Expert: Alan Kahn - 11/18/2004

Question
Hey Alan...I'm sure you field questions like these all the time, but I was hoping to maybe hear some thoughts direct from the source of an actual skilled boxer.  I'm 20 years old, and I recently just retired from swimming after about a 12 year time period (so i have no problem with intense training).  After I quit, my friends suggested I box with them a bit because they had some gloves lying around, and I absolutely loved it and was actually pretty decent at it.  Every day I think about it more, and I'd really like to learn more and train.  But something that worries me is the whole brain damage issue.  I've heard from different sources that 80% of boxers have brain damage, and nothing scares me more than something like that. So i guess my question is, how much do I  have to worry about brain damage by being more than just a casual boxer, because I really, truly love the thrill of boxing, and whats the best way to start on the path of boxing for a beginner?  Thanks so much.  - Tim Roche  

Answer
Hello Tim.

There is a lot of information about Boxing and contact sports and their relation to brain damage.  But first of all I must tell you, I am NOT an actually skilled boxer.  I boxed SOME, but never competitively. I did study Martial Arts and have attained Black Belt Level, But did not "compete" in either.  But I have researched this particular subject for a long time.  Rather than try to explain it, I will list a few links to let you see the actual web base information.

Links for Boxing or contact sports and Brain Injury

http://www.ama-assn.org/meetings/public/annual99/reports/csa/rtf/csa3.rtf


http://www.ejmas.com/jcs/jcsart_svinth_0901.htm

Martial Art Forum Thread
( go half way down to the "punchfast" post ( me ) and find some links I left there.   
http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5677


http://www.neuroskills.com/index.html?main=cns/inside3c.shtml

http://www.neuroskills.com/index.html?main=cns/inside3c.shtml

Not necessarily "brain" related but a cool site for the "Manly Art" of fighting
http://ejmas.com/jmanly/jmanlyframe.htm

Defend Forum thread. ( 4 pages. I'm on page 3, as "speedbag".)
http://www.defend.net/deluxeforums/showthread.php?t=8804&highlight=Brain+Injury


Keep in Mind that Public Forums have a lot of folks making comments that are either unresearched opinions or What they "heard or read somewhere" who is supposedly an expert.

My advice would be to train Wisely and use the best protection money can by. Protect your hands when training on bags. Learn to punch and move correctly. Training with Boxing equipment will not cause brain damage any more than your swimming would.  (However smacking your head on the side of the pool in a missed turn is probably and inherent risk.) Sparring with others, and competing is riskier, so be sure and do it safely. That means high quality gloves and headgear for both you AND your sparring Partner. Do not expose yourself to sparring or "going a few rounds" with unknown boxers or in an uncontrolled atmosphere, where the idea is to "work over the fresh meat."  Walk away from that.

the best way to start is to:

1) Read and learn as much as you can about boxing, including its history,(http://www.cnenigeria.com/sports/boxing.htm)
Ring strategies and styles, and it's training techniques. Learn the Lingo. Watch some old fights.

2)Perhaps get some instruction books and videos. Sure it takes money, but remember, your brain is on the line. Here are a few links to recommended training information.

John Browns instructional videotapes. this link is to the whole set, but each is also available separately.
http://www.ringsideboxing.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=JBVDVD%20S&variation=&ai...

Kenny Weldons Boxing instruction.  this guy has trained a lot of top Amatuer, Olympic and Pro Boxers.  His Gym in Houston is one of the best launch pads for todays boxers.

Beginning set:
http://www.ringsideboxing.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=LTB%20S&variation=&aitem...

Advanced set.
http://www.ringsideboxing.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=WELD%20S&variation=&aite...

Book Links
http://www.boxing1.com/boxing-training.html

http://www.boxinghelp.com/books.html

Amazon.com  ( Take a deep breath.....)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/202-9024378-6624604

Boxer's Guide by Ross ( great Forum and training articles on his site also!)
http://www.rossboxing.com/sales.html

3). Get some good high quality personal equipment. Training gloves and headgear.

4.) find Qualified instruction and training partners.
It is really tough to advance on your own. Train with equipment more than spar to reduce your contact. Also, focus on "body sparring" with little or no head contact.

5.) Feel good about yourself for having the guts and stamina to make a personal commitment to train hard, train right and be a credit to yourself and this sport.

Good luck, Tim, and I hope this answered your questions.  If not, don't hesitate to ask again.

sincerely,


Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible
 See and hear the bag!
http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Demos.html