Conventional wisdom suggests that martial arts training is good for children. Martial arts teacher and historian Jason Brick notes that, although most parents think of taekwondo and karate when considering martial arts for their child, boxing is just as valid a choice. Like eastern martial arts, boxing can teach self-confidence and personal protection, while providing your child with a good workout and a healthy way to work off anger and aggression.
Choosing a School
Brick advises that the most important factor in choosing a school is the instructor. Some boxing coaches emphasize helping their athletes grow as people, while others are focused on competition or their own bottom line. Find a school with separate classes for children and families, and watch classes to see what's being taught. A punch can be taught as a weapon, a tool or a responsibility.
What to Expect
Boxing lessons for youth will have many things in common with other martial arts classes. Expect your child to learn new skills, practice old skills and engage in conditioning exercises. Most boxing programs will also include sparring: practice fighting against classmates and teachers. Although this will mean your child gets hit, it's an integral part of the experience and teaches valuable lessons about courage and self-control. Brick notes that some boxing gyms also include a character-building segment of each class.
Weight Classes
According to AIBA guidelines, children ages 15 and older are allowed to fight in amateur competition, though 17 and 18 year olds observe adult weight classes. For Junior fighters, male and female, weight categories are (in pounds) 101, 106, 110, 114, 119, 125, 132, 139, 145, 154, 165, 176 and unlimited. In any given category, a fighter must weigh equal to or below the listed weight to legally compete. Note that these are the rules for AIBA events. Other boxing conferences may have slightly different weight classes.
Competitive Rules
Child boxing matches have more restrictive rules than adult boxing matches, even in amateur competition. These rules vary from organization to organization, but are all intended to ensure the safety of the junior boxers. AIBA rules reduce the number and length of rounds in a fight, require positive proof of a fighter's age and insist that child fighters carry health insurance.
Boxing and Violence
Some parents are worried that boxing training will encourage children to become more violent. In fact, says Brick, the opposite is true. A 1980 study by Michael Trulson found that regular martial arts training actually reduced incidence of school violence among children and increased the frequency of desirable behaviors, such as respectful communication, finishing homework and planning for the future.
Posted in: Boxing Training