The "gentlemanly art of self-defense," boxing is one of the oldest sports and martial arts in the world. From ancient Greece to the modern Olympics, the spectacle of two athletes struggling against themselves and each other has been considered the height of athletic nobility. Nevertheless, if you fail to train properly prior to entering the ring, there will be no nobility. Instead, you'll simply end up knocked out on the floor. Training properly for boxing requires dedication and a knowledge of the practical application of training theory.
Shadowboxing
Shadowboxing is every new fighter's introduction to boxing training. The pugilist learns to execute basic footwork, striking combinations and defensive maneuvers in the most physically efficient manner. With no bag to hit and no risk of being struck by an opponent, distractions are removed. You are able to focus on learning the movements while shadowboxing, and learn how to use them in the manner that fits your body the best. Shadowboxing should be the beginning of your boxing training.
Bag Work
Hitting the heavy bag, commonly referred to as a "punching bag," teaches you to execute the strikes of boxing against something heavy and hard. Good heavy bags replicate the feel of punching another human being. Bag work begins your training in boxing combinations and movement around a target. According to the legendary Jack Dempsey, writing in "Championship Fighting," when training on the heavy bag, you should always visualize the bag as an actual, live opponent.
Mitt Work
Working the focus mitts, called "mitt work," is the third stage of boxing training. Like bag work, it allows you to learn to strike a target with your boxing combinations. Having your coach or a partner "feed" you the mitts allows you to practice striking a rapidly moving target. If the coach also moves in an appropriate manner, it allows you to practice punching while moving just as you have to do in an actual boxing match. Your coach can also insert occasional counterstrikes into your mitt work training, allowing you to practice different strategies, such as counterstriking, defensive fighting and in-fighting, using hooks and uppercuts.
Sparring
Sparring is the next to the last phase of boxing training. It is the epitome of what most people think of as boxing training. It is getting in the ring and hitting an actual opponent, as well as getting hit by the opponent. Sparring is a critical element of boxing training. Fight coach and boxing training Mark Hatmaker, in "Boxing Mastery," says that, if you don't spar, you are not a boxer. Sparring allows you to practice against different fighters with different styles. It also allows you to learn to function under the stress of getting hit or avoiding getting hit.
Fighting
The final stage of learning to box is actually boxing. While sparring provides most of the benefits of entering an actual boxing fight, the two are not the same. Only by entering the ring and engaging in real battle against an opponent can you reach the pinnacle of boxing training. While sparring develops the physical attributes of boxing, fighting develops the mental and emotional attributes such as self-confidence and physical courage.
Posted in: Boxing