My ex-boxer student had a very scary and mean jab. When he does it with full power it is a lightning fast snap, he has a nice long reach and you can see the power; I fully expect he could KO someone with it.
I have had boxers in my dojo, and have fought many sparring [karate] matches against two particular ex boxers_ Nev Kimbrell and Joe Sherrin of the old Mattson academy.
Very fast jabs, especially when you are set up for them. But that falls into the realm of mutual combat in the ring and not self-defense. Yet you can be set up for a power jab during an ‘interview’ without even realizing it.
We have a friend [Jay’s friend] Chris_ [Fedele met him at a Foxhole party] _ heavy tattoos_ six-foot five_ ex boxer_ arms almost twice the length of mine.
Jab like lightning.
Tony
it's a game of probabilities if you don't have the ability to "read" yet, but it's better then walking right into a jab that can knock you down.
Oh, and a jab in the chest can hurt too!
In the street you read ‘intent’ and you shut it down before you are set up for the jab or other attack.
Hesitating or giving your assailant the ‘first shot’ is where you die. One split second late, one mistake in interception or sidestepping, you will be hit and stunned_ and then you will find holding your eyeballs in your hands. As Tony explained once.
There is an article in the Globe today about a man punched, falling, fracturing his skull and dying. You give him the first shot and you may well end up in the same pine box.
Let’s keep in mind self defense vs. fighting/dueling/mutual combat etc._
Practice ‘legal defense’ as well_ very difficult to bring it all together under the adrenaline chaos.