The Essence of Shadow Boxing (Seeking Follow-up Reads)

His Physique Attribute had finally broken through the 99% barrier and reached 9 points!

This was not a simple matter of adding points.

It was the genuine result of daily training and accumulated effort.

"9 points of constitution is probably about the healthy standard an adult man should have..."

Fang Cheng felt his body becoming vaguely sturdier and more resilient.

His gaze swept over the upgrade progress of his other attributes.

Strength 86%, Agility 73%, Spirit 42%.

His somewhat weary body was instantly filled with drive again.

When he looked at the skill experience values on the panel, his heart burned even hotter.

Most of the time, what people feared was not the hardship of perseverance, but the lack of a clear goal in sight.

Some things might be far away.

But as long as you did them, they would eventually draw closer and closer!

After taking a deep breath, Fang Cheng bent his arms at the elbows and lowered himself to the floor.

He pressed on, continuing his unfinished task of 100 standard Push-Ups.

There were three Boxing Classes in the afternoon.

Two of them were still large classes for ordinary students.

The final class was a small session for Elite Students preparing for professional matches.

It could also be called a true Professional Combat Class.

A little after five.

The setting sun slowly sank, blocked by the towering skyscrapers outside the window.

The indoor light became soft and profound.

Many students gradually finished class and left, and the Venue slowly returned to its empty state.

The coworkers yawned one after another, watching the Wall Clock and waiting for the end of the workday.

Yet Fang Cheng became even more alert, staring without blinking at several figures throwing punches in the Boxing Ring.

Two sturdy young men in Combat Training Shorts held classic guards, their fists probing at each other.

An older coach stood beside them, occasionally calling for them to stop and raising a hand to point out corrections.

He was teaching the two Elite Students competition experience, as well as some advanced tactical applications.

Things like the Pendulum Dodge, the Antelope Step, followed by various punch combinations and the Liver-Busting Double Strike.

"To be honest, while these moves can produce miraculous one-hit results, I advise you not to use them lightly."

"Because when you go all-in at close range, you also expose your openings completely within Fist Peak range. It tests a Boxer's reactions too much. Either you KO your opponent, or your opponent KOs you."

"If you want to bring your trained techniques and tactics into a match, the first thing you must master is Sense of Distance, Sense of Timing, and rhythm."

"These cannot be taught. Only years of real combat can turn them into your own bodily instincts."

One Boxer nodded after hearing this, then asked:

"Coach, aside from hitting the Sandbag during training, it's hard for us to find suitable opponents. What should we do?"

"Go back and watch more Video Recordings of top Boxers. Imagine them as your enemies—how they punch, how they dodge, how they feint."

"Every simulated fight leaves Neural Pathways in your brain and body. The more times you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to apply it in matches later..."

The Coach's deep voice echoed through the Venue, and the two Elite Students nodded repeatedly as they listened.

It was also like a bolt of Lightning flashing through Fang Cheng's mind.

Shadow Boxing!

Also known as "Shadow Strike."

It originated from ancient Martial Artists who saw their own shadows cast on the wall by sunlight and used them as imaginary opponents.

Simply put, it was exchanging blows with a shadow enemy created by one's mind, simulating real combat by striking the air.

It was a very important training method in Standing Combat.

No matter one's level, as long as one had mastered the Basic Skills, one could use Shadow Boxing to hone technique, establish combat awareness, cultivate rhythm, and improve practical fighting ability.

Many top Boxers even used Shadow Boxing before matches to warm up, relax, and prepare mentally.

At that moment, the Coach continued, pointing out the problems in the students' usual training.

"The reason you feel Shadow Boxing is ineffective is, first, that your Basic Skills are not refined enough. Second, you chase fluidity too much and lack rhythm."

"Shadow Boxing isn't just throwing a rapid series of strikes and swaying your body a few times. There aren't that many chances for continuous combinations in real combat."

"If you insist on understanding rhythm, think of the coordination between Fist Technique and footwork as dancing."

"The rhythm of dancing comes from Background Music. The rhythm of Shadow Boxing comes from the opponent you imagine."

"For example, when you throw a Lead Jab, your opponent can choose to Stab with Bayonets against you, or use a Side Dodge and Rear Hand Counterattack. That is his accompaniment. You use a Head Dodge, pull back to create distance, and make an appropriate defensive move. That is your rhythm."

"The stronger the accompaniment your opponent provides, the stronger your own Sense of Timing becomes. Only then can you stay composed in real combat. When your opponent throws a punch, you can instantly think of various countermeasures and make the best choice..."

The Coach used a vivid analogy to explain the key to practicing "Shadow Boxing."

Finally, he pointed at his head.

"So this is the key. Keep it flexible. If you're Punching Without Thinking, you'll only ever be a Sparring Partner!"

Fang Cheng's emotions surged as he listened, and he benefited greatly.

This was the truly useful stuff.

Previously, when he practiced boxing, he had merely imitated others and repeatedly drilled set routines.

He had never established a clear imaginary opponent or actively tried to deal with attacks and defensive changes beyond those routines.

That was why his skill unlocks and experience gains had always been relatively slow.

It was only after personally experiencing a Street Brawl that he had deeply understood the benefits of real combat.

But opportunities for real combat were hard to come by.

Shadow Boxing was clearly an effective substitute for speeding up skill improvement and making up for his lack of experience.

"Besides... I have the Panel. My Shadow Boxing practice will definitely be more efficient than that of ordinary Boxers!"

Fang Cheng's eyes gleamed, and he could not help feeling eager to get started.

He decided that After Work, he would immediately go to the Audio-Visual Store to rent some match discs featuring Fighting Stars and study them at home.

Still, World-Class Boxing Kings were ultimately rather far from him.

And the Boxer he knew best right now...

Was none other than Coach Hu, who had once competed in Free Combat and won the Nanjiang Province championship!

Inside the Coach's Lounge.

Coach Hu held a Thermos Cup and drank Goji Berry Tea.

Suddenly, he shuddered.

He looked up at the Air Conditioner's displayed temperature. It was not low, so why did he feel so chilly?

In winter, night fell quickly.

Soon, it was time to get off work again, and the beeping Clock-in Sounds rang out one after another.

The Training Hall, carrying the scents of detergent and disinfectant, had its lights switched off in sequence and fell silent once more.

After taking a hot shower, Fang Cheng slung his Satchel of clothes over his shoulder and became the last person to leave through the Staff Passage.

Several Matte Paper Posters were pasted on the Background Wall by the entrance, reflecting a dim, ghostly glow.

Some advertised discounted enrollment, while others were Fighting Competition Previews or portrait photos of Star Athletes.

Fang Cheng's gaze Flashed Past them before settling on the image of a famous Boxing King with a massive physique and Dark-Skinned complexion.

Did this world truly possess power that surpassed the limits of the Mortal body?

He was Not Clear.

But...

If I keep climbing toward the mountaintop, I'll eventually see a different view, won't I?