Head movement is a foundational boxing skill. Many pressure fighters make head movement an integral part of their style. But all boxers should work on moving their head.

If you were to ask me the word I use most in the gym — it's 'relax'. Relaxation is crucial to all boxers.

This article comes from a conversation I had with one of my clients. It's more a cautionary tale.

Counter-punching is often categorised as a style of boxing. Though some boxers will counter-punch more than others, it’s a skill that every boxer should have.

There’s an old saying in boxing — “styles make fights”. There is some debate about what makes a style and also the name for each one.

Moving is liberating. Throwing punches in combinations is empowering. But doing both while not getting hit yourself — that’s magical.

The lead uppercut has less hip rotation to call upon. Power it by pushing off and straightening your lead leg. The angle of your arm is more acute, as your are nearer your opponent.

Uppercuts are effective at short and mid-range to the head and body. They travel upwards in a straight line — perfect for punching between your opponent’s guard. Power comes from your legs and hips.

The rear hook amplifies the explosive power of the cross with rotational force. It’s arced trajectory from the rear hand makes it susceptible to a counter. Use the rear hook with caution — in a combination, as a counterpunch or at close range.

The lead hook is a dangerous punch. It has less distance to travel and comes from outside your opponent’s linear field of vision. It uses rotational force. The driver for this force is a quick shift of weight from your lead to rear foot.

Range is your position relating to your opponent. It has three phases — long, mid and short. These phases dictate your tactics, punch, and defence selections.

The cross — also known as a “straight” is usually your primary power punch. It crosses your body heading to the target.

The jab is the most important punch in boxing. It is your first line of attack and defence and must earn your opponent’s respect.

In boxing, we call movement “footwork”. It is a skill that elite boxers practice all the time. Good footwork and a sound stance offers offensive and defensive options at all times.

At its purest, boxing is an art form. It shares more similarities with ballet than fighting. Find out about the key concepts of controlled, efficient, powerful punching.

If boxing were a house, stance, and guard would be the foundations. It’s the platform that we build everything else upon. A solid stance provides mobility, balance, and power. An effective guard defends the head and body.