The Philly Shell is a variation on one of the most basic and oldest guards in boxing called the ‘Crab Style’ where the boxer essentially folds their arms bent at the elbows in front of their head/face to block and deflect punches. Oddly enough we can thank EA Sports Fight Night video game for essentially coining the term “The Philly Shell.” Sometimes called “The Michigan Style Defense,” it’s probably the later name that is most accurate due to the influence of great fighters and trainers who honed and perfected the technique from Detroit and Michigan generally. That nuance and subtle complexity of the sport of boxing is encapsulated by ‘The Philly Shell.’ An old-school defensive concept that is easily misunderstood and mischaracterized.
The simplicity of the exercise belies significant nuance, after all if you know what’s coming how can you be surprised? All participants wear gloves on each hand and attempt to hit their opponent while simultaneously doing their level best to avoid being hit themselves. The Philly shell is an old-school style guard in boxing with defense and offense built in.īoxing is the most reductive of all combat sports. Going ‘inside’ the Philly Shell, the history, theory and technique.
0 kommentar(er)
