Specific Beginner Advice

[Greythegod]

Hey guys, I am new to this forum and first off wanted to say that I love the community with the exception of your occasional troll. With that being said I would like some advice on how I can better prepare myself to begin boxing.

I am 18, 6 foot 1 and 198 pounds, I do not know my exact reach but I believe it to be proportional to my height. I play division 3 college football, I play quarterback and am left-handed, so I am a natural southpaw.

I was just wondering if you guys maybe had any tips for me as I plan to join a gym the minute I get home from college (about a week). Any tips, advice, personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. I just want to feel as prepared as possible because I believe that boxing is a lot about confidence and knowledge of one's strengths and weaknesses.

[-Johannes-]

Hey guys, I am new to this forum and first off wanted to say that I love the community with the exception of your occasional troll. With that being said I would like some advice on how I can better prepare myself to begin boxing.

I am 18, 6 foot 1 and 198 pounds, I do not know my exact reach but I believe it to be proportional to my height. I play division 3 college football, I play quarterback and am left-handed, so I am a natural southpaw.

I was just wondering if you guys maybe had any tips for me as I plan to join a gym the minute I get home from college (about a week). Any tips, advice, personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. I just want to feel as prepared as possible because I believe that boxing is a lot about confidence and knowledge of one's strengths and weaknesses.

Just go in with a learning attitude. If you go in with unrealistic expectations based on your success at another sport you're bound to get hated by a lot of people and it'll stop you from growing.

To me, the only preparation you need is having a good attitude towards learning and working hard. People in the gym will take care of the rest.

[Greythegod]

Just go in with a learning attitude. If you go in with unrealistic expectations based on your success at another sport you're bound to get hated by a lot of people and it'll stop you from growing.

To me, the only preparation you need is having a good attitude towards learning and working hard. People in the gym will take care of the rest.

Thanks Johannes! I'm sorry if I came off ****y I strictly gave background info so you can get an idea of the "tools" I have. I understand that not only will I always be a student of the sport, I am coming in as the lowest of the low.

Quick question: given that I am a quarterback, I have shoulder strength to throw a ball far, but is that necessarily the same strength incorporated in punching, blocking, etc.

[-Johannes-]

Thanks Johannes! I'm sorry if I came off ****y I strictly gave background info so you can get an idea of the "tools" I have. I understand that not only will I always be a student of the sport, I am coming in as the lowest of the low.

Quick question: given that I am a quarterback, I have shoulder strength to throw a ball far, but is that necessarily the same strength incorporated in punching, blocking, etc.

You didn't, I'm just kind of warning you about that. It's a tendency a lot of good athletes have when they attempt another sport. Knowing you're coming into the sport to learn everything from 0 is the right attitude to have in boxing.

I think that the way you incorporate your lower body into throwing a football can somehow translate into a nice punch. It's not the same but it sure helps to be physically strong.

[Ray Corso]

Find a trainer who has trained competitive boxers. Preferably someone who has developed his own fighters and has had success on a regional and national level in the amateurs.
Go in eyes and ears open and mouth shut at the beginning!
You need a trainer who will install basic concepts on offense & defense and you need to earn spar time. Don't deal with anyone who throws you in to see what you have. Those guys are bull ****ters!
Ray

[Greythegod]

Thanks so much for the advice guys! I am in the Katy/Houston area if you guys know of any good boxing trainers let me know please

[Redd Foxx]

Nothing we can tell you is going to matter much because 95% of your initial questions/fears and going to be resolved by just going to the gym. Once you get your feet wet, then it's a good time to start a asking the real questions like pivoting on the left hook, am I leaning too much, what to do about minor injuries, etc. Right now, it's like asking what it's like to drive a car. The best thing we can tell you is to stay loose and pay attention to your instructor. The rest of the things you need to know for the first class are small and will come quickly once you're there. Too many people treat it like an interview, thinking that something is expected of them. The best thing you can do is be willing and attentive, that's all that's expected.

[Greythegod]

Thanks Redd, I'm sure I'll have a plethora of questions after my first class haha

[Redd Foxx]

Thanks Redd, I'm sure I'll have a plethora of questions after my first class haha

Yea, you will. I didn't mean to sound dismissive but sooo many of your questions will be answered in your first session so don't over think it. Once you get that out of the way, your brain will be buzzing with technique, etc. I used to spend half my gym time talking to trainers about the nuances and such because it really is a science. There's a lot of differing opinions here but it's always a good place to come to for a variety of perspectives.

[Greythegod]

Yea, you will. I didn't mean to sound dismissive but sooo many of your questions will be answered in your first session so don't over think it. Once you get that out of the way, your brain will be buzzing with technique, etc. I used to spend half my gym time talking to trainers about the nuances and such because it really is a science. There's a lot of differing opinions here but it's always a good place to come to for a variety of perspectives.

yeah I really like this forum everybody seems helpful I hope everybody in the gym is as helpful as you guys. I can't wait to hit the gym and get my first session over with