Expert: Jack Rose - 9/7/2006

Question
Hello,

I am fifteen years old and somewhat athletic, but have never actually joined a sport - save for Tae Kwan Do when I was a kid, but I've forgotten most of what I've learned.

I've been looking up boxing for a few days now, because as of late I've had the major urge to try something new - as in a competitive sport, but Baseball and Football have never appealed to me.

And the more I look into Boxing, the more it looks like something I would want to do.

However, I'm not sure of how to begin. How 'built' or how athetlic does one have to be in order to start? I've been weight-lifting for a few months now, but it's never been all that serious, it's just to keep in shape. So if I do want to start, would I have to train harder or would that be done while I'm there?

Also, how long would each training usually take? As, while I would totally go into this giving it my all, I don't really want it to cut into other activites, school-related and none, don't take it the wrong way - I would go with this 100%, but, on average, how long do sessions take for beginners?

Am I too old to start? That's always been a thing for me, as you usually see people who've been doing the sport since they were kids get all the recognition; should I have started earlier? Could it be too early for me, perhaps? If I do join a gym, it probably won't be until I'm sixteen - a few months from now, and driving. Would THAT be too late?

What about diets? How drastically would I have to alter eating habits?

Lastly, on average, how hard is it to learn the sport when initially beginning?

Thank you, in advance, and sorry for all these questions - boxing geniuinely intrigues me, although I've never really watched many matches; I've got this thing where watching sports on TV is generally not very exciting. I'd rather be there, y'know? Should I start watching matches?


Answer
Hi Jesus,

You are definately not too old. Boxing is not like other sports where it might be an advantage to start when your 8 or whatever. It is a natural instinct to defend yourself so in boxing you are simply taking something that is raw and untamed and molding it. Anyone can learn to box, the hardest part is the conditioning. You have to be in top condition when you step into the ring. This does not mean ripped muscles,it just means you have to have your heart and body fit. The weights are great and they do help you somewhat, but they are not necessary to be a great boxer. You simply want to be as lean as possible. You only fight other guys who are of the same experience and weight you are. You do not need to worry about eating habits or diet. you can't go nuts at the buffet but you can eat normal meals... the workouts in the gym will naturally take weight off of you and get you lean. Boxing is a very challenging sport, you will never do anythying that will test your determination and drive more than boxing will. But it's also the most rewarding and fun you will ever have at a sport in my opinion. The harder you train, the more you will succeed.
You can watch boxing matches but it's not necessary to learn....it might help you learn more about the rules....

you can always go into a gym and just workout for a while and see if you like it before you dive in......I think you'll probably fall in love with it like the rest of us....

god luck,
Jack
www.fightersdomain.com