1st day at the gym? Nothing like I had planned...

[kryo]

My gym only asks for enough to pay for rent.. :| haha and.. any gym that lets you spar within like the first month is a joke. You should wait.. to atleast get the fundamentals down. At my gym they let this kid spar because he was a ***got like the 3rd week in now since he's still here he walks around like a ****ing robot in the ring. Too bad for him..

[Darkstranger]

On my first day the coach put me on the heavy bag then on the focus mitts just to assess my technique and stamina. Then after that we worked on my stance and throwing jabs with the odd right cross thrown in. 3 and a half months in and I had my first light sparring session last night. I got caught with a jab in the chops, but apart from that it went fine. I guess each coach has their own method, but it does sound like you should try another gym.

[DoctorKillJoy]

I'd check out other options if you have any... hopefully you didn't commit long term yet. Most places here make you sign up for a year or two and pay extra to cancel early. Are you paying for instruction or just to use the gym?

I don't know if its typical but my gym has classes scheduled and a coach works with us during those times. I was sparring my second night... obviously not doing great right off but they keep it fairly controlled and give lots of instruction so I think it was helpful to start getting comfortable. It also makes it easier to learn footwork and defense and such when you can practice and apply it.

Regardless of whether you spar or not it seems like a bad idea to spend months hitting the heavy bag on your own without anyone even checking if you're doing it right or offering suggestions on how to do better. If thats the only place around its better than nothing, if not i'd check out the competition.

[danny stash]

When i first walked in my gym everyone was really really friendly and helpful. You want that type of atmosphere. My gym has complete newbies to belt holders and truth is everyone is treated with respect. I have people coming up to me all the time dropping nuggets of wisdom and they have classes everyday on technique and conditioning. My advice is find another gym. It is NOT about money but about the love of the game!

[mataio2341]

Kryo thats bull****, sparring is the absolute best way to learn how to use the techniques that you have just learned from doing driils. So long as it is controlled, like with 50% power and no head shots. And we were kicking kneeing (with inside of leg) punching everything and no one got hurt. Its the best way to learn. '

Thats why in Muay Thai you are ranked by the number of fights you have won rather than the colour of your belt.