Developing a fighting mentality...

**Youngblood** · 10-21-2009 10:38 PM

I just freakin love punching people in the face! lol

Not in some cruel, or angry way, but have always loved it, so it is likely a good thing I found boxing when I did, young.

**atgatt** · 10-22-2009 12:34 AM

I'm NOT saying a boxer is cruel. Like you said, it is expected that the opponent does their best and not hold back. It is fair since both understand the sport. I am saying that I can't do it.

Risks? I ride a motorcycle for 99% of my transportation, but I do wear all the gear and read and follow safety on a regular basis. Sorry, but I'm a realist. I don't want to live in a pretend world or be guessing at things that involve my safety when I should be studying it to cut the risk. People spend hours watching TV but don't care about things they should know by just taking a small amount of time to see.

You say, "My point is that if you really do enjoy boxing don't worry about the risks and just live your life." My philosophy is, if there is something I really enjoy, I investigate the dangers and see how safe I can make it. If you're not concerned about how you can cut back the odds about brain damage by the best head gear, gloves and possibly holding back on the power of some power punches, then have it and ignore the data. Since when is knowledge bad? Hopefully I will take up boxing some day even in my old age, but it will be in a fashion that involves safety. Nothing is worth serious damage to me. Often, you can have your cake and eat it too, you just have to figure out how.

**Aweless** · 10-23-2009 03:02 AM

Then I would suggest that you don't box. Enjoy watching the sport from ringside. Studies have also shown head gear doesn't completely prevent brain damage. So it will never truly be safe enough for you to do it. If you aren't willing to take the risk stay out of the ring. I'm sorry but you are living in a pretend world. No amount of gear can protect you completely from a blow. So there will always be a little risk. Boxing isn't about going out and getting hurt. Boxers take every risk into account that is also why boxers train as hard as they do. Also sparring isn't always about going out to kill the other guy. It's about improving skills so if your willing to take a hit you can do it. That's the problem I see with you. Your not willing to take the hit. Boxing is about two people trying to hit each other while avoiding each others punches. My gym offers boxing classes for those who only wish to train as a boxer, but don't want to fight. I would suggest trying a class like that. You'll receive a good workout without being in any danger. I can't see you being in boxing any other way. Boxers don't ignore risks, they embrace them, and train harder because of them.

**atgatt** · 10-24-2009 11:17 AM

Aweless, we agree to just a bit. Yes, you can get hurt with head gear, but head gear does protect the eyes, nose, etc. The hits I'm talking about are the power hits, like a big hook that knocks head to the side suddenly. Head gear for that kind of punch just goes along for the ride. That's why I said I could box as long as I understand and the sparring partner understands, we both go at it, but hold off power to the power punches. If that puts me in a "pretend world", that's fine; I just want to learn and keep my brain intact.

Talking about a pretend world, I have watched so many boxing training videos about slipping jabs and how to counter them, of course all done in slow movement, when in real life within striking distance, if the puncher did not telegraph the jab, and the jab was all out speed, they get hit, no time to slip. I made boxing robotic boxing arms that jab at real speeds and the two boxers that tried it could not slip them. So at least I won't pretend I could slip a fast jab and I'm much better off keeping my guard up to begin with.

Agreed too, you have to take some risks and believe it or not, I have taken more than most, but I still try to study what I'm doing to cut down on the risk. I could see why you love boxing. It is a great sport but too bad it couldn't be done and won more safely. Realizing though, in a street fight you can use those same skills and make it as unsafe as possible for the person attacking you.

**Scrap** · 10-24-2009 12:07 PM

Its a funny one, Ive got an old wedding Photo 13 of my old mates on it. Theres only 3 of us left, the other 10 got killed on Mountains. It was there choice of freewill to do it. This week Monday went to the Boxers Writers Dinner, met up with of my old mates. None the worse for wear. Yet last night Jason Rushton is rushed to Hospital, know Him well and His Dad, sad. But its the persons choice to do. People who do it can turn into Cabbages those who dont already are.

**Rocky Balboa** · 10-24-2009 09:36 PM

The way I see it: the determination and discipline I learn from boxing is worth the few neurons I lose.

**Youngblood** · 10-25-2009 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by Scrap

Its a funny one, Ive got an old wedding Photo 13 of my old mates on it. Theres only 3 of us left, the other 10 got killed on Mountains. It was there choice of freewill to do it. This week Monday went to the Boxers Writers Dinner, met up with of my old mates. None the worse for wear. Yet last night Jason Rushton is rushed to Hospital, know Him well and His Dad, sad. But its the persons choice to do. People who do it can turn into Cabbages those who dont already are.

Awesome.