Right, so I have decided to want to start boxing...

[boxingbantz]

Firstly, I want to apologise if this thread has bee done before but I have had a look through, can't really see anything and google is bloody useless.

Ok, I'll begin:

I used to do Tang Soo Do then Tae Kwon Do, then Lau Gar Kung Fu with former World champion Neville Wray between the ages of 6-18. My father was supportive of me doing martial arts but I was never allowed to do boxing - this was due to my mum saying she wouldn't want to see someone punch me in the face. I then had to give it up as I joined the Royal Air Force which I left after five years.

Anyway, now I am 26 years old and have decided that, while I still can, I want to give boxing a go. I'm 6'1, 13 and a bit stone and in ok shape. Now, I am under absolutely no illusions. I know that I won't be representing Great Britiain at the Olympics, I won't be calling out Manny Pacquiao when he retires, nor will I be on the cover of The Ring magazine. I want to do it because it's something I have always wanted to do as I love the sport, just wish I had've done it earlier. I have a good level of fitness due to my time in the forces but it's no where near as good as it used to be. I just want to be able to go down a gym a couple of times a week, improve my punching abililty, get a better level of fitness and just, generally, box. Obviously I would love to be able to spar in a ring etc but I have to walk before I can run.

I would just like to know what the best way to go about this is as I have absolutely no idea. I don't know if it's a case of you go down a gym and just join but then what? Do I sign up for lessons with an instructor or just stand at a heavy bag, like a muppet, not knowing what to do? I shadow box in front of my mirror when I get out of the shower but I can understand that isn't quite the same thing.

Any help from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[HerbM]

Welcome here and welcome to boxing. The boxers and trainers here are very helpful and will seldom chastise you IF you should ask a FAQ, although they will generally recommend any useful threads to you for further review if you ask a question that has substantial history.

You are still young enough to have whatever goals your interest and abilities will support. Go for it.

The best way to proceed? Do you best to find a quality gym, with a serious coach or trainer who will actually give you LESSONS, not just run a completely aerobics exercise class nor leave you to your own devices.

You want a coach who will show you all the basics of stance, punching, movement, defense, etc while taking you through a strong guided conditioning program.

Depending on where you live, you MAY decide to take up amateur boxing (Golden Gloves usually here in the states), or you may decide to limit yourself to sparring in your own gym, or you might decided to just learn boxing without the contact.

We have pros, Golden Gloves fighters, gym sparring guys and gals, and plenty of people who will NEVER hit or get hit very hard, all training in our little gym.

All our classes have a "3 round lesson", at least "3 rounds of coaching on the heavy bag" and a lot of other conditioning.

Let the folks here know generally where you live so they can perhaps recommend some quality gyms and good coaches.

Enjoy!

--
HerbM

[boxingbantz]

Thanks herb for your response. Was very helpful. I am based in the south of England. Hampshire to be exact. The only local gym near me belongs to the Army - not really the place where I want to start out. Do I need to find an 'amateur' gym or just a regular boxing gym? I really am clueless but your post has given me some food for thought.

[0james0]

I am EXACTLY the same (all be it less fit!) I even managed to find a gym last year and had some 1 on 1 coaching. Really enjoyed it. Decided that as I'm good at most sports and watch loads of boxing I should do ok.

Then I tore my ankle ligaments playing football and I've not been back since (not to mention getting even more unfit)

The training was very tough, especially as one of my shoulders is still weak from tearing ligaments a couple of years ago (playing bloody football again ) so I struggled with all the push ups he kept making me do!

It was much harder than I thought, as a kid I was always in scraps, so thought my inner anger would get me through. Upper body was fine, but I struggled staying in the stance he kept putting me in, didn't realise that would be the hardest thing, the footwork. Keeping feet facing forward, while body is sideways, while crouching. They make it look so easy!


I need a bit of advice also, should I hit the gym and get fit first before trying again, or should I get fit while learning to box? Bearing in mind I have now collected a dodgy shoulder and ankle that are both going to need some work to get fully strenghtened.

[boxingbantz]

I am EXACTLY the same (all be it less fit!) I even managed to find a gym last year and had some 1 on 1 coaching. Really enjoyed it. Decided that as I'm good at most sports and watch loads of boxing I should do ok.

Then I tore my ankle ligaments playing football and I've not been back since (not to mention getting even more unfit)

The training was very tough, especially as one of my shoulders is still weak from tearing ligaments a couple of years ago (playing bloody football again ) so I struggled with all the push ups he kept making me do!

It was much harder than I thought, as a kid I was always in scraps, so thought my inner anger would get me through. Upper body was fine, but I struggled staying in the stance he kept putting me in, didn't realise that would be the hardest thing, the footwork. Keeping feet facing forward, while body is sideways, while crouching. They make it look so easy!


I need a bit of advice also, should I hit the gym and get fit first before trying again, or should I get fit while learning to box? Bearing in mind I have now collected a dodgy shoulder and ankle that are both going to need some work to get fully strenghtened.

Nothing like hijacking my thread.

How old were you mate when you went to the gym for the first time just out of interest?

[0james0]

Sorry mate, was just thinking and typing, seemed like a good place to drop my load!

I'm 25 now and went there last year. I'm stupidly unfit at the min, but playing football again so hoping that will help.

I've decided I should be in my peak now, so should be able to get stuck into most things and do ok. Makes me want to do it more now I know how difficult the technique is, I didn't like having a left jab either and I'm right handed so was switchng a bit to try and see which just felt better. All felt exciting though!

Need to get motivated and get back onto it. I need to lose weight aswell otherwise if I fight I'll be in with massive guys!