The SOVIET BOXING Style Breakdown

hello Skiller boxers today we'll dive into a legendary School of boxing the Soviet style we'll break down its core principles analyze its unique techniques and highlight some of the greatest Soviet boxers of all time and by the end of this video we'll also reveal what we believe to be their most distinctive Hallmark of their [Music] style the examples will explore today are from Soviet and post-soviet countries that carry the Soviet boxing influence while many of these athletes have strong amateur routes they adapted their style to meet the demands of the professional game however some fundamental

principles of the Soviet style remain evident so let's start from the beginning but before we start the breakdown we wanted to share an update from our sponsor boxing timer Pro app version 1.5 introduces a new motion capture live with a growing collection of essential patterns and techniques this update also adds two new training modules to the Skiller section download today and master the sweet science Skiller boxers can use the code below for an exclusive discount Soviet philosophy the first Boxing Club in the east region of Europe was opened in Moscow in 1894 but boxing wasn't

really as popular after the 1917 Soviet Revolution politicians were unsure about how to regulate boxing as they feared the creation of private events for their own profit which went against the values of the regime but in 1918 boxing was introduced to the military as a way to build mental and physical resilience forming the backbone of Soviet martial arts and over time becoming a cultural phenomenon Soviet boxing had unique Origins and a unique development since it was isolated from the rest of the world and de veloped strictly within the borders of the USSR itself even though

professional boxing was not allowed in the USSR all matches were fought strictly by the professional rules so while it developed mostly as part of the amateur Scene It had its roots in the professional rules after entering the Olympic scene boxing became a part of the Holy Trio of Soviet Sports along with wrestling and gymnastics over time the Soviet Union develops distinct training methods that still influence Ukrainian and Russian boxers today now let's see what characterizes Soviet and posts Soviet boxers relaxed way of punching one of the most striking characteristics of Soviet boxing is its emphasis

on relaxed punching when you press your fist against your chin you get taned let the hangs hang free look mine let them hang do not press them clench your fist look at my shoulders are dangling but my FS are not rather than relying on Brute Force Soviet boxers prioritize accuracy and timing to inflict maximum damage they carefully select their targets and deliver punches at the optimal moment often getting a knockout with seemingly effortless [Applause] [Applause] shots this power comes from their Mastery of the kinetic chain activating each muscle group in sequence for maximum Force meaning

their whole body moves with every punch let's take a closer look in slow motion they rotate their feet turn their hips engage their core and extend their arms seamlessly transferring energy from the legs to the Fists this precise motion where no energy is wasted generates both efficient and Powerful punches because one of the most important moments is to relax properly at the right moment in order to heat hard and heat fast if you do it you see I go down and my hand starts to punch by itself that is with already relaxed muscles [Music] pendulum

step in andout movement is probably the most distinguishable element of Soviet boxes the main uh thing about Soviet uh boxing style it's uh I don't know how to say it on English but on Russian it calls chil KN it when you in and out in and out and out yeah when you are moving yeah in and [Applause] out the pendulum step is basically a footwork pattern where a boxer bounces back and forth constantly this constant bouncing serves a wide variety of purposes simultaneously it allows them to transfer their weight to their punches when attacking and

it also keeps them safe by allowing them to exit afterwards when when you are moving and at the same time you can punch not just stop punch and move again this is the main uh I think I could see somebody doing this it's it's more related to Soviet boxing style it is a way to safely cut the distance or to maintain it since their movements are much quicker when their body is already in motion and day I mean when Dawson throw his jab it seems like he's just land we'll be there way around the ring

he's giving this guy angle he's backing up [Applause] every between rounds then Dawson his lefted punches in the fight the pendulum step also helps to disguise their intentions making it difficult for opponents to anticipate their next move as it perfectly blends with a foot faint defense here Cas quite a good round bner final 40 seconds of round High punching volume Soviet boxers are Relentless rather than throwing single punches they unleash flurries of three four or even five punches in quick succession so he jump in his blue car oh big left hand from y they combine

this with the pendulum step to create a constant offensive Rhythm entering with punches and evading on exit [Applause] [Applause] this dance-like movement allows them to maintain a Relentless Pace delivering wave after wave of punches by continuously changing angles and distances they make it incredibly difficult for opponents to counter or find their Rhythm one of the Lesser known but highly effective aspects of Soviet boxing is their ability to deliver looping shots such as Hooks and uppercuts from long range this unique capability is a direct result of a subtle yet significant difference in their punching mechanics Soviet

boxers often execute hooks with the thumb facing in and when you throw the vertical Hook from the long distance your arm is straight say I want to punch you you have lifted your glove just a little and I cannot land but when you throw the horizontal hook your shoulder will allow your fist to go around the block Lift Your Hand high so everybody can see this seemingly minor adjustment allows them to hook from a greater distance now throwing the hook with a thumb in or facing up generates a lot of debate over which one is

better but we'll leave that debate for a future video lead hand control the extended lead hand or long guard is another key component of Soviet boxing a jab from this position is quick and less telegraphed reaching its Target faster used to be a very controversial thing that you sometimes in the we'll see what looking figure out the extended hand also acts as a barrier preventing opponents from closing in by extending the lead hand Soviet boxers controlled space maintain distance and control the fight's Pace it also serves as a Blinder obstructing the opponent's vision and setting

up follow-up shots this use of the lead hand transforms defense into offense and allows Soviet boxers to dictate the pace but there is something really characteristic and often underrated that all Soviet and posts Soviet boxers share Cold Blood with cold blood we are referring to their ability to not let emotions take over which is absolutely crucial in a boxing match by not getting emotionally invested they can follow through with the game plan and maintain a strategic approach on every fight this stoic demeanor can conceal any pain or weakness keeping opponents from capitalizing on any perceived

vulnerability this level-headed approach often paired with the best poker faces in boxing can be deeply discouraging for opponents but now we would love to know your opinion in the comments how do you interpret the Soviet style of of boxing let us know and if the video was interesting you can find more in our Channel and to your left there's a video specially suited for you