Question about shoulders while kickboxing

**Chr9is** · Posted On: 7/21/2008 11:22pm

So, quick question. When in a fighting stance, is it better to have your shoulders shrugged up? I would think this would give you a little more head coverage.

But at the same time, if your muscles are tense without any reason (as in not blocking, parrying etc.) you may move a little bit slower/waste energy needlessly.

Any thoughts on this? I was taught in judo to always stay as relaxed as possible, and explode when going for a throw, same concept with stand up?

**Anna Kovacs** · Posted On: 7/22/2008 12:42am

Stay relaxed.

**DSL** · Posted On: 7/22/2008 12:50am

It really depends on the fight range. As they close in, hands up, chin down, punch behind your shoulders (so the shoulder protects that side etc). But yeah, not just walking around with shoulders tacked to your ears.

**Chr9is** · Posted On: 7/22/2008 2:00am

Covering up while coming closer def. makes sense to me, as does staying relaxed. I'll try to think about that my next muay thai class, thanks.

Btw annatrocity, I can't really see since your face is covered by a smiley face, but shouldn't your chin be slightly tucked downward? I haven't been hit by anything knockout worthy yet, but having my chin tucked def. helped with the harder shots.

**TheMightyMcClaw** · Posted On: 7/22/2008 3:51am

What's up with the face blocker, Kat?
When have you ever tried to maintain annonymity of any sort?

**AlphaFoxtrot51** · Posted On: 7/22/2008 6:27am

Originally Posted by AnnaTrocity

Stay relaxed.

Wow...that's the hottest smiley face I've ever seen... *runs and hides*

**hungryjoe** · Posted On: 7/22/2008 6:39am

Anna - the smiley face is so early 70s. Can't some bring this into the 21st century?

To the OP - above all, stay loose. You can't move fast if you're tense.

Oh yeah - and keep your hands up.

**Kambei Shimada** · Posted On: 7/22/2008 6:52am

Shoulders Down Hands Up- Keep Chin Tucked
(Nice and relaxed)

**Anna Kovacs** · Posted On: 7/22/2008 10:20am

Originally Posted by TheMightyMcClaw

What's up with the face blocker, Kat?
When have you ever tried to maintain annonymity of any sort?

I'm not trying to be anonymous. I just took that picture to answer a different thread like a month ago and was having aesthetic difficulties at the time.