What drives them to engage in violence and what is the underlying message behind that?

As human beings, we have indeed come a long way from primitive times, and with unimaginable technological and medical advances, life has become relatively easy and comfortable in most areas, especially affluent countries. We pride ourselves on being a ‘civilized society’ and have invented a myriad of laws to ensure that as a society, we are able to function progressively and not crumble into anarchy and chaos.

All of this has been great yet it does come with a personal price. We have lost touch with our primal instincts and if there is ever a threat of it emerging out of our ‘civilized’ being, we become afraid and suppress it by any means, lest we be judged as being strange and uncouth by our fellow ‘civilized’ people. However, simply ignoring and pretending that we do not have such parts in ourselves does not make it a reality. Thousands of years of evolution encoded in the very fiber of our being, in our DNA, does not simply go away by mentally willing it or shaming it.

It is deemed taboo to be proud of being a male and developing masculinity is seen as something bad. It is innate in men to be warriors, hunters, protectors, and leaders and it still stands true, even after thousands of years yet these strong attributes are not stressed upon present young men. Rather, the malevolence that a small group of unhinged men commits is smeared onto all men and they are essentially discouraged to be a man.

A tiger cannot express what it means to be a tiger in its entirety if it is prevented from behaving like a tiger and we see this scenario with modern men who are not allowed to truly be men. We also have a post showing what animals you can fight with videos.

Now, this is not to shame men on the decisions that they take because we are all individuals at the end of the day with varying interests and inclinations yet seeing such phenomena occur in a large number of males of recent generations is startling and worrying.

Bullying is a common occurrence that nearly every young man has either experienced firsthand or witnessed yet the approach towards curbing bullying is always skewed towards promoting harmony and talking about the evil of bullying I do agree that it is evil having gone through personal experiences as a boy. The focus never seems to be on empowering the victim to be strong enough to stand tall with courage and confidence rather than cowering behind his parents.

Also, trying to stop bullying simply by talking about is futile because it is a behavior that is innate in us. Bullying is a power play where a stronger being takes advantage of a weaker being and rather than trying to eradicate it, boys have to be taught to be stronger. To be allowed to play roughly and encouraged to engage in physical sports, especially martial activities, under strict guidelines to ensure nothing goes out of hand.

What happens to boys that are victims of bullying and feel totally helpless and powerless?

Many spirals into mental health issues and self-destruct while a few decide to take out their rage and hatred onto the cruel unfair world that made them suffer by engaging in destructive activities such as joining criminal gangs and participating in violence.

I say this not because I read this from a journal somewhere rather I have seen the effects up close in personal friends. One of my childhood friends is currently serving a sentence in prison for a slashing case that occurred two years back and his descent into criminal activity was triggered by incessant bullying in school and unsupportive parents that did not know how to mentor and raise a young boy.

Looking back, I had my fair share of encounters with bullies and also stood up for myself to the extent of flouting school rules. This led to meetings with school teachers who tried to shame me into being ‘less aggressive’ as they put it, and one teacher even went as far as to say that due to my aggressive behavior, I was destined for prison as an adult and that I would never amount to much. I was glad that I had experienced the roughness of boyhood and all that accompanied it as those experiences guided me in my life toward learning martial arts as a young adult.

How aggression flows is another thing. Either we teach and show boys and young men how to channel their aggression in a healthy and safe way in a controlled manner or they risk channeling it wild and uncontrollably with devastating consequences. The aggression is always there and shaming is evil and ridiculous.

Even psychological experts agree that suppressed aggression being bottled up and then erupting one day is far more dangerous compared to regularly releasing aggression in a controlled environment, which could be in a boxing ring, a wrestling mat, or fencing.

It is interesting to observe that males in virtually every animal species are combative and rough tumbles and full-on fights are a regular occurrence. Even in our closest ape relative, the Chimpanzee, males are observed to gang up and follow the lead of an alpha, and clashes with rival groups are common. Despite our advancements, as humans, we are unable to shake off the primal being within and it is no surprise when we look at global events plagued by wars, criminal activity, random attacks of violence, and school shootings.

In the words of Norman Mailer, “Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor.”

Boxing has always been considered a sport where mental strength plays a major role. The boxer who wins fights mentally is usually the winner. How do boxers mentally for a fight and what kind of training methods do they follow?

Under the guidance of his coach, Cus D’Amato, Mike Tyson dedicated a morning routine and utilized hypnosis, self-affirmations, intense visualizations, and aggressive self-talk to hone his mind which in turn, honed his abilities. Mike Tyson was able to mold himself into becoming ‘Iron Mike Tyson, whom he saw as an undefeatable and fierce fighter that everyone was terrified of.

Mental preparation is essential for winning a boxing match. There are several ways to train mentally for a fight. Some boxers go through rigorous training sessions before every bout. They practice punching bags, shadowboxing, sparring partners, and even take part in mock fights.

Tim Grover, a legendary coach who had worked with the likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, wrote an entire book called ‘Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable. It delves into the inner workings of the mind that helped countless athletes achieve success.

Similarly, the tools Mike Tyson employed are now extremely popular with self-development coaches like Tony Robbins and clinical psychologists.

 “Every battle is won before it is fought.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Fighting in general is a battle in and of itself. The arena or ring becomes a battlefield for the entirety of the fight and besides equipment, training, and support, what is the most precious asset a fighter possesses?

It is the grey matter situated between the ears, on his shoulder. Yes, the tangible brain is a seat for that asset which is one’s mindset and psychological resilience. The power and importance of having the right mindset is well known and talked about by virtually every elite performer from all walks of life, be they a fighter, CEO, or soldier.

Now coming to Boxing specifically, it is common knowledge that it is a difficult sport all around and to be a successful boxer requires a certain temperament, mental resilience, and aggressive edge. Yet the majority of boxers when asked about what keeps them winning, besides the training and coaching, they never fail to mention their mind.

What is it exactly they do to train the mind which is an intangible part of ourselves?

Different fighters have different methods of training their mind as they do their body. However, let us look at how one of the most iconic boxers developed his mind and became a feared opponent.

Iron Mike Tyson. He is famous and well-loved for his aggressive style of fighting, quick maneuvers, fast footwork, and incredible musculature, and was the world’s youngest heavyweight champion at one point in time. Yet many are not aware that beneath that intimidating and gruff exterior is a man that employed multiple tools to constantly sharpen his mind, and his self-image, boost his abilities and conquer self-doubt.

One needs to understand that the conscious mind, the part that we are aware of in our mind, is merely a small portion. It has been proven in psychology that the subconscious mind takes up a large percentage of our entire mind and that it directs our life more than we are aware of.

Shadowboxing is also a great way for beginners to develop their punching skills. You can find out the importance of shadowboxing.

The subconscious mind does not respond to logic and facts, rather it responds well to images, feelings, and suggestions and if the subconscious mind contains self-limiting beliefs that are geared towards self-sabotage and failure, it ends up becoming a reality. Regardless of how physically endowed and talented a boxer is.

Cus D’Amato understood the hacks of the mind and knew the power of the subconscious.

Through hypnosis, self-affirmations, and visualizations, Mike Tyson was able to mold himself into becoming ‘Iron Mike Tyson, whom he saw as an undefeatable and fierce fighter that everyone was terrified of. 

This brings me to the next point of winning the battle in the opponent’s head before the actual fight had even begun. Psychological intimidation is a method used by a good number of boxers, from way back in time to the present day. Mike Tyson was adept at this and he understood the power of fear and harnessed it to his own advantage.

Many an opponent that were excellent boxers in their own right, lost to Mike Tyson within a single round. This was not because they were poor fighters, rather they were consumed by fear and believed they had no chance of ever winning.

Boxing evolved from its origins into a full-fledged sport during the 19th century. You can find out more about the history of boxing.