Bob and Weave in MMA?

When boxing the bob and weave is a great tactic, but in MMA with low kicks, knees, clinch fighting and grappling, the bob and weave has not proven usefull to me. Who feels the same?





http://markschat.blogspot.com Fighting and Training Methods for the Unarmed Martial Artist.

Bob and Weave in MMA?
Well you are bobbing and weaving, just in a different manner.





It is still highly important you constantly change levels, and slipping punches instead of taking them or blocking them is the ideal.





In fact, I would say you bob and weave a good bit during MMA match. You are not bending at the waist, but dropping over you center of gravity.





In fact you need to do that constant bob and weave movement if you wish to keep from getting knocked out.





While you may see some guys not do it as much, (Chuck Liddell) it is usually due to them having great footwork, and solid counterpunching.





So in a sense you are still doing the same principles as bobbing and weaving. (Changing levels, slipping punches, working angles) you just don't do them as exagerated as you may while boxing, additionally your stance is wider. But by definition you are bobbing and weaving, dropping your center of gravity and slipping punches.





A lot of people have misconceptions about how bobbing and weaving is done, and bend at the waist to bob (duck), when in reality all you are doing is changing your level with your legs, your back remains straight.





The bob and weave is still very viable in MMA, but like all things in boxing you have to modify it slightly, additionally since the gloves are smaller, not as much movement is needed. You will constantly hear corners in MMA talk about head movement, and changing levels. If anything the level changing done while bobbing and weaving is even more effective in MMA, as it can be a feint for a shot.





Like ANY combat art you cannot duck using your waist you will eat a knee and your affect your center of gravity, and unlike boxing, you do have to worry about shots. (Hence the wider stances, and hips placed further back then in a traditional boxing stance) also punches are done differently, you can't paw a jab out in MMA, or over rotate on hooks and crosses, you have to recover quicker, and your posture is different so that you can defend from takedowns. However most of the footwork and techniques come through, just they have to be abbreviated, or at least have the ability to sprawl taken into account.





I hope what I am saying makes sense.





I mean you are pretty much bobbing and weaving the exact same way (bending your legs, slight movement in your dorso on the side to side movements, some head movement) but your stance is slightly different. Keep in mind real boxers never bob and weave by bending at the waist, they drop their center like everyone else to change levels.





Hope that is of some help, I bob and weave a good bit, it also helps set up my take downs and strikes, as well as makes it more difficult to get timing or solid shots on my head.





Head movement and level changes are very important when striking in MMA.
Reply:I am not a MMA but I do train a traditional style with knee strikes and low kicks, and we definetly are not taught to bob and weave. It will get you hurt.





We are taught what is called Tai Sabaki (body shifting) which is simialer but does not make you bend or drop and open your head for kicks or knee strikes. Might not be quite perfect for MMA but it might give you some ideas.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_sabaki





Edit: I like judomofo's answer. I should have stated bobbing and weaving as done in traditional boxing. Thanks judo.





Note to JSatt: I am a traditional karate practitioner and my style does include locks, take downs, throws, and actually in our katas and basics our kicks do not go above the waist. then again our style was designed to be compact with no flash. Just wanted to let you know there are traditional strikers out there who do take downs and low kicks. :)
Reply:Bobbing and weaving is a defensive tactic used against strikes to the head. In MMA strikes to the head are very common. The bob and weave style can be used to set up counters when used correctly. Certainly these techniques should be in every fighter's arsenal, although they may not be used as frequently as in boxing.





For evidence of the validity of bobbing and weaving in MMA, watch Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia. The entire match is a fantastic display of athleticism and skill, but the more traditional bobbing and weaving comes into play in the 5th round. Sylvia is gassed and either unable or unwilling to throw kicks. Couture picks him apart with traditional boxing skills for most of the round.
Reply:Head movement is essential in mma. If you don't move your head it is an easier target for head kicks, jabs, and a variety of other techniquest. The easiest illustration is the Rashad Evans v. Sean Salmon fight last year.
Reply:It depends on who's fighting. If your opponent is a traditional striker and doesn't look for take downs or throw kicks, a bob and weave is an appropriate means to avoid being hit.
Reply:Its still useful but like every other move there's a time , person and place for it. You just can't go in there and bob and weave on a wrestler or strong kicker. The moves you chose could make you the winner or cost you the match. It really depends on the fighter.