Guide to being a Cornerman

[SideofKO]

On Handwrapping.

Ah yes. This is truly an artform. And everyone believes that their art is the one true way. However, there are certain guidelines to remember when wrapping hands that really illustrate what the function the handwrap fulfills.

1. Protect. Protect. Protect the hands. These are your fighters weapons and defense. His sword and shield. You need to make sure that the handwrap protects the knuckles, the thumb, the wrist, and the small bones in the hand.

2. Know thine Commission. Ask the Commissioner or representative if there are any guidelines in which to follow. Most States allow 15 yards of gauze and 6 yards of tape. Most states will tell you that the tape has to be 2 inches behind the knuckles. There are also issues about tape on the palm of the hand, but that's bad anyway because it makes it difficult for a fighter to close his hand into a fist.

3. Massage your fighters hands. This isn't a date, it is required to increase blood flow to the fingers and warm his hands up.

4. Bring lots of gauze and tape. I'd say at least four rolls of guaze per person to be wrapped and three rolls of tape. Here's why I am so liberal. Firstly, sometimes people ask for gauze. If you wish to be polite, you can comply but you can keep your stuff too. After all, it's expensive.
You may have to re-wrap your fighters hands. If the commission finds something wrong (which is rare) with the wraps, they may ask you to re-wrap them. I generally use a roll of gauze per hand, and then use one half of a roll to make my pads for each hand.

4. Everything happens across the back of the hand. Away from the thumb. As I said, everyone has a different way to wrap hands. My intention is to give you a basic wrap that you can use and not have to question too much. This being said, I like to start wrapping with gauze across the back of the hand.

5. Keep the fingers spread. There's nothing worse than having your fighters hand be all scrunched together and have poor circulation. Especially in MMA. Keep reminding your fighter that he or she needs to keep their fingers spread nice and wide.

5. With tape, think plywood. All directions make for a strong wrap. Also think no bubbles. You can use the scissors to smooth out any bubbles in the tape as they will lead to a weakened wrap.

I'm going to find a video to post that will illustrate a basic wrap, so I will edit this in order to link to it.

[SideofKO]

Damn computer.

[SideofKO]

Originally Posted by SonnyakaPig

I am still a novice when it comes to cornering--I've only done it one time. I've also never fought at an event--just gym stuff. But I have a pretty good fight IQ and I study a lot and train as often as possible.

This is all you need. If you study and put into practice what you've studied, then things will be much easier on you. It is a common misconception that you need to fight to be able to be a good corner man and that is a blatant lie. Some guys are good fighters but know nothing about cornering and it takes a good communicator and a diligent worker with a knack for strategy to be a good coach/cornerman. Being a cutman is a skill that is learned while in the trenches. But the basics are learned by studying, and practicing your craft.

[SonnyakaPig]

Originally Posted by SideofKO

This is all you need. If you study and put into practice what you've studied, then things will be much easier on you. It is a common misconception that you need to fight to be able to be a good corner man and that is a blatant lie. Some guys are good fighters but no nothing about cornering and it takes a good communicator and a diligent worker with a knack for strategy to be a good coach/cornerman. Being a cutman is a skill that is learned while in the trenches. But the basics are learned by studying, and practicing your craft.

Thank you for the positive feedback. It's nice to hear from someone as experienced as yourself.

[SideofKO]

Originally Posted by SonnyakaPig

Thank you for the positive feedback. It's nice to hear from someone as experienced as yourself.

Oh, I don't wish to feign experience, at least I don't want to portray myself as someone who has cornered a gazillion fights. I've just studied my ass off, asked a lot of questions, and worked around 6 fights I suppose its been now. Everything I've learned seems to be working for me.

[noizer]

a good and facinating read. these posts show that not only the fighters themselves are responsible for their victories but that theri corners have alot of input.

[SonnyakaPig]

Originally Posted by SideofKO

Oh, I don't wish to feign experience, at least I don't want to portray myself as someone who has cornered a gazillion fights. I've just studied my ass off, asked a lot of questions, and worked around 6 fights I suppose its been now. Everything I've learned seems to be working for me.

I know what you're saying. I wasn't insinuating that you were trying to come across like you were Delegrotte, but you compiled an excellent resource and clearly you are experienced. Thanks again for this thread. It really is a big help.

[Centaur]

Originally Posted by SideofKO

I will be honest and say that Mr. Sinister really suggested that we do this. I'm sure he will offer some good advice, but I thought I'd start a useful guide that has the basics built in. That way it can be ever expanding and a magnet for pertinent information.

He asked me to throw my 2 cents in as well, as I've done a bit of cornering and fighting. So far though, I have to say you've done an excellent job.

1. Vaseline on the Enswell makes for a happy fighter. If there's not a small amount on the Enswell, it can stick to your fighters skin.

2. Do not force. Less is more in this case. Don't try to move a mouse away from the eye by brutalizing it and pushing it away. It will only further damage the small vessels in the eye and it will certainly not improve your situation. Good firm pressure, but don't go bludgeoning your fighters face.

I quoted and bolded that because I feel it's very important. I only had to be treated for swelling in one of my fights, but something like that is the difference between your fighter seeing what's coming at him, and what is not.

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid)

Don't try to explain some complicated move that your fighter's never heard of before the fight. Stick to fundamentals. This means basic combinations/footwork and defense. And sticking to fundamental things. Let your fighter pummel with you or a partner to get his juices flowing. Get him on the mitts and have him warm for about 5-10 minutes. No more than that.

This is exactly what my coach would do with me or his other fighters. Very Simple, Very Basic.

We'd do a few mini rounds. Brief, fairly intense (mostly because of the pre-fight nerves) and VERY SIMPLE.

"JAB- Cross. Move. Cross, Hook Kick. Breathe. Relax".

If you get a chance, watch Shawn Thompkins warming up Junie before his last fight on Spike. This is exactly what you should be doing.

Even as I (or whoever was fighting) we're on the way to the walk down, he (my coach) would talk to us, keep us focused, even do light "mitt" work with his hands.

Re-iterate the basics, keep everything simple, relaxed and focused.


Also, this is a great, inexpensive guide:
DVD - How to Properly Work a Fighter's Corner from Title Boxing

[Centaur]

I'd also like to suggest the corner man having a spare mouth piece for his fighter. There has been instances when the original is knocked out and been kicked into the crowd and the fight couldn't continue.

Ideally, it's probably a good idea to have spares and extra of most things:

Scissors, mouth piece, ice, buckets (one can be stacked into the other), tape, gauze.

If you don't need it, great, you can save it for the next time, or perhaps there is someone else that WILL need it and you can save their ass.

And if you DO need it, you'll be very, very happy to have it.

[SonnyakaPig]

Originally Posted by Centaur

I'd also like to suggest the corner man having a spare mouth piece for his fighter. There has been instances when the original is knocked out and been kicked into the crowd and the fight couldn't continue.

Ideally, it's probably a good idea to have spares and extra of most things:

Scissors, mouth piece, ice, buckets (one can be stacked into the other), tape, gauze.

If you don't need it, great, you can save it for the next time, or perhaps there is someone else that WILL need it and you can save their ass.

And if you DO need it, you'll be very, very happy to have it.

Great points. Thanks for posting.