Boxing for MMA: Building the Fistic Edge in Competition & Self-Defense for Men & Women Paperback – November 15, 2014

As someone who has been involved in numerous martial arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Boxing, Kickboxing, Krav Maga, American Combatives, and many others) the last 7 decades I am familiar with most of the experts in the field. One of my favorite martial art authors and experts over the years has been Mark Hatmaker.I have read just about all of his books; however, I just discovered this 144 page soft cover book (Boxing for MMA: building the fistic edge in competition & Self-Defense for men and women) on Amazon and had to have it. This book covers all the basic principles and techniques of boxing whether you are into MMA or just seeking some effective self-defense moves for the street. Even though I was familiar with most of the material; nevertheless, I always learn something unique and effective when reading any of Mark Hatmaker’s books. Like all martial art and self-defense books one must actually practice the techniques hands-on with an instructor to get the most out of any “how-to-book.This volume covers basic principles, foot work, boxing tools, how to punch effectively, staying focused, combining boxing with other MMA skills and many other topics. it is difficult to learn from just the photographs; Nevertheless, there is a lot of very practical information in this volume.If you are seeking a good basic book on using boxing techniques for MMA and self-defense you should check out this volume. My only complaint is the small photographs, but if you are also taking a hands-on approach with an instructor you will be fine.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tactical Principles of the most effective Combative Systems).

Mark Hatmaker is quite possibly my favourite author regarding martial arts training. I have always found Mr. Hatmaker's instructional manuals to be equally comprehensive and practical. Sadly, I cannot give the same praise to Boxing for MMA. Don't get wrong, the premise of a primer devoted to developing savvy, tactical boxers unhindered by the restrictions of the "squared circle" is long overdue. Punching wins fights. Even in a combat sport with as diverse of a technical arsenal as MMA, punching has decisively accounted for the majority of victories. And the funny thing is, MMA was intentionally fostered in the U.S. to showcase the superiority of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Boxing for MMA is good, but not to the standard of Mr. Hatmaker's previous works on hybrid combat methods. This volume feels incomplete, only the lightest treatment is given concerning skills that extend beyond the realm of ring Boxing. There is almost no mention of the highly relevant strategies and tactics of the old school bare knuckle boxers and the only answer to the issue of takedowns is, sprawl. The information offered in this text is accurate and straightforward, and to novice boxers only familiar with ring rules and fighting "clean", it is food for thought. I personally advise purchasing Mr. Hatmaker's previous title, Savage Strikes; it is far more comprehensive. I am greatly disappointed in this title because of the very superficial nature of the work. A boxer trained to apply their highly refined tactical skills in a variety of situations and freed from ring restrictions is a dangerous opponent indeed. However, if the reader is not an experienced fighter capable of absorbing and adapting the suggestions of this light jaunt into hybrid fighting, I fear it will be of little use.

I dont like it at all because everything is demonstrated as southpaw as well the opponent so it's not easy to follow.I realize everything is described as rear and lead hand but l am a visual learner and the photos are in southpaw stance.

I'm a big fan of Mark Hatmaker's books and Boxing for MMA is no exception! Hatmaker's concept of 'Boxing Plus' and approach to integrating boxing techniques with all striking methods is now frequently used in my training routines and those who I train with.

Bery good

Excellent book, great content drills from a fighter and trainers point of view. Mark Hatmaker says calls this book Boxing + this means apart from traditional boxing techniques he adds in 3 new weapons elbows, and punches to the thighs and hips, and hammer fists. Hammer fists are especially effective when used in the clinch (which is a breather time for traditional boxing). He rightly points out that "low blow" are supposed to protect fighter from shots to the groin, but traditional boxing takes this as not a shot to the legs (which is very effective in damaging to your opponents movement).Something else that is lacking in Boxing that is pointed out is the takedown defence. Another great thing is he explains the different of students of the "Sweet Science" (who tend to favour movement and angles of attack), against brawlers (those how like to stand and trade with brute power shots). Excellent fighters are a combination of the two of these.There were only two things I found lacking in this book; the first is forgivable, which was a lack of kicks. However as this is a book about boxing that I can forgive. The main reason I took one star away from this book is the pictures. All the fighter in this book are taken in the southpaw stance (left handed stance), and which is presented as the more widely used orthodox stance (right hand stance).The only reason I can guess that this was done is I know fighter like Chuck Liddell who came from a wrestling background in MMA (wrestling prefers the power side forward right leg forward for right handers in boxing and kickboxing we use the left leg forward for right handers), preferred to strike from the opposite side. However the majority of fighters are in the opposite stance. However in the text you are not told to favour (this is just shown in the pictures) one side over the other. The combination and drills are this easy to follow. You still jab off the front hand and cross of the back hand. He says front and rear hand rather than right or left to that is fine if you read the text, just be warned when you follow the pictures it will be a mirror image. The last thing is there were no drills or combinations for fighting people taking a different stance. If you have every fought a "lefty" you will know that the angles are very different and it can by quite frustration to begin with especially if you have not trained for it previously.This is a great short book busting with knowledge of not only combinations, and drills but boxing theory as well. It also has real life example of current fights in the UFC where these tactics have been effective. The only downside was the mirror image photos. However for me the book was well worth the price, and a great tool for enhancing your fighting skills.