In this article, I indicate a schedule and coursework for running an Integrated Boxing and Karate Seminar. This type of seminar would work very well on a Saturday, or split up over a weekend where sessions could be drilled could be extended or repeated as necessary. Also, ideas may be borrowed from the outlines below and drilled regularly in martial arts classes if they were of benefit to your own students.
First are morning sessions - from 10 A.M. until 12 Noon
Introductory session - warmups for 1 hour (10 to 11)
A comparison will be made of the types of physical conditioning that are generally used in karate and boxing. It will then be shown how combining both types of training can create a full body workout, as well as prepare students physically for any combat situation.
All of the material to be covered:
"Integrated" Warmups - stretching, ropes, jogging, and progressive calisthenics / body weight training for strength.
Water break and discussion - 15 minutes
Basic techniques section - 1 hour (from approx. 11. to noon)
The overlap between the basic principles and mechanics of karate and boxing, as well as how the two styles complement each other, will be covered. We will then have students participate in basic drills from both styles, then show how the drills can work together. Students will find that the principles behind the footwork, pivoting, blocking, parrying, dodging, and punching methods for both styles have more similarities than differences - much like in comparing different styles of karate.
All of the material to be covered:
Basic punches, boxing defenses, and footwork, then a comparison to basic karate punches and lines of motion in other arm techniques (such as comparing boxing hooks to karate hooks and elbows). How the footwork and defenses of both styles overlap will be drilled.
Break - 1 hour for rest and "power snack" if needed (approx. noon to 1 P.M.)
Afternoon sessions - 1pm until 3 / 3:30 depending
Ringcraft - 45 minutes to an hour
We will cover how the two styles approach ring craft, sparring drills, and applications, and ranges. Basics, combinations, setting up traps, and perfecting technique are the major focuses.
Water break and discussion - 15 minutes
Sparring and drills - 1 hour
In this hour, we put theory into practice and continuously run padwork, bagwork, drills, and sparring matches under both boxing and karate rules.
The author is the chief instructor at Johnston Karate, based in Lake City, South Carolina.
