Any boxers in the house?

[BMathis]

Good plan.  Boxing is extremely hard if you're not conditioned properly. 

I've been training at American Kickboxing Academy for about 5 months and really enjoy the work outs.  Only 40-50min classes 3 times a week usually...  I too like the Mexican hand wraps best.

We are now doing "Cross-pit" classes until the new year (designed by "The Pit", an MMA camp in California). Holy crap I thought I had conditioning until last week.  Good luck on your training, and keep us up to date. 

[Saurdaukar]

WW, is there anything you *dont* know about?  

As to actual training, I suggest you locate a boxing gym near to where you live. I would avoid fitness clubs, and their girly-girl "boxing for fitness" programs. I figure I could put the typical fitness club "instructor" on a gurney in less than a minute.

The gym I selected is, in fact, a "boxing gym," not, say, a Bally's with "boxing classes."  Several bags, rings, etc.  They also offer MMA sessions if that counts.

Learning to box really requires an experienced trainer. Training yourself may get you fit, but you will develop bad habits and really haven't learned anything more than punching an inanimate bag.

I read something similar to this.  Basically, the gym is only as good as its staff.  Each of the trainers at the joint I selected have at least amateur competition experience in one of many area of specialty (some boxing, some MMA, etc, etc).  Bio's were available online for each so it looked to me as though the club was proud of its staff, most of whom, so far as I can tell, we "imported" from other states so I dont think its just a bunch of hacks.

I'm not a fan of road work. I'm a believer in training like you fight. Unless you intend run 3 miles in the ring, consider more useful way to condition your legs. Stationary bike, squats and leg curls will be enough for your goals.

Best quote of the thread.  Since this translates to me as "dont bother running" you are automatically a training sage in my mind and I shall not run since... well... I had enough of that soup in BDU's and go-fasters.  

Have a stationary bike so that's good.  Also have a basic bench with a leg extension.  

Thanks, as always.

PS:  Bought the Mexican wraps you recommended just now.

[morfiend]

 I agree Mazz,I never liked running either,thats what the ropes for!!

 It also helps coordinate the hand/foot timing,you need to train the fast twitch muscles and skipping is great for those in the legs.

 Some weight work is good,but I always did,light weight/lots of reps,then a few reps of heavy weight.You dont want the bulk it will give you,well if you want to move that is.

 1 last thing,tape some targets on the bag,abit of tape will do,2 low,liver and kidney,1 center solarplexise and a larger 1 to be the head. I found it helped to focus my punches. First time you hit someones elbow you'll know why!!!

   

[Widewing]

I agree Mazz,I never liked running either,thats what the ropes for!!

 It also helps coordinate the hand/foot timing,you need to train the fast twitch muscles and skipping is great for those in the legs.

 Some weight work is good,but I always did,light weight/lots of reps,then a few reps of heavy weight.You dont want the bulk it will give you,well if you want to move that is.

 1 last thing,tape some targets on the bag,abit of tape will do,2 low,liver and kidney,1 center solarplexise and a larger 1 to be the head. I found it helped to focus my punches. First time you hit someones elbow you'll know why!!!

   

Good advice. Consider wrist weights to help build hand speed and endurance. Some bag gloves have sewn-in pouches for weights. I used to tape several X's on the bag... Targets. Practice various combinations with the goal to hit each X. Sequence of punches should vary...

Footwork practice is part of bag work. Keep your center of mass equally split between your feet. Don't drag your feet. Remember that a power punch begins at the feet. Pivot on the ball of your foot, rotate at the hip, and then extend your arm. I've managed to break a few bag chains over the years. Buy a spare. Practice balance all of the time. A power combination requires good balance or the subsequent punches will lack snap.

There's a great many methods to learn and most have merit. For example, you may want to put your left glove alongside the right side of your head when throwing a right cross (almost like crossing your arms). Basically, you're placing both your head and the glove where you want them. A common counter to a right cross is a counter left over your right. Having your left glove alongside the right of your head effectively blocks this. You quickly learn how an opponent responds and you need to know how to counter their counter... There's a great many techniques and styles to become familiar with. You'll hear the usual advice, such as keeping your elbows tucked in (guys who don't will wish they had). I hit a guy with a counter hook that caught him square in the armpit. It ended the sparring session and it was several hours before he had normal use of the arm again. Excruciating pain with numb fingers and arm tingling. Keep those elbows in tight.


My regards,

Widewing