For over 100 years, boxing has been the go to sport for young, tough people with too much energy and bottle. But it attracts all sorts of people. Its a great work out which brings people we call ‘hobbyist’. Its psychically demanding and takes a special king of person to compete, and win. We call those people fighters.
Many people have wanted, or considered, starting boxing at some point. Through year of the unknown, or the bad rep, they have stayed well away from the local gym. I want to dispel the myths, and put the truth out there.
Boxing gyms are full of mean and unfriendly people.
This is most likely the most common one I hear. Yes, boxing attracts a lot of people that have a fighting mentality. Many of them are what you might call ‘street thugs’. But boxing gyms have a zero tolerance on bullying. The discipline usually gets rid of the thuggish attitude. NO ONE will ever be able to bully someone in a boxing gym and get away with it.
I’m not the same as the people that go to a boxing gym.
Boxing gyms have so many different people in them. I was in a gym yesterday and I met a former gang member, a teacher, a doctor and a cleaner. All mixing together.
I don’t want to get hurt.
Then you should start boxing. Boxing teaches self defence so that you can avoid getting hurt in a real street situation. Gym mates spar to work on their craft and weaknesses, not to hurt each other. Of course, accidents happen, punches will land and you will feel the pain. But that isn’t the goal. No one will set out to give you a beating and sparring is always very controlled until you are ready.
I’m too overweight.
Not for long, if you start now. Pace yourself. You may throw up, you may want to give up. But if you last a month you are way ahead of most of the people that start boxing. Boxing has an extremely high drop out rate due to its intensity. But take it slowly, and that weight will fall of.
I cant afford it.
You cant afford not to exercise. And boxing is cheap in comparison to many. It is, after all, the working mans sport. You will need, boxing gloves after a few months £20, comfortable clothing, hand wraps £4, gum shield £4. Lessons are usually £5 and private lessons £25. Anyone charging more is charging too much.
Boxing is dangerous.
Having a bath is so much more dangerous. More people die a year from bath related injuries than in a boxing ring.
Go down to your local gym and give it a try.
Harry Lyne
English Boxing Union 