ICE HOCKEY AND PUGILISM

Hockey is one of the fastest and one of the most beautiful sports in the world. Hockey players skate swiftly and fluidly on the ice weaving and passing the puck from player to player in order to score a goal.  As the game continue at its intense pace.  Players continue to push and bump each other for the best scoring and passing position.  As the game intensifies, one or more players lose control of his or her temper and throw a punch at his opponent.  A fight ensues over the next 5 to 10 minutes and unfortunately in most United States and Canadian Hockey Federations it is tolerated.

For the boxing, wrestling and kickboxing professional, this is an opportunity to add new clientele.  Fistfights have been part of hockey since the sport’s inception and through its history fighting have been tolerated by the sports hierarchy.

Fortunately for the professional pugilist, this opens the door to earn a living teaching our disciplines in another sport.

Fighting on ice requires original and creative thinking; Balance is the enemy of the ice warrior as he tries to defeat his opponent. Hockey players must learn to fight while holding on to their opponent.  Rarely in these confrontations are jabs applied; a hook seems to be the technique of choice.  Often fights end up on the ice and this is where expertise in the grappling arts should apply.  Examples of such disciplines are wrestling, akido, pa kua, etc.

Once the players fall on the ice, protecting themselves is very important. Knowledge of arm redirection and manipulation can be taught in select and creative ways.  Anyone that has experience in playing hockey has an advantage on how to apply these skills.

For those who are not in the know, professional hockey players seek the help of pugilist year after year.

The Washington Capitals Hockey team in the National Hockey League hire boxers each summer to teach boxing to their players.  If you would like to expand your clientele, there are enough players to teach in the US and Canada.  They start from pee wee leagues, colleges, minor leagues and finally major league hockey.