🥊✈️ Don't Look Away

Why peope do it

Paulo Simoes
July 15, 2025

Hey Warrior,

Many moons ago I worked as a bouncer.

It was fun while it lasted, but not the type of career I was interested in.

One of the things I noticed was that people tended to look away just before they threw a punch.

In fact this is one of pre-fight indicators that I teach…

…but do you know why people do it?

Turns out, it’s science.

Let’s explore.

Gif by Grittv on Giphy

Fighting is more complex than most people realize.

There’s a ton of factors that go into our decision to throw that punch.

And for most healthy well adjusted people, it’s not even natural.

Your body instinctively tries to protect itself…

…especially your eyes.

Even if you're the one throwing the punch!

Your brain still wants to shield your face.

It’s automatic, primal, and totally involuntary.

So, the glance away? That's your body's natural reflex kicking in.

Throwing a good punch involves your whole body moving together.

Turning your head and shoulders slightly away before striking generates torque.

This means more power behind your punch.

It might seem counterintuitive, but it's the natural way the body moves to maximize force.

Some people subconsciously believe looking away disguises their intentions.

But it doesn’t.

If you’re fighting someone experienced, this little glance away actually gives them a clear signal that you're about to swing.

So ironically, trying to hide the punch this way usually backfires.

This part fascinates me.

Most people have a deep-seated reluctance to harm others.

Looking away before hitting someone is a subconscious attempt to distance themselves emotionally from what they're about to do.

It’s a moment of hesitation—tiny, but significant.

When you see this glance, use it.

That brief hesitation is your window to react and counter effectively.

Have you spotted this behavior in yourself or others?

Share your insights or stories below:

Stay dangerous,
Paul Simoes

or to participate.