EmbracingtheGrind.com: Mike Tyson Tyson technical breakdown series

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Angles of Attack (Article + Video presentation)

Southpaw Attacks (Article + Video presentation)

Peekaboo (Article + Video presentation)

Jabs (Article + Clips)

Leaping Left Hooks (Article + Clips)

Offensive Body Punching (Article + Video presentation)

Body Punching pt 2: Counter-punching

Uppercuts (coming soon)

Introduction

In fighting outcomes, fans often get the impression that it is just speed or power or even luck that gets the job done. Truth of the matter is that repeated results don’t just happen on a consistent basis without an effective technical background, no matter how talented a fighter is.

This is the power of Cus D' Amato's legacy: in peekaboo style boxing, every punch preceding or following an attack to the body is part of a well established system.

Every punching variation and every boxing combination derives from a rich history of high level competition where every idea, every concept was put to the test again and again.

Whenever a punch or a combination lands, talented coaches notice. Eventually, they manage to identify patterns that can be replicated and applied in similar situations. One such trainer was Cus D’Amato who was instrumental in helping Mike Tyson achieve greatness.

The importance of studying videos.

It is important to understand that all videos provided in these breakdowns are not highlight videos. They are study videos.

There is a difference.

You will not necessarily learn anything from a highlight video of knockouts as most of these knockouts are the result of unpredictable circumstances like fatigue, damage-taken or pure luck.

On the other hand, these study videos are the result of pre-planned training scenarios within the context of Cus D’Amato’s peekaboo system. They are proof that the techniques or combinations work and as several variations of the move are provided, different scenarios can be examined.

These breakdowns come hand in hand with my striking combination syntax (as inspired by Bas Rutten’s system of keeping combination notes).

Combination Syntax

The Speedforce striking combination syntax © is a way to document successful combinations in 1-3 lines instead of paragraphs.

Combo syntax example:
(jab), right slip, (jab), right slip+jab-left hook.

Explanation: opponent jabs, you slip right, opponent jabs, you slip right & jab simultaneously, no delay left hook.

Moves in parentheses indicate a move(s) performed by the opponent, commas (,) indicate a series of moves in succession, the plus (+) sign indicates moves that take place at the same time and the minus (-) sign indicates moves that follow fast without delay.
Note: This syntax is also provided here to help fans write their own combos.

That being said, let’s start analyzing Mike Tyson body punching tactics.

Final thoughts

Although we can never hope to reach heights of wisdom of a trainer like Cus D’Amato, we can at least appreciate his legacy, his love of the sport and his teachings. These articles try to do just that: help you appreciate the science behind successful application and encourage you to do your own research. Sooner or later you will reach a point where a left hook is not just a left hook but a door leading to endless possibilities.

This series is dedicated to boxing scholars Cus D’Amato (1908 –1985) and Kenny Weldon (1945-2018).

The tree of knowledge is strong when its roots are strong.

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