Developing a fighting mentality...

[Rocky Balboa]

I am/was raised to turn the cheek... but I feel no qualms about beating someone in the ring

[atgatt]

Sorry about coming late into this thread. Very interesting reading. My totally unprofessional view is, I'm a wimp when it comes to fighting. When I was in street fights and sensed a fight was coming, my heart was about to come out of my chest I was so afraid. My Dad taught me, love people and do all you can to stay out of fights, but if you have no choice, then you show them what vicious means. My parents didn't raise me to be a victim.

For ring fighting, I couldn't do it. Light sparring, ok, but all out boxing, no. There is too much research to show that is not healthy for the brain so I would feel bad not only having it done to me, but doing it to them.

Still, I love watching and learning.

[Aweless]

Sorry about coming late into this thread. Very interesting reading. My totally unprofessional view is, I'm a wimp when it comes to fighting. When I was in street fights and sensed a fight was coming, my heart was about to come out of my chest I was so afraid. My Dad taught me, love people and do all you can to stay out of fights, but if you have no choice, then you show them what vicious means. My parents didn't raise me to be a victim.

For ring fighting, I couldn't do it. Light sparring, ok, but all out boxing, no. There is too much research to show that is not healthy for the brain so I would feel bad not only having it done to me, but doing it to them.

Still, I love watching and learning.

See I don't understand that way of thinking. I understand the risks too, but they don't deter me from boxing. Also why would you feel bad for the person your sparring? They are in the ring with you to improve their boxing not to just inflict pain on you. Also why would you need research to prove to you being hit over an over in the head isn't good for you. I just think your focusing on the negative which scares you from really getting into it.

I've only recently started sparring, and I too was worried. Not scared of brain damage, but of losing a tooth since I like my teeth. However I got past it since I really do enjoy boxing. I have to say it was one of my favorite experiences of my life. However I want to improve myself greatly before doing it again though since I was shown how ineffective my skills were. My point is that if you really do enjoy boxing don't worry about the risks and just live your life. Hell you could be hit by a car crossing the street tomorrow. About 5,000 pedestrians are killed and another 64,000 are injured in motor vehicle accidents every year in this country. If you want some stats to worry over that effects all of us.


As for the topic. Being mentally prepared to box is all about how you perceive it to be. I see sparing as two people improving themselves. So when I got clocked clear in the chin from a uppercut when I was leaning I wasn't pissed at the guy I was sparring I was annoyed at myself for leaning too much. It's all how you perceive it to be. Understanding why your in the ring will help you be able to perform in the ring. Punch your opponent to win. If you don't want to punch your opponent,or want to win. Then your simply there to get punched so get out of the ring.

[Youngblood]

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.