Expert: Jack Rose - 11/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: Well Im 17 Years Of Age Bout 5'11 And Id Say Probably Average Weight 4 My Height And Build! Im Going 2 Join Boxing Quite Soon And Just Wondering Do U Have Any Tips R Advice 4 Me?
I Help Out My Brother Do Wing Chun And Find It Quite Amusing But Wud Rather Box! And Ive Heard Bad Things About De Local Clubs, But Der Might Be A New Club Settin Up Soon Near Me Wit A Trainer Hu I No And Consider A Gud Boxer! Soo Im Probably Going 2 Join! Do U Tink I Shud Wait A Few Months And Get Fit 1st??
Which Wont Take 2 Long 4 Me...As Im Used 2 Going 4m Fit 2 Unfit Due 2 Different Sports Dat I Did But Quit Becuz I Didnt Feel I Was Improving Anymore Due 2 Bad Coaching And Getting Overworked! And It Wasnt Giving Me De Drive In Which I Feel Boxing Wud!
Wat Do I Have 2 Do...?
How Long Do U Tink I'll Have 2 Train Until I Can Get In2 De Ring??
Cheers 4m Ireland :D


ANSWER: Gav,

The most important thing is to condition your body. Get the abs tight and get the bodyfat low. But the biggest part is the roadwork. You have to run and learn to love it because it will win fights. Everything else you can learn in the gym.

Yes, try and get with a good gym. Your first trainer is very important because he teaches you the basics and it is easy to develop bad habits with the wrong instruction.

If you train regular and don't miss workouts (3 days a week in the gym) you could be fighting in 2 months. But it depends on if your trainer feels you are ready. The main thing is whether or not you are capable of defending yourself sufficiently for a first fight.

good luck,

Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well Thanks Very Much For Replying So Quickly!
Ive Alot Of Time On My Hands At The Minute To Waste So, Roadwork Will Begin Very Shortly!
Ye I Understand Exactly What U Mean By Developing Bad Habits Under The Wrong Direction, So Im Going To Have A Look Around Different Gyms 4 Awhile!
Dya Tink A Smaller Gym Wud Be Better Suited As A Beginner Den A Big 1 ?
Emm How Do U Feel About Weights ? Because I Read A Interesting Book By Joe Frazier Sayin He Felt Push Ups And Etc Were A Better Way To Work On Muscles And Dat ? How Do Would U Feel About That?
Thanks Again

Answer
Gav,

I love Joe Frazier, but many guys from the old school don't understand the value of weight training because they did not have access or the knowledge to incorporate weights back in the day. Pushups and pullups are great and will develop some muscle, but they will not build as much muscle as the weight room nor will they make you as strong. You want o be as strong as you can possibly be at your chosen weight division. You do not need to lift heavy, start with moderate weights and after you build some strength change to light weights high reps to stay solid and lean.

The size of the gym does not play a role in the quality of training. Sometimes it's a crappy looking hole in the wall that has the best training. Just make sure your trainer has boxing background and lots of experience. You need somebody that has lived boxing. Not a martial arts guy, not a MMA guy, not a wrestler...the only thing they have in common with boxing is contact. Boxing is it's own bird and you need a guy that understands the science of the sport.

good luck,
jackson