Nerdcore Boxing

If you just want to get into shape there are many cardio boxing programs out there that will do the trick. But if you really want to learn to box and think you might compete someday, you’re going to need to learn how to pick out a good boxing gym.

Types of Gyms
Here are some of different types of gyms. Note many gyms fall under more than one of these categories.

1. Gyms with Classes - These are run a bit like martial arts schools, except the classes are a lot more physical. The class advantage is that you won’t fall through the cracks, each student is put through a specially designed regiment. The disadvantage is a lack of individual attention and having beginners hold (or try to hold) punch mitts for you.

You may notice some more experienced boxers only selectively participating in classes. These guys spend a lot of time working out between classes and during class are busy working on specific things (or possibly avoiding crappy mitt holders).

2. Traditional Gyms -Traditionally speaking, boxing and Muay Thai (as trained in Thailand) doesn’t have classes. Trainers hang around the gym and work with fighters individually or direct them to do bagwork, shadowboxing, calisthenics, or setup sparring. Since there are no classes, you get the benefit of flexible training times.

3. Mixed Gyms - Kickboxing and MMA gyms sometimes have boxing programs. Generally these gyms have large facilities, but training times are often inflexible due to the panorama of classes.

4. Pro vs. Amateur Gyms - This distinction generally only exists in traditional boxing gyms. Some gyms specialize in pro fighters and some in amateur fighters. Pro and amateur are actually completely different boxing styles. Beginners should stick to amateur gyms in my opinion.

Trainer Attitude
A boxing trainer trains boxers. They don’t run the welcome committee. When it comes to new arrivals, this is what a trainer sees:

• Say a sample of 400 people visit the gym to watch or workout
• Probably 100 of them become regulars
• 25 progress far enough (and are willing) to spar
• After the initial beating, 8 of them spar more than a few times
• Only 1 of them competes

In the first session you’re just one of the 300 people out of the 400 who won’t come back. Should the trainers politeness in your first session be a factor? No!!! Don’t rate the gym on the trainer’s initial gruffness with you. You start out a nobody, you’ll have to train hard to earn respect and build a bond with your trainer.

Stay tuned for Part II in this series.