Interested in Starting

[Turing]

I am interested in taking up boxing as a sport/self-esteem building/self-defense tool. I don't really want to have to join a boxing gym, I would like to practice at home. I have been reading through these and found every few threads something to the effect of "you REALLY need a coach, join a gym." By the way is it called a gym? Anywho I'm very small, a mere 5 '1 maybe 2, and about 105 lbs. I have growth hormone deficiency, and the doctors say between the medicine and some luck I could reach 5 '7 which I don't think is too bad.
1. What I would like to know are what are the basic punches?
2. What's a good heavy bag to buy?
3. Weighted Medicine Balls? How do you use em and whatnot?
4. Any other advice you deem worthwhile to clue me in on.
Thank you.

[Tom Yum]

Good choice. Boxing is a great sport and will provide you with a good base of self-defense techniques and strategies. Needless to say it will improve your physical conditioning and self-confidence. Like all fighting sports, it has its strengths and weaknesses but it is one of the few ring sports that is respected by alot of different styles because of its simple effectiveness.

Training equipment:
You
hand wraps
12oz bag gloves
athletic wear
70 lb heavy bag.

You want to learn the basic stance, footwork and basic punches. The punches are jab, cross, hook and uppercut. You also want to learn the basic defense - parry, slip, bob/weave and cover. Before you hit the bag, it is important to throw punches with good form in the air. Once the basic technique is there, then give it a go.

Its important to be loose when practicing. At no time should your movements be jerky. They should snap out and retract lightly and quickly. You are going to hate me for saying this, but a coach would be really helpfull. He will be able to keep an eye on your technique and work on your strengths and weaknesses. For some boxing concepts, checkout ringside magazine.

You could also email Ross boxing, who has posted earlier. He might be able to give you some tips.

Good luck. You chose a great sport.

[Turing]

Equipment.

Can someone explain medicine balls to me? Are they good? Should I invest in one?

And are there any brands for gloves, handwraps, and a bag I should steer clear of, and any brands I should look for?

[yenhoi]

medicine balls are weighted rubber or leather balls or bags that you lift, throw, toss, move, etc in various ways to condition and strengthen a variety of muscles - arms, back, abs, and legs.

You will NEED a coach.

You will also need a jump rope, and lots of time, patience, and determination.

If you cant find a coach soon, get the ball, and a jump rope - start jumping rope, all the time, use the ball as much as possible, and start doing lots and lots of situps and pushups. Find a damn coach. If your serious, you will also start a running program, start off slow.

Brands mean nothing. Buy what fits, what feels good, what doesnt smell, and whats cheapest - in that order. Also find a teacher.

[ryanhall]

Turing,
I honestly recommend that you join a boxing gym in your neighborhood (you might have to look a little). You will progress much more quickly, as well as avoid common injuries, if you find a qualified coach. You won't get the sport aspect out of hitting the bag at home either. The same goes for self-defense. Boxing blows wouldn't be my choice if I were your size, and you won't learn much without someone hitting back. Nothing beats a good coach for learning a sport (especially a combat one).

Medicine balls are used for conditioning your stomach muscles to take body shots.

[ceasarx]

I agree with everyone else . you should find a coach but if you cant get a rope and tie it between two tree's or polls. The rope should be about ten or more feet long. Practice ducking under the rope and come up with an uppercut as you step forward.
Another drill is to shadow box and practice keeping on your toes and bounceing around.

[Turing]

Info

The rope should be about ten or more feet long. Practice ducking under the rope and come up with an uppercut as you step forward.

So should I be like facing the length of the rope, and directly underneath it, and coming up on one side, then on the other?

Shadow Box. Is that just like pretend boxing.........?

I have a neighbor who takes Karate and I thought we could perhaps spar to get the hitting back at me side of it in.

To use a medicine ball what do I do, and what would be a good weight? Do I just like lay on the ground and have it dropped on my stomach and tighten it right before impact, then throw it back?

Thank you again people.

[ryanhall]

With all these questions I get the feeling that you won't be looking for an instructor any time soon.

[ryanhall]

I have a neighbor who takes Karate and I thought we could perhaps spar to get the hitting back at me side of it in.

I don't want to burst your bubble, but I owe it to you to be honest. You will be wasting your time if you do this. You and your neighbor will be brawling with no expert making sure that you're doing the right thing. Karate has nothing in common with boxing, so any advice from your friend will set you back. Find a coach, or learn the hard way when you spar or fight someone for real.

Shadow Box. Is that just like pretend boxing.........?

Yes.

[dkm]

I would say start with 16oz gloves and later move to 12oz gloves.

[darrianation]

Seriously if you want to learn boxing just for getting into shape and toning up you don’t really need a coach. If you want to learn boxing for sport and self defense then you really do need a coach. There really is no other way.

The problem is you will develop bad habits and will reinforce them to the point your training will be counter productive. You will also need to spar with someone who also knows boxing other wise you’ll never be able to use what you’ve learned effectively. Also this sparring needs to be under the watchful eye of a good coach that can spot your weaknesses and bad technique and correct you. Honestly timing rhythm and intuitiveness cannot be learned on a heavy bag. You need a partner who knows what he’s doing (to some degree anyway).

So if you want to compete or use boxing for self defense then a gym is pretty much necessary. I think boxing is a very good choice.

[Tom Yum]

Sparring a karateka without any previous boxing would set you up for a loss and would be counterproductive for your training.

Check out this website

http://www.24fightingchickens.com/shotokan/101/02_karate.html

A shotokan karate stylist talks about boxing

"it should be pointed out that most karate players would not last ten seconds against a typical boxing enthusiast. Boxing typically has much more rigorous physical requirements and more athletic participants."

Since you mentioned sparring, you really should find a coach.

[Turing]

Good News

Guys, I talked to my mom and she isn't totally opposed to the idea. She actually kinda likes it because of the fitness aspect. I am gonna maybe try doing some good boxing conditioning at home. Whats a good medicine ball weight for someone my size? And what else can I start doing now without reinforcing bad habits? Not only that but I talked to my neighbor who took boxing a while ago, and there is a place thats less then like 20 minutes away so thats good.

[Great Sage]

Well kid... Learning to box at home is better than doing nothing at all. However, you may never truly understand how you measure up to boxing standards... Furthermore, you may not know if you're developing bad habits or not. But then again, some gyms don't necessarily train you... They more or less let you train yourself. Nevertheless, if you're committed, you can at least become a good striker before you enter a gym.

Here's a good start:

1) Buy a good boxing manual ($35) that explains drills, medicine ball and basic skills. A free download manual exists at ringside.com.

2) Buy hand wraps ($5) and a mirror ($5) to train in front of.

3) Start road work (running while boxing).

4) Shadow box during each workout.

5) Buy a heavy bag when you become comfortable with punching.
An 80 lb bag will cost $60 and bag gloves will cost $20.

6) A double-end ball will help you develop slipping and precision.

7) Jump rope often.

Here's a simple workout routine.

Stretches & warm-up
Mirror training
shadow boxing
Heavy Bag
Double-end Bag or Speed Bag
Adominal Exercises

-

[ryanhall]

Good advice, Great Sage.