Self-Defense: 3 Things You Should Know Before Taking Up Boxing
Boxing is a sport loved, followed, and practiced by millions worldwide each week. It has its roots deep in society, existing in one form or another for hundreds of years. From the prizefighting at fairground booths in the first half of the 1900s in the United Kingdom to the glamour nights in Las Vegas where the leading names from the professional code battle to secure a legacy in a game for gladiators. It’s challenging to get away from boxing, not that we’d want to, as it’s an important tool that serves many purposes.
Most choose to watch the biggest fights as spectators, either at the stadium or from the comfort of home on television. More bouts are broadcast on TV and through live streams each year than we have seen before. It’s a great time to be a lover of the noble art, and you can be sure there are plenty more big fights to come. Will we see Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off to unify the division and give us one true world champion at the maximum weight category? That’s a question we must wait on an answer to.
The leading sports betting sites offer odds on upcoming fights and even those yet to be confirmed, allowing bettors to get in early, make their predictions, and secure the best odds available. Watching a championship boxing match from your sofa is something special, but add the edge given by placing a bet on the game, and the excitement levels go through the roof. There is value to be found if you are willing to put in the work. Can you imagine cheering a win for your favorite fighter and the profits making their way to your betting balance after calling it correctly?
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Not everyone is content simply enjoying the show, with many fitness fanatics choosing boxing as the best way to improve their cardio. It certainly does that, and some, but it’s also great for weight loss, building lean muscle, and improving your confidence and diet. There are countless positives to taking up boxing, and it’s likely you will find a boxing gym in your city, either for keep-fitters, amateurs, or even professional boxers. Thinking about giving it a go? Before you do, read on as we discuss three things you should know before visiting a boxing gym. This will make you better prepared for the journey that lies ahead.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Is Boxing Considered Self-Defense?
It sure can! Boxing can be considered a form of self-defense, but it’s important to understand that self-defense encompasses a wide range of skills and techniques. Boxing is a combat sport that primarily focuses on striking with the fists and involves a combination of footwork, head movement, and defensive tactics.
In a self-defense context, boxing can be effective for defending oneself against an attacker by using punches and movement to create distance or disable the threat. However, it’s crucial to note that self-defense also involves situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and understanding the legal implications of using force.
While boxing provides valuable skills for self-defense, it may not cover all aspects of personal protection, such as grappling, ground fighting, or defense against weapons. Many self-defense experts recommend a well-rounded approach that incorporates various martial arts or self-defense systems to address different scenarios.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of boxing in self-defense depends on the individual’s training, adaptability, and ability to assess and respond to different situations. It’s advisable to complement boxing skills with a broader understanding of self-defense principles for a more comprehensive approach to personal safety.
Do Your Homework
This one is important. You will only enjoy boxing training if you are doing it in the right environment. There’s no shortage of boxing gyms, but it’s fair to say some are better than others. You don’t need to be training at the Wildcard Gym in Las Vegas alongside Manny Pacquiao to get the best out of your session, but you do need the right people around you.
That’s why it’s important to do your research and find the right gym for you. The gym that is understanding of your needs has the equipment but also the expertise on hand and allows you to train in a safe environment. The best way to do this is to visit a few boxing gyms to get a feel for what’s out there. Sit at the side and watch a session. That will give you an idea of what to expect, but also the personality of the coaches and the mood in the gym.
Get the Right Boxing Equipment
Boxing is an attractive sport to many underprivileged kids in the world as it’s affordable, and you don’t need expensive equipment to start training. There are pieces of boxing kit out there that are over the top, flashy and expensive, but they won’t make you punch harder or your sessions last longer. The basics for boxing are comfortable footwear and loose-fitting clothing, hand wraps, boxing gloves, and a skipping rope. Anything else is optional.
A Typical Boxing Training Session
- Warm-up & stretch
- Shadow boxing
- Bag work
- Circuits
- Skipping
- Abs
- Cool down and stretch
Knowing what to expect from a boxing training session will make it less of a shock to your system and easier to deal with, especially in the early days. Boxing training isn’t easy, but the rewards far outweigh the risks.
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