My Boxing Evolution: Notes from the Ring

Honestly, boxing isn't my primary discipline. While I hold professional boxing qualifications and certified coaching credentials, my relatively short time in the sport means I still find it challenging to spar with dedicated boxing specialists. However, after engaging with Muay Thai and Kickboxing, I developed a strong desire to execute clean, sharp boxing techniques. To achieve this, I sought guidance from various coaches, including those from a university team.

For me, seeking instruction from the university team proved to be the most enriching experience. Training alongside professional athletes allowed me to quickly identify my weaknesses and grow from every "setback." Unfortunately, I couldn't remain at the university indefinitely, especially with the last three years completely disrupting my plans.

But this doesn't mean progress has to stop. As I review various boxing resources available, I make an effort to integrate and synthesize the information. The purpose of these notes isn't for readers to blindly follow my lead. Instead, I simply aim to document information I personally find important and noteworthy, offering a reference for fellow boxing enthusiasts.

Boxing Introduction Video Guide

Boxing Warm-Up

Before starting any boxing training, a thorough warm-up is essential. This section of the video will detail a series of warm-up exercises specifically designed for boxing. They'll help you get your body ready, prevent injuries, and prepare you for the training ahead.

Boxing Stance

A correct stance is the foundation of boxing. This video will deeply analyze the fundamentals of the boxing stance and answer many common questions beginners have:

• Why should the power side be at the back? By positioning your dominant hand (usually your strong hand) at the rear, you create a greater range of motion and rotational space for powerful punches like the cross or hook, thus generating more force.
• Is it essential to keep both hands protecting your face? Protecting your face with both hands is a core principle of boxing defense. This not only shields your head from heavy blows but also prepares you for counter-attacks while defending. The video will explain in detail how to effectively guard your face without obstructing your vision or compromising your punching ability.
• Why shouldn't you cross your feet? Crossing your feet severely impacts your balance and mobility, making you prone to losing your footing and hindering your ability to react quickly or move when attacked. The video will demonstrate proper footwork to avoid this common error.

This video will answer all the "whys" regarding boxing stance and basic defense, helping you build a solid foundation.

Movement

Boxing footwork and punching are closely intertwined and mutually supportive. While the video will also introduce basic punching techniques, the core focus will be on footwork and movement. You'll learn how to move effectively forwards, backward, and sideways while maintaining balance, and how to use footwork to create punching angles, dodge attacks, and control distance from your opponent.

Developing A World Class Jab

The jab is arguably the most crucial and frequently used punch in boxing. It serves not only as an offensive opening but also as a key tool for controlling distance, disrupting opponents, and setting up combinations. To land an efficient jab, beyond just speed and accuracy, you need to master proper power generation and body coordination.

The following video from Bob Breen, titled "Developing A World Class Jab," will delve into how to enhance the quality of your jab. It will help you deliver a jab that combines speed, power, and penetration, making it a truly world-class weapon. By following the video's guidance, you'll learn more intricate details and techniques to make your jab a formidable tool in the ring.