Relaxing in the ring

[Chris Nagel]

I was just thinking about what Thomas was saying before:

fear is a natural thing. when you first start to box you're full of it; you're not sure what you're really even doing, the guy keeps tagging you on the beak and just how the hell are you supposed to stop that seems to be completely out of your reach. each round passes by like a whirlwind of confusion where you cant tell up from down. anyway the main point here is that all of your fear and anxiety comes directly from your confusion which ultimately comes from your inexperience. hopefully after some time in boxing you will have learned that you are the one who is in total control over what happens to you in the ring -- not your opponent. that is, you only ever get hit when you made a mistake. understanding things in this manner, you box with the idea in mind to never make mistakes which removes the element of being in a street brawl for your life and replaces it with a mind set that all the greats utilize, that of putting together a puzzle. whens the last time you ever got scared putting together a puzzle?

i also think its important to dehumanize (that even a word?) boxing. how else can you get over the harsh reality inside the ring? when i fight, i fight as if i am fighting not an opponent, but boxing itself. as if i were trying to beat my best score. not making mistakes, setting up your shots, it isnt about getting the best over someone to prove how tough you are, playing the game is an end in itself.

I think that it's important for a boxer to develop a real sense of control. Even riding a bicycle, or learning to swim for the first time can be a scary experience, much more so with fists flying.

[God.in.my.corner]

Alot of great insight and advice in this thread. So it seems learning to relax- and I have the same problem- is more mental than mechanical. Many times I will try things like rolling my shoulders, deep breaths, etc. to try to stay loose and relaxed, but it seems it's more a mental thing.

[Youngblood]

Here is a past thead on ring nerves. Moreso fight night nerves. So maybe a bit more dramatic... http://www.saddoboxing.com/boxingfor...37-nerves.html

I think a lot of it has to do with simply putting in the time for most people. Basic things like closing our eyes when getting hit, turning away, tightening up, are generally all overcome with sparring time. One thing for sure, there is nothing more tiring to a person then being tight in the ring and it reflecting in holding ones arms and body flexed for 2-3 mins at a time.

[Scrap]

If you are not use to feeling relaxed while Boxing,its Hard to know how you should feel nor does muscle. Shadow Boxing with the eyes shut gives you that feel. It teaches you how the Body should feel.

[Cerberus]

I am listening (well reading) and learning, keep it coming!