Not entirely wrong, should someone take a swing at you, they’re not likely to give you time to stretch first afore you’ll need to respond. For sparring and practice, it’s wholly necessary so you know how not to do more damage to yourself if you’re caught out like that.
[He motions for Hythlodaeus to relax.]

Remember the stance, I'll be calling you for it when you've likely forgotten. Now, practicing proper forms for blocking and how to fold your fist to protect the bones in your hand.

[He walks him through the paces, how to bring his arms up in front of him at an angle to better move and block as hits come in, how to tuck his thumb against the outsides of his fingers and not under them, lest it break for a punch thrown and, if he seems particularly eager, how to wrap his hands to secure the bones in a planned fight.

When he's through, he casts a glance over his companion with a small tug of a smile at the corner of his mouth.]

You're doing well for first lesson...now show me that defensive stance of yours.