Odds are if you do a bit of asking around, you’ll find the place that has the reputation as the best of the best in your area. There will likely be no doubt about it which club you’d like to join.
Do ask questions. Find out what they would recommend for you and what kind of training you should start. What’s their schedule like? Who would you work with? How can you meet everyone? Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you sign up.
Think of it like walking into a restaurant: if there’s no one there, you wouldn’t eat there. And if there’s only people in blue hats and you’re not wearing a blue hat, you might not eat there. If there’s only people who seem to be miserable, you probably wouldn’t eat there. So take a look – do the clients seem A) fit and competent and B) happy with their training? If you can, find someone who doesn’t work there about the establishment. Sometimes you need an unbiased party to get an honest opinion.
Jab. This is the busiest punch in boxing. It’s a simple punch thrown to your opponent’s chin with your leading hand (the hand of the forward foot). Cross. This punch is thrown with your dominant hand. It is a power punch. It involves a slight rotation of your torso, simulating a horizontal moment across your plane. Uppercut. This punch ends up in your opponent’s chin or solar plexus. It’s thrown at close range and can be quite the cincher. Hook. This is a short sideways punch delivered with your elbow out and to the side so your arm forms a hook. Southpaw. This is a left-handed fighter (either naturally or converted). To a “normal” fighter, they do everything in reverse. Because of their stance differences, they practically fight on top of each other. Outside and inside fighters. An outside fighter likes to keep his distance, stepping in for the jab. An inside fighter stays close, preferring moves like the uppercut.
A good trainer will also work on your secondary skills, like endurance and agility. When he sends you running around the block, it’s for good reason. And don’t expect to be sparring just yet – he’ll let you know when you’re there.
You should be doing cardio and weight training, in addition to brushing up secondary skills with dance, yoga, interval training, and core exercises. That being said, have a day or so a week where you take it a bit easier – you don’t want to wear your body out without even getting into a fight.
A 3-mile run shouldn’t really be a problem for you. Combine it with jumping rope, jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, and bag work. [2] X Expert Source David EngelMuay Thai Instructor & Self Defense Trainer Expert Interview. 5 May 2020. See how long you last before you tire yourself out and your technique starts failing.
You may laugh, but taking up yoga isn’t a bad idea. It’ll help with your muscle tone, flexibility and reach, and get your entire body loosened up and ready for anything. That’s not to mention the peace of mind and focus it can grant, too. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
What’s a boxer’s diet? It’s high in healthy proteins – namely chicken, fish (like salmon and tuna), eggs, peanut butter and fruits and vegetables. It also includes sources of healthy fats, like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. [4] X Research source Your body needs a balance of nutrients, fat included, to make it through all the work you’re forcing it under.
Leg endurance. To be a great boxer, your legs are constantly moving. Sometimes in teeny, tiny moments, which can be even more difficult to make. After rounds and rounds of fighting, your legs will feel like cement. You can prolong your leg endurance by doing activities like jumping rope. [6] X Expert Source David EngelMuay Thai Instructor & Self Defense Trainer Expert Interview. 5 May 2020. Shoulder endurance. When your shoulders are tired, say goodbye to your punches and your defense. You won’t even be able to hold your hands in front of your face when your shoulders are down for the count. So work on that speed-bag and do arm endurance drills consistently.
Take a dance class or two. Plenty of athletes, not just boxers, take dance classes. Why? Dance is all about balance, agility, and flexibility – three very important skills in sports. Take an acting class. You want to do promotions, commercials, and get sponsorships, right? You also don’t want to look like an idiot doing them. So brush up on your skills in the spotlight to emphasize your charm. Study business or sports management. This is good for two reasons: A) you don’t want to pull a Mike Tyson and blow all your money nor do you want to be taken advantage of by people who say “they deserve a cut” and B) you want a future. Your body won’t be able to box forever, so having a more practical but related background can help you transition into coaching or promoting.
This step is more paperwork than anything. Visit USAboxing. org (if you’re based in the US, of course) to get a list of information by state. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find open events that you can participate in.
You will have to contact the necessary people to get your license to compete in events. There is a minimal fee and it varies by state. Other than that, it’s just a bunch of forms and a physical assessment.
You’ll be classed by age, weight, and record initially. You can be an amateur boxer in the US at just 8 years old!
Again, you will be placed according to your weight, age group and class, which will begin as “novice” if you’re 17 or older. You’ll start out in local and regional tournaments, with a long-term goal of competing in the U. S. Amateur Championships and earning a spot on the U. S. Boxing team.
Think about where your weight normally stays around (provided it’s consistent and you’re fit, of course). You may be able to compete at about 5 pounds more or less than that, but anything greater will likely put strain on your body and be unhealthy.
Running 3–5 miles (4. 8–8. 0 km) without getting too tired Jumping rope for 30 minutes straight Hitting the heavy bag for 15 minutes non-stop Being able to spar with any amateur from any gym (not including pro-level amateurs with over 100 fights) Sparring double the required rounds (amateur boxing is 3 rounds)
Defense. You’ll be looking at anywhere from 60-150 punches per round. It doesn’t matter how powerful your own punches are – you’ve gotta have that shoulder endurance and keep your defenses up and going at 100% at all times. Speed. You’re fighting against opponents that are the speediest you’ve ever fought. It doesn’t matter how powerful you are – if you can’t get a punch in because you’re too slow, you won’t be getting anywhere. Power. This comes from good technique. Sure, throwing wild punches will catch your competition eventually, but you’ll just wear yourself out. You’ve got to be able to concentrate your power and control it. Waste it and you’ve lost the match. Autonomy. By now, you need to be on autopilot. You don’t have time to be thinking, “Okay. . . now I should do a left uppercut. . . keep your hands up, kid. . . oh, time to duck,” that sort of thing. Every move needs to be a gut reaction.
By now, you’re probably pretty immersed in the boxing community. You’ll know which managers are in your area and which ones are legitimate. If you have talent, they’ll probably want to take you on. Just make sure it’s someone you get along with and can trust.
It’s kind of like Hollywood – you don’t realize how many people are struggling to make it big. This is normal to start out. And keep in mind that up to 50% of your wages are going to the people below you, like your promoter or manager. Keep your income steady by having at least a part-time gig on the side.
In the US, again, this is done at the state level. Each state has different requirements, ranging from experience as an amateur to having a manager. At the very least, have your birth certificate and social security card at the ready – there will be plenty of paperwork.
This takes time and diligence, in addition to withstanding injury and defeat. Your skin will have to be thick in more ways than one. Boxing has a way of weeding out the weak of body and the weak of mind.
Keep in mind that talent and accomplishment don’t necessarily mean glory. Gene Tunney outboxed Jack Dempsey twice, but his self-contained demeanor kept him from living in the limelight, unlike his gregarious, extroverted opponent. Boxers aren’t all looking for fame. [11] X Research source Take a cue from them that boxers come from all walks of life. Need inspiration that you can do it all? Turn to Calvin Brock, the “boxing banker. " He was a well-educated man with a legitimate career in banking when he turned pro. [12] X Research source If you’re already in college, don’t sweat it. It’s doable. On the other hand, you’re never too young, either. Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz went pro at sixteen. [13] X Research source Sure, he didn’t last long, but he still did it. Now he has a law degree and is still doing well for himself. Whichever road you take, you’ll likely be fine.
