In this article, I'd like to talk about punch hesitancy in a real fight.
(Let's not talk about hesitancy in an instructional situation.)

If you are hesitant to punch in a real encounter, my bet is that there is a psychological reason for the reluctance. That's pretty obvious, wouldn't you agree?

So, are you avoiding punching because you are afraid of hurting your attacker?

Are you worried about the consequences in the follow-up? Maybe if you hit him (or her) hard, then you might just anger your attacker, and you'll end up really really really hurt ?? (Don't poke the bear!)

Or is their some other worry that is making you reluctant to power-punch your opponent?


Look, if you are in a real fight where someone is trying to clobber you, you have to face the facts:

    Your attacker wants to hurt you.

    Your attacker probably isn't hesitant about punching 'you.'

    If you don't punch, then you will get punched.

This goes back to my philosophy of doing whatever it takes to avoid getting in a fight, in the
first place. You don't have to punch, if you aren't there.

If someone is trying to goad you into a fight, then turn and walk away.

Is someone insulting your ego? Too bad -- it's no reason to fight.

Leave.

Did the bad guy call you a name? Turn, and head off in the opposite direction.

I am serious. Do whatever it takes to avoid using your martial skills.

Avoid the fight. Avoid the fight. Avoid the fight, until ...you can't avoid the fight.

If turning and walking away will still get you hurt, then maybe you will have to fight after all.

So, at the point you can't avoid the fight any longer, and you can't get away with only a bruised ego, then it's time to fight ... and to lock up your feelings of hesitancy.

If you can't avoid the fight, then do what it takes to protect yourself.

One more time ... if you have truly made every effort to avoid a scuffle, then it's time for you to hit. To hit hard.

No hesitancy. No reluctance. No worrying about angering the bad guy more.

(Theoretically, your skills will end the fight, so there won't be any chance of "what if he hits me back?")

Hey, you tried to keep your power locked up. You made every effort to avoid punching out (and kicking) the other "dude." So, now it's time end the fight as quickly as possible ... in under two seconds.

You won't end the fight in an instant by trying to block everything without hitting.

Blocking prolongs the fight. Hitting your targets ends the fight.

Once you realize that your hesitancy stems from a particular fear, it becomes easier to sidestep that feeling, to put it on hold, while you defend yourself.

Return to being a nice guy (or gal) "after" the fight.

And if you need more advice on not playing fair in a fight, sign up for some of the specialty training courses.