Learning to Box

[Biolink]

HI guy's

I have been attending a Boxing gym for a month or so now but only doing circuit classes because unless you are looking to go Amateur they are not really interested, and that’s fare enough being that I am 31.
However I found a gym a little way from where I live that teaches Boxing to anyone. So I went down tonight and had the best time and learnt allot.
They showed me how to stand and balance and throw some punches. I really enjoyed myself. There was a few people there and there was a couple my age and older. They were sparring. I found out that you work you way up to that and a few times a year they have interclub comps for people who have learnt but are to old or don't want to go Amateur. They Idea of getting into the ring scares me, but I am going to work hard and give it a go. (You only live once) I have to sit back and laugh I started going to a boxing gym for the great cardio workout to loose weight. Now scared shy little me who has never hit anyone has fallen for this crazy sport and wants to give it a try.
Just when you think you have life figured out, it surprises you.
This post isn't supposed to mean much, but I felt like I had to share my feelings.

DMC

Sounds lovely.Guess I better start right now since I am 17.

Good Luck with your Gym

I hope I can attend one soon(Before it's too late)

[fraidycat]

I have never really hit anyone in my life and I know I am not the hardest hitter and watching the guys sparring they hit allot harder than me. I am just a little scared to hit these guys with more power in the mid section and guts.

Anyone else had this problem when they started?

Yup.

First off: Work on your form right now; don't try to throw heavy punches until you learn to throw them correctly. You'll save yourself a lot of grief. The "right" way to punch will seem completely backwards and clumsy for awhile, but once you get it figured out, it is far more effective -- faster and harder -- than the way you've punched things all your life. (I think the "natural puncher" phenomenon is partly a result of a small percentage of people accidentally learning the correct way to punch when they were young, but I digress.) Quick, light punches with proper form will become quick, heavy punches with proper form in due time.

Secondly: don't hit your sparring partner any harder than you want to be hit. Sparring etiquette holds that the less-experienced fighter sets the bar. If you wallop an experienced fighter, expect it back. Similarly, if you tell him that you want to go light and he starts wailing on you anyway, cowboy up and gut it out, and afterwards, make sure you mention it to others at your gym -- he'll get his in due time.

[DMC]

Get to that gym and get at it Biolink.

Thanks for the help fraidycat.
I will keep that in mind.

My trainer says My punches are good, I think he knows I am still holding back a little to much.
I also think part of the reason I hold back a little is I know I will get it back as hard. hahahahaha

But that’s all part of the game and I expect it. I am sure some of these guys are looking forward to when they can start to go at me a bit harder, for all the punches I have given them. HAHA
Fun times ahead.


DMC

[DMC]

HI Guy's back again with some more to say

Last few weeks have been great, learning every time I go to the gym. My strength is increasing due to boxing and normal gym (Lifting weights etc...)
My reflexes are getting better I can throw punches quicker and I find I can block more. This week I felt more relaxed in the ring than I ever have. The guys at the gym tell me I am looking better. I still feel uncoordinated but they tell me I am progressing fine. Had my first spar session where we worked on the head this week. I was a little scared but I looked forward to the challenge. after some instruction and going through a few things I had a spar with a guy to the head I got hit twice flush in the face which stunned me at first (Never really been hit in the face) but I found my rhythm and kept going I landed a couple back so it was all good. The guy I was against said I did really well for my first time. I am really happy that everyone at my gym really encourages each other to do well. I am starting to get a few war wounds, a bruise here and there HAHAHA I love it.
Anyway enough of my ranting. Just thought I would continue my boxing diary.


DMC

[MikeMcC]

DMC,

I'm in a very similar situation to yours and I'm just starting out myself. I am loving this thread here. Keep up the good work. It's a very exciting read!

[DMC]

Thanks MikeMcC, I am glad you are enjoying it.

Tell me about what you are doing?
How old are you?


DMC

[MikeMcC]

I say "similar" situation, and it is in certain respects, but others not.

I'm not as old as you; I am currently 22 years old, but feel twice that for reasons I list below. I'm taking up boxing as a way to get back in shape while having fun while doing it. I have worked in high stress corporate environment for the past 4 years which has limited my ability to work out due to the excess workload. Prior to that I had a serious motorcycle accident which has all but destroyed my entire right leg/ankle and right shoulder (I could set off a metal detector without a problem), the end result is that I have lost all the strength that I once had and I’ve put on the pounds.

I’ve started working out at home, and I have aspirations of joining a gym after I drop some more weight and become fit enough to keep up with other boxers.

I have stopped the lunch outings with co-workers and have limited myself to a strict 1500 calorie a day diet. I’ve also purchased a heavy bag, speed bag, and gloves/wraps and have started working out for at least 30 minutes per day. I also join my wife when she takes our dog jogging (she slows down for me). I will eventually work up to an hour but right now that’s asking a lot of my leg/shoulder and of my stamina.

The reason I say our situations are similar is because of this “just for fun” mentality I see you talk about, along with the realization that you probably aren’t going to become the next Mike Tyson. It’s the introspective attitude that you have that I like and I think comes through in your writing. I find these posts of your progress quite inspiring.

-Mike

[DMC]

Thanks Mike it makes me feel good to know my boxing diary is inspiring you.

Sorry to hear about your accident

However it's good to see you are bouncing back and giving this a go. The key is to take it slow and go one step at a time. I think half the battle is finding a good gym with great guy's that help each other. The other half of the battle is with yourself. just keep at it, but listen to your body. You will know when you can push yourself a little and when you can't.
I don't know who is inspiring who, after what you have been through I think it's inspiring that you are fighting back and having a go.
Good luck, and let me know how you go.

DMC

[Darkstranger]

Well done for starting DMC!

I'm 28 years old and i've been boxing for the last 3 months and I'm absolutely loving it! Since starting I've been eating, sleeping and dreaming boxing! I've always been a casual fan and would watch whenever I got the chance, but now I'm just into it in such a massive way! Has it done the same for yourself?

I'm hoping to get into amateur bouts around early 2008. It really gives me something to aim for. So far my coaches have been very good and they've been impressed by my attitude, ability and power!

Good luck and keep up the good work DMC, you'll get loads of good advice from quite a few on this forum!

I'm 6'3" and 242 pounds with not too much body fat to lose. So I think even once I've shifted my excess pounds I'll still fighting at Super Heavyweight in the amateurs.

[DMC]

Thanks Darkstranger,
and well done for giving it a go.

I was never a fan of boxing, to be honest I thought it was a bit barbaric. I was reluctant to start at first. I was scared.

But my brother told me it was the best way to get in shape and loose some pounds, and my new attitude and outlook is to try something once a year that scares you. This scared me!

Since day 1 I have loved it. I had no idea it was so hard. It's very technical and you really need to think.
People judge this sport to quickly (I was one of them).

Now I am a fan and I go and watch boxing when I can.

DMC