The closed guard can become a holding position. That is useful for slowing a fight down, but it is not enough. A good guard should threaten reversals. It should make the person on top defend their posture, hands, knees, and hips.

Starting a boxing personal training course for children is an exciting journey that goes beyond throwing punches. When two young clients recently switched from grappling to boxing, their father and I agreed on a clear goal: build balance, movement, and defensive thinking before focusing on striking. This approach sets the stage for a smooth transition into kickboxing later on.