Crazy monkey

"Crazy Monkey" is a phrase used by South African boxing coach Rodney King for a modified high guard which is taught for standard boxing, ungloved self-defense and mixed martial arts competition. Placing the hands palm-inward on the top of the forehead, it is not merely a passive defense but uses hand motion to catch and deflect blows with the forearms while emphasizing body motion for defense and counter-punching. Body shots are defended by dropping the entire upper body down, similar to a basic "level change" in wrestling.

Designed to provide a solid defense to beginning fighters with or without gloves, athletes who use Crazy Monkey boxing are also encouraged to practice throwing basic punches such as jabs and crosses from this position.

The name of the style is said to have come from having watched a monkey defend itself in this way, and more details are available at Rodney King's web site, http://CrazyMonkeyUniversity.com