Thai Pads and Punching Power

A short while back I mentioned that earlier forms of self-defense boxing involved digging incredible deep into your punches. This is basically what you want to do when you deliver a knockout shot. Of course, wanting to deliver knockout power and being able to actually deliver knockout power is not the same thing. You need to develop deep punching power. The good news is that it is not all that difficult to develop such power.

If you are training with focus mitts, you are not doing much to develop power. Focus mitts just are not designed for this purpose. However, if you switch from focus mitts to Thai pads you can truly punch deep into the pads. No, you need not work kicks or knees and elbows when you work with these pads. You can isolate punching and work power penetration when you hit.

That is why I am surprised that traditional boxing gyms do not integrate Thai pads. While the heavy bag is a great tool for developing power, the Thai pads are excellent as well. So, anyone who is into boxing and developing punching power would greatly benefit from integrating Thai pads into their workout.