best guard for stocky guy?

**meng_mao** · Posted On: 5/24/2006 9:04am

One of the guys I train with is short and very stocky. He's very new to striking. I tried to recommend a 'kickboxing' guard to him, where you put your gloves palm-in on your forehead and hold your forearms together. He complains that this really taxes his shoulders, maybe because of his build?

Is there an alternative guard that is effective for short stocky builds? That doesn't involve raising your arms as high? I know that's contradictory to keep your hands up, but still would like to know.

**Armed&Hammered** · Posted On: 5/24/2006 9:09am

see: George Foreman

**meng_mao** · Posted On: 5/24/2006 9:17am

Originally Posted by Armed&Hammered

see: George Foreman

George Foreman is quite long-limbed compared to this guy. But what guard style did he use?

**PirateJon** · Posted On: 5/24/2006 9:24am

Originally Posted by Armed&Hammered

see: George Foreman

Foreman is a BOXER. Boxers have different stances than kickboxers for a reason. Probably something to do with kicks. Try to watch some older vids with mark hunt. He's a stocky bad-ass kickboxer.

But honestly I'm a huge fan of the work-it-out-yourself school. he should stick with the 'default' stance until he and his trainers see where it's limiting him and then they can make the adjustments.

**meng_mao** · Posted On: 5/24/2006 9:26am

Only problem with watching Mark Hunt is that he uses his head as a guard. His chin just lets him completely get away with hand-dropping.

**Armed&Hammered** · Posted On: 5/24/2006 9:27am

His gaurd was quite unorthadoxed but very well suited for a stalky guy. Elbows more parralel than perpendicular, moving his hands up and down rather than side to side. The advantages are that it puts less strain on the shoulder, allows for a twisting jab thrown more from the chest and shoulder for more power. IMO better suited for staying in punching/ defending mode and easier to defend against upper cuts. Not as well suited for traditional clinching. Rent some Foreman DVD's, it sounds like if he's stalky, he'd be better off focusing on his punching game. P.S. Always focus on your punching first... fucking stances

**Tom Kagan** · Posted On: 5/24/2006 9:56am

Originally Posted by meng_mao

He complains that this really taxes his shoulders, maybe because of his build?

I really don't care about his guard, but the reason it taxes his shoulders is because he's a *****. It has nothing to do with his build. Five or six weeks of it and he shouldn't be calling the Waaaahmbulance anymore. Problem solved.

He can always try Omega's patented face guard.

**Tshin** · Posted On: 5/24/2006 12:42pm

Originally Posted by Tom Kagan

I really don't care about his guard, but the reason it taxes his shoulders is because he's a *****. It has nothing to do with his build. Five or six weeks of it and he shouldn't be calling the Waaaahmbulance anymore. Problem solved.

He can always try Omega's patented face guard.

Bs. I'm a stocky guy, and i've been working on that guard for months, it still hurts like hell every time I try it. I pretty much have given up on it. I just substitute other guards.