Am I at a quality Gym?

Hey everyone this is my first thread on this forum, I been lurking for some time. But I digress, I recently got a week pass free to a very good MMA gym here where I live, and all of their styles (BJJ,Muay Thai,MMA, and etc) all have professional trainer. I come from a Muay Thai background which i trained in for about 6 months, and I made the transition to boxing since I want to start boxing and have a Amateur career and possibly go to the olympics or go professionl (then again transition to MMA to have a career there (I'm 17 as well)).

This was my first boxing class ever on monday the manager at the gym wrapped me up and I joined the class, we started out with stretches then I a couple of laps around the mat, then 2 rounds of shadowboxing the instructor set me up telling me to work on my jab only. Then after that we broke up into groups (people on heavy bag, speed//double end bag, some people working on footwork by using a rope which they ducked under and upper cutted moving forward). The instructor then put me on the heavy bag for about 1 or 2 rounds I believe then he took me to the middle of the mat to explain footwork and gave me a footwork drill (forward,backward shuffle, then he included the pivot, then 1-2 combination) I did this drill for about 2 rounds. (also on the heavy bag he had we working on moving to the left while jabbing that is all). Today was the same thing except he was doing padwork with some people and today was jump rope and abdominals for the experienced people. Then class was over again.

The class is the hour long, how long should I be training at a boxing gym? And is this what I should expect from a boxing gym?

The instructor has a successful Ameatur career, and his 10 year old son has 10 fights under his belt as well.

Sounds right so far...If you don't know the very basics you have nothing to build off of...Many coaches I know who are dealing with first time students usually do something like this

Week 1- Learn jab, learn how to punch with out hurting hands, learn rope, stretching, do some cardio exercises...Maybe some mitt work but only single straight punches to see what is or is not being dome correct right off

week 2- Most like week 1 but add some footwork maybe by moving around on a mat or in ring, start speedbag, double end bag, learn some simple combos to work on

Week 3- add some Mock movement with a partner w no punches..EG just how to keep foot with opp in front of you, more combos, give some diet tips, more cardio exercises, add some difficulty on the bag routines, add some rope tricks, get in ring to move around and see what it is like keeping back off ropes..

Week 4- add regular mitt work, correct anything that has been learned but needs fine tuning, get person accustomed to doing all the workouts that can be done alone alone...

and so on I think you get the idea...Sparring or contact of any kind should not happen for at least 1 1/2 to 2 months......Most of the time a trainer does not give too much 1 on 1 times until they can see the person is taking it serious...

From your description it is quality

Alright cool man, how many hours should I be training at this gym? I must say I'm extremely happy with this gym, it's pretty nice, it has ALOT OF STUFF (equipment) once you become a member you can take any class you want such as (BJJ,Kickboxing (cardio), MMA, and etc) but my main focus right now is boxing and alittle muay thai during the week.

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Originally Posted by NWAaTtItUdE

Alright cool man, how many hours should I be training at this gym? I must say I'm extremely happy with this gym, it's pretty nice, it has ALOT OF STUFF (equipment) once you become a member you can take any class you want such as (BJJ,Kickboxing (cardio), MMA, and etc) but my main focus right now is boxing and alittle muay thai during the week.

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Depends on what you are interested in or should I say why you are doing it...EG hobby, or something you are going to pursue....

Usually 2 hrs 2 or 3 times on week days and 3 hrs on saturday until you get your own schedule down...In truth everyone is different on what is good for them...you will know if you are over or under doing it

I want to compete, thats my sole purpose.

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Originally Posted by NWAaTtItUdE

I want to compete, thats my sole purpose.

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Then as much as you have time for -- as long as you aren't burning out.

I am an old guy, but I do 1 1/2 hours 4-6 days a week.

I was at it about 2 1/2 months before coach let me do any work with a partner, and my 'sparring' right now is limited to no real contact, mostly jab and catch (his jabs) only -- very light shadow sparring.

Boxing gets to hitting hard, but the quality coaches (seem to) wait until you have the basics down solid, and work you into it in very gradual stages -- if this isn't done, there is a strong tendency to just "fight" and "brawl" without using the technique you are working so hard to learn.

By learning, and anchoring the basics gradually, they become part of what you will do when you are stressed (under pressure, under attack, tired, excited, etc.).

Otherwise when you are stressed you will revert to what you already now -- or even don't know and thus get desperate and flail.

I am lucky that my coach gives REAL boxing lessons with every class and gives real attention when we hit the bag in addition.


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HerbM

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Originally Posted by HerbM

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Originally Posted by NWAaTtItUdE

I want to compete, thats my sole purpose.

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Then as much as you have time for -- as long as you aren't burning out.

I am an old guy, but I do 1 1/2 hours 4-6 days a week.

I was at it about 2 1/2 months before coach let me do any work with a partner, and my 'sparring' right now is limited to no real contact, mostly jab and catch (his jabs) only -- very light shadow sparring.

Boxing gets to hitting hard, but the quality coaches (seem to) wait until you have the basics down solid, and work you into it in very gradual stages -- if this isn't done, there is a strong tendency to just "fight" and "brawl" without using the technique you are working so hard to learn.

By learning, and anchoring the basics gradually, they become part of what you will do when you are stressed (under pressure, under attack, tired, excited, etc.).

Otherwise when you are stressed you will revert to what you already now -- or even don't know and thus get desperate and flail.

I am lucky that my coach gives REAL boxing lessons with every class and gives real attention when we hit the bag in addition.


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HerbM

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Nice, my only concern is the fact that since I started (On Monday) the class has been the same (I'm not referring to me, I know that I will be learning the basics for about a month or two, but the whole class). It has pretty much been the same routine everyday, shouldn't the rountine be changed up? As I mentioned in my first post its basically:

- Stretching Of Course
- 2 Round lap around mat
- 3 round shadow boxing
- 3 round (heavy bag, double end bag, speed bag (And we are rotating))
- 1 or 2 Round of mitts I believe (The Trainer is able to do mitts with about 3 people each class, everyone doesnt get a chance since the class is 1 hour)

And then class is over, I thought we would have different routines every class, such as strength and conditioning one class, then something else the next. Can someone verify how a boxing class should go? Or that I'm in a regular boxing class please lol.

I sounds like they expect you to get up to fighting fitness out of class, using the time you have with trainers to teach you the technique. Your not going to be a superstar at this straight away, I remember so many times when I used to go to boxing seeing guys about your age, come in thinking they are Rocky, bragging about their accomplishments before class. Then 15 minutes into the fitness, vomitting, looking like ghosts and never seeing them again. A quality coach will take you through the basics for ages, this shit needs to be automatic, because when you do start sparring you don't have time to think, you have to react thats it. Youngblood on here is a great boxer, his first 6 months all his trainer taught him was the jab and footwork.

You will get used to doing that everyday because that is the staple equipment of a boxer, I'm not really sure what else your expecting? I'm sure if your a member you can stay for longer than the dedicated time for the class?

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Originally Posted by NWAaTtItUdE

Nice, my only concern is the fact that since I started (On Monday) the class has been the same (I'm not referring to me, I know that I will be learning the basics for about a month or two, but the whole class). It has pretty much been the same routine everyday, shouldn't the rountine be changed up? As I mentioned in my first post its basically:

...-
1 or 2 Round of mitts I believe (The Trainer is able to do mitts with about 3 people each class, everyone doesnt get a chance since the class is 1 hour)

And then class is over, I thought we would have different routines every class, such as strength and conditioning one class, then something else the next. Can someone verify how a boxing class should go? Or that I'm in a regular boxing class please lol.

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I don't think it is a (very) big deal that you do the same conditioning work each day -- some of the trainers (here) might disagree and there is some evidence that mixing it up a bit helps, but as to the technical details being the same that is expected.

Boxing, and what you describe in specific, has a pretty varied 'routine' that already allows for a lot of variety.


As long as different people are getting different techniques based on their own level of development.

My coach divides us roughly into 2-3 groups and give the actual training (in the ring) in basically beginner/intermediate/advanced groups. Everyone in the ring isn't usually doing the same thing, but for use beginners a couple are working on static punching, a few on just moving and punching, while a others might be doing catch a fire or very basic 'shadow' sparring.

Sometimes I will be doing something more advanced (after having trained almost 4 months) and the next day I might be working with a guy who is just 'graduating' to partner training and so we'll be doing something more basic. No problem -- it's all good at my level.

When we get to bag work, again everyone is working at their on level -- coach tries to pair us up with someone at about the same condition and skill level. Some have only a jab and straight punch standing still, others add in moving and basic punchin, then he adds hooks, etc.

Personally, I am working on SOMETHING with every punch. That's just me, but I am a pretty cerebral guy and I try not to waste any time just doing it the same old way mindlessly.

Don't get me wrong, I don't keep changing what works -- once something is clicking, I concentrate on improving something else no matter how small the detail.

The mitt work is always going to be an issue in a large class, as long as the coach is the only one qualified to hold the mitts (and this is a pretty significant skill.) He can only handle just so many folks simultaneously.

As to physical development, we do our own weight lifting, and you can do this alone as well as running by yourself probably if you need more of that type of work.

Frankly, I would really rather see "more technique" and more "bag time" with coaching (instead of conditioning) but as other (more experienced) folks have indicated, a lot of even young, healthy looking guys flag out quickly at a boxing (or muy thai for that matter) practice.

BTW, the biggest thing you can do to improve your staying ability quickly is to concentrate on: Breathing (even before you feel the need), Relaxing (any muscle not actively working), and maintaining good form/posture.

If you combine those 3 with constantly Moving (in a balanced way) you have the foundation on which ALL martial arts, including boxing, are built. This even applies to BJJ and Grappling.

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HerbM

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HerbM

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Originally Posted by NWAaTtItUdE

Nice, my only concern is the fact that since I started (On Monday) the class has been the same (I'm not referring to me, I know that I will be learning the basics for about a month or two, but the whole class). It has pretty much been the same routine everyday, shouldn't the rountine be changed up? As I mentioned in my first post its basically:

...-
1 or 2 Round of mitts I believe (The Trainer is able to do mitts with about 3 people each class, everyone doesnt get a chance since the class is 1 hour)

And then class is over, I thought we would have different routines every class, such as strength and conditioning one class, then something else the next. Can someone verify how a boxing class should go? Or that I'm in a regular boxing class please lol.

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I don't think it is a (very) big deal that you do the same conditioning work each day -- some of the trainers (here) might disagree and there is some evidence that mixing it up a bit helps, but as to the technical details being the same that is expected.

Boxing, and what you describe in specific, has a pretty varied 'routine' that already allows for a lot of variety.


As long as different people are getting different techniques based on their own level of development.

My coach divides us roughly into 2-3 groups and give the actual training (in the ring) in basically beginner/intermediate/advanced groups. Everyone in the ring isn't usually doing the same thing, but for use beginners a couple are working on static punching, a few on just moving and punching, while a others might be doing catch a fire or very basic 'shadow' sparring.

Sometimes I will be doing something more advanced (after having trained almost 4 months) and the next day I might be working with a guy who is just 'graduating' to partner training and so we'll be doing something more basic. No problem -- it's all good at my level.

When we get to bag work, again everyone is working at their on level -- coach tries to pair us up with someone at about the same condition and skill level. Some have only a jab and straight punch standing still, others add in moving and basic punchin, then he adds hooks, etc.

Personally, I am working on SOMETHING with every punch. That's just me, but I am a pretty cerebral guy and I try not to waste any time just doing it the same old way mindlessly.

Don't get me wrong, I don't keep changing what works -- once something is clicking, I concentrate on improving something else no matter how small the detail.

The mitt work is always going to be an issue in a large class, as long as the coach is the only one qualified to hold the mitts (and this is a pretty significant skill.) He can only handle just so many folks simultaneously.

As to physical development, we do our own weight lifting, and you can do this alone as well as running by yourself probably if you need more of that type of work.

Frankly, I would really rather see "more technique" and more "bag time" with coaching (instead of conditioning) but as other (more experienced) folks have indicated, a lot of even young, healthy looking guys flag out quickly at a boxing (or muy thai for that matter) practice.

BTW, the biggest thing you can do to improve your staying ability quickly is to concentrate on: Breathing (even before you feel the need), Relaxing (any muscle not actively working), and maintaining good form/posture.

If you combine those 3 with constantly Moving (in a balanced way) you have the foundation on which ALL martial arts, including boxing, are built. This even applies to BJJ and Grappling.

--
HerbM

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Wow thanks that alot of good advice, I'm going to talk to more of the boxers and found out if there are other routines we do. I wasn't expecting the class to be some repetitive, I thought we would have a different routine each class. But it seems that most boxing gyms have a repetitive routine for their classes, so it seems this gym is quality, I will definately be joining, but I also would like to hear some more answers and opinions towards my first post :cool:

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Originally Posted by Salty

I sounds like they expect you to get up to fighting fitness out of class, using the time you have with trainers to teach you the technique. Your not going to be a superstar at this straight away, I remember so many times when I used to go to boxing seeing guys about your age, come in thinking they are Rocky, bragging about their accomplishments before class. Then 15 minutes into the fitness, vomitting, looking like ghosts and never seeing them again. A quality coach will take you through the basics for ages, this shit needs to be automatic, because when you do start sparring you don't have time to think, you have to react thats it. Youngblood on here is a great boxer, his first 6 months all his trainer taught him was the jab and footwork.

You will get used to doing that everyday because that is the staple equipment of a boxer, I'm not really sure what else your expecting? I'm sure if your a member you can stay for longer than the dedicated time for the class?

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Well said....If you are not in shape and do not know the basics you are not going to do anything productive....

People do not realize exactly how long 3 minutes is to fight unless you are in the ring...It can feel like an hour and most guys have to do it 101 rounds...this is why we see even world class fighters gas out in bouts....Like Salty said above you get these guys coming in like they are Rocky and 10 minutes later they are puking........

The basics and some stamina are the first issues to address...after tyhat worry about training to be the champ....

Any boxing gym that throws you in the ring to spar within the first 2 weeks is one I would avoid

About the routine of the gym is it good? is the routine that of a typical boxing gym's routine?

Yeah man sounds pretty typical, do they give you specific stuff to work on as individuals?

My advice to you is to practise only what they say, ie if he shows you footwork and the jab, work solely on that for the heavy bag and the floor/ceiling bag. Show the trainers that you are willing to listen and work hard and you will improve so much quicker rather than just flailing on a bag for a designated time period. Plus they will be more forthcoming with tips for you.

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Originally Posted by Salty

Yeah man sounds pretty typical, do they give you specific stuff to work on as individuals?

My advice to you is to practise only what they say, ie if he shows you footwork and the jab, work solely on that for the heavy bag and the floor/ceiling bag. Show the trainers that you are willing to listen and work hard and you will improve so much quicker rather than just flailing on a bag for a designated time period. Plus they will be more forthcoming with tips for you.

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Yea after we do 3 rounds of shadowboxing we break off into groups (new people stay working on their footwork on the heavybag for more experienced new people and super new people just use footwork walking around in a square) Everyone else rotates after 3 rounds like I said to speed bag, double end bag, heavy bag, and maybe work pads with the Coach.

My only concern is that we won't do alot of sparring and I won't get the experience and coaching I need in order to compete.

ALSO When I been working on my footwork my back ankle literally gets stiff and tired is this typical of new boxers?

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Originally Posted by NWAaTtItUdE

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Salty

Yeah man sounds pretty typical, do they give you specific stuff to work on as individuals?

My advice to you is to practise only what they say, ie if he shows you footwork and the jab, work solely on that for the heavy bag and the floor/ceiling bag. Show the trainers that you are willing to listen and work hard and you will improve so much quicker rather than just flailing on a bag for a designated time period. Plus they will be more forthcoming with tips for you.

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Yea after we do 3 rounds of shadowboxing we break off into groups (new people stay working on their footwork on the heavybag for more experienced new people and super new people just use footwork walking around in a square) Everyone else rotates after 3 rounds like I said to speed bag, double end bag, heavy bag, and maybe work pads with the Coach.

My only concern is that we won't do alot of sparring and I won't get the experience and coaching I need in order to compete.

ALSO When I been working on my footwork my back ankle literally gets stiff and tired is this typical of new boxers?

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Yep, I remember many a times my calves cramping. Skipping, practise and proper pre workout nutrition will stop this over time.

Right now dont even think about sparring, after three sessions I doubt you could shadow someone with proper footwork. If it really bothers you ask the trainer when they do sparring so you can watch.

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Originally Posted by Salty

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NWAaTtItUdE

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Salty

Yeah man sounds pretty typical, do they give you specific stuff to work on as individuals?

My advice to you is to practise only what they say, ie if he shows you footwork and the jab, work solely on that for the heavy bag and the floor/ceiling bag. Show the trainers that you are willing to listen and work hard and you will improve so much quicker rather than just flailing on a bag for a designated time period. Plus they will be more forthcoming with tips for you.

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Yea after we do 3 rounds of shadowboxing we break off into groups (new people stay working on their footwork on the heavybag for more experienced new people and super new people just use footwork walking around in a square) Everyone else rotates after 3 rounds like I said to speed bag, double end bag, heavy bag, and maybe work pads with the Coach.

My only concern is that we won't do alot of sparring and I won't get the experience and coaching I need in order to compete.

ALSO When I been working on my footwork my back ankle literally gets stiff and tired is this typical of new boxers?

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Yep, I remember many a times my calves cramping. Skipping, practise and proper pre workout nutrition will stop this over time.

Right now dont even think about sparring, after three sessions I doubt you could shadow someone with proper footwork. If it really bothers you ask the trainer when they do sparring so you can watch.

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Alright thanks for the advice man