The Art of Self Defense

The Art of Self Defense is a Goofy short released 26 December 1941.

Summary
Early men bashing each other with their primitive weapons and kicks. Egyptians poke at their opponents' eyes. Knights in armor hammer each other with maces. Chivalrous gentlemen slap each other with gloves. Early fisticuffs with the lack of proper science results in men fighting as long as 75 to 80 rounds.

Goofy demonstrates the different methods of boxing, proper breathing exercises, skipping rope for conditioning, as well as punching the bag to measure coordination, agility, and developing the skill of "covering up", and shadow boxing literally against his shadow, normally used for perfecting form and timing.

The shadow and Goofy give a friendly handshake before they pit their skills using common blows, such as the right cross, the left cross, and the "double cross."

Goofy tries to deliver the uppercut against the shadow, much like a ballet dancer, but the opponent counters the blow and sends the Goof flying across the hall. The shadow demonstrates more punches such as the left-hand jab, bolo, rabbit, solar plexus, backhand, and the roundhouse punch.

Of course, there are rules involving fouls when the shadow hits Goofy below the belt, something no boxer should never do because it is very unsportsmanlike, unethical, unnecessary, and uncomfortable. Goofy tries to protect himself by raising his pants and the beltline, but with little success as his opponent manages to find his way around the situation.

And finally Goofy feels ready for the boxing ring as he faces a different boxer. He charges at the opponent, but the foe, sporting a Navy anchor tattoo, knocks Goofy's lights out with a left Haymaker.

Time ever marches on in the art of self-defense.