Most of you know that I am very passionate about boxing (and a bit of kickboxing). I recently received some questions about boxing including what motivated me to step into the ring, how often I train, what my training routine is and whether I’ll fight again. This prompted me to write a blog post about what I learned from stepping into the ring and I wanted to share my experience and journey with you.
I hope these tips will inspire you to get active, get moving, and to potentially even try boxing. If you’re keen to learn the foundation of boxing, book a one on one personal training session with me or join one of my group fitness sessions.
1. You Have To Roll With The Punches
Boxing has taught me to roll with the punches, in life, in the sport of boxing and in bodybuilding or general gym training for any other goal.
You have to take things as they come, and adapt as they arise. In boxing you simply don’t know when or where the punch is going to be thrown, this is just like life, there are certain things you can predict and there are certain things you can’t. You know that certain things are going to happen yet you have to respond to upcoming events as they arise.
Boxing has taught me to be aware of my surroundings and always be aware of potential things that may come across in life or in the ring. This does not mean that I will always be on the lookout for ‘what potentially could go wrong’ (this is certainly not me) but this is something I keep in mind with everything that I do, whether this is in boxing, weightlifting, or in life I am aware of the potential things that could happen to ensure that I can respond to them appropriately.
Being flexible is key to be able to respond to unplanned events and being able to deal with things as they arise is key.
2. Persistence, Persistence, Persistence
Learning boxing takes time and persistence. Boxing, like any other sport is not something that is learnt in a week or a month. Depending on your genetics and athletic build, you may be a quick learner or you may be very talented. Yet how often you train, who your teacher is and how much heart you have for the sport also play part in becoming a successful student.
One thing I learned from training for boxing is that I have to stick with it and persist….. and I mean really persist. There were times where I wanted to give up training as it was all too hard and too much effort and I had lost motivation, yet as long as I turned up and as long as I kept going I progressed. Progression is all that matters and showing up for each session is a step in thee right direction. Combine that with your reason why and you’ll be stepping towards a winning combination.
3. You Have To Find Your “Why”
Do you know what you are doing it for? Do you know why you want to step into the ring or why you want to learn boxing? Knowing why you want it and why you are get up early in the morning will help you throughout your training when it gets tough. Knowing your reason why will help you stay focused and motivated. When times get tough remember why you do what you do and visualise your goals. Look back at how far you’ve come and realise that “your why” has brought you to this level. Now it’s time to step it up to the next level.
4. Preparation Is Key
As with anything, it is important to be prepared. Stepping into the ring is not simply something you do after a few weeks of training. Preparing yourself mentally and physically are vital for success.
Preparing yourself includes training in the ring, training weights, mobility, agility and cardio, all with the purpose of getting so called fight fit.
Preparing yourself mentally is another key element of success. Remember it is not about being tough but it is about whether you can stand up after you have been punched down.
Personally I thought I was pretty up to scratch with my training and my mental state, until one day during sparring session with another club I got punched after the bell and got winded for the first time in my life. I swear I wanted to cry but I was trying to stay tough and not cry in front of my other teammates and coach which I didn’t want to disappoint. Although this wasn’t fair, I learnt that life isn’t fair and that you should never drop your guard.
Being able to step over certain hurdles both mentally and physically will set you up for success.
5. Learn From Your Masters
Get serious about your training and take on board what your coach says to you. I used to film the majority of my training sessions with my coach and would review them post training.
During training my coach used to tell me I that dropped my hand and I swear I thought my hand was up. But then I looked back at the video and well and truly my hand dropped although I though it was up. I learned that fatigue changes both your physical and mental attitude so since watching that video over and over again I now keep my hand where it’s supposed to be. Nice and tight on my chin.
Since that day I always took on board what my coach said and looked back at the footage post training. Learning is a process that takes time and repetition, sticking with it and putting in 110% will get you far, but implementing tips and strategies from a real world champion coach I’ll get you even father.
6. Find Wisdom In Solitude
During my training I included yoga and meditation, initially as a tool for rehab and mobility, then later I learned that using both yoga in Titian helped me find solitude. When finding solitude and silence I was able to focus. Getting mentally ready for a fight is something that is vital, getting in the right mood before your fight and setting the right intentions will help you achieve your goal. Here’s a quote that gave me wisdom for my preparation in solitude.
7. Have A Pre-Fight Routine
Prior to having my fight, I used to listen to my music and wear a towel over my head so that I could go back into that “quiet little place” to find my focus reignite the fire ready for war.
I implemented Meditation to tune into my body and to find my own little zen space. This was the ultimate preparation to execute my game plan.
8. Pivot – Change Your Direction
Footwork is key. Being able to pivot and change direction can get you out of many situations both in life and in the boxing ring. I learnt that pivoting enabled me to quickly change direction although still focused on the same goal.
So if you come across something in life that’s not quite right, look at the other side, change your view, pivot, and look at it from the other side. A change of perspective is sometimes all you really need…
9. Relax And Loosen Up
One of the first things that I learned in boxing was to not flinch when getting punched. It is only natural to flinch and “be scared” of getting punched and shut your eyes. Learning to relax into it and being relaxed with my footwork and my punches has made me a better boxer. On top of that I also incorporate Yoga and Meditation into my routine to find focus, balance and peace.
10. The Ring Is A Lonely Place
Although you may have plenty support leading up to your fight, at the end of the day you have to fight the battle alone. You are in the ring on your own and YOU have to find it in your heart to keep going. I very well remember my first fight at which I was so nervous my legs turned to led, I was exhausted and the nerves weighed me down so bad that it felt like I couldn’t move…. It took a few punches before I realised that I had to fight back. Once that light bulb moment occurred, the fight was mine.
Final Thoughts
Getting up in the early hours of the morning to do cardio is something you have to do yourself, no one is going to do it for you. No one is going to punch that bag for you. YOU have to put in the hard work and YOU have to want it bad enough to keep going. So if you’re seeking a fun team sport, forget about boxing because the number one battle you have to fight is the one with yourself to get up and going.
What have you learned from boxing?
Follow me: @AmazonWarriorAU
You must be logged in to post a comment.