Expert: Alan Kahn - 10/8/2007

Question
How old can you be to start training for boxing?
Because I was wondering for my little brother who is thinking about starting boxing but he doesn't know if he is old enough and he is 7.

Answer
Hello Jack,

The answer to that question really depends on if there is a legitimate boxing gym or program in your area the supports youth boxing and accepts “pee wee” children of 7-8 years old. I have seen many 7 year olds training in martial arts and boxing, but not every gym or program has the staff or patience to work with them. I have seen many young kids compete in martial arts tournaments in pee wee brackets, just to make it fun for them and introduce them to competition. But training in boxing, which he surely could do it a place was available, and "competing" in sanctioned boxing tournaments are two different things.  The youngest age division I have ever seen is the bantam boys division, starting at 9. Junior Olympic boxing is listed as 8-16 (see links below)
http://www.doverboxingclub.com/index.html

Ringside boxing tournament results. (3rd colum from right lists age (starts at 9)
http://www.ringside.com/07augustaresults.aspx

But competitions within the youth divisions can sometimes be tricky, because the sport is really governed by weight divisions. Check here http://www.usaboxing.org/1059_1963.htm
and you will see results listed by weight, not age.

You could easily get several 11 year olds in a ring with a huge variation of size and weight. That is why your brother needs to be in a gym with a legitimately organized youth boxing program IF he is going to compete. The goal for any youth sports program, particular combat specific sports, is to TEACH the skills of the sport, and the sportsmanship between the players/competitors. not just win at any cost.

Hopefully you live in a area that has some youth boxing program locations. If so, check them out.Here is a web listing of states with boxing gyms. (not up to date, but a good place to start..) click your state. http://www.boxinggyms.com/addressbook.htm

Good Luck and I hope their is a program in your area.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible