Brief history of amateur boxing
Boxing always was and continues to be a combat sport. It has existed in this form since ancient times, with fist fights being a component of the ancient Olympic Games. But we also know that these fights had little to do with boxing as we know it today. In those days, competitors fought with bare fists, occasionally strapping their ankles with leather straps or thongs. There was no division into weight categories, round system, and many of the safety restrictions existing today. Consequently, it’s not surprising that, under such conditions, fights could result in serious injuries or even death.
Boxing in the form of brutal bare-fist fights persisted until the mid-18th century, when the English embarked on the formal codification of the sport. Boxing in its contemporary form traces its roots back to 1867, when the Queensberry Rules were introduced, providing a set of guidelines such as the division of matches into rounds and the obligation to use gloves. The codification of boxing rules paved the way for its inclusion in the modern Olympic Games. Boxing first appeared at the Olympic Games in 1904, and remains so today. In 1946, the International Boxing Association (IBA), previously known as the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA), was established. Since 1974, the World Boxing Championships have been conducted under the guidance of this body.
Who can box?
We hope the previous paragraph isn’t too intimidating because the truth is, boxing is suitable for everyone, as long as training is adjusted to individual physical capabilities and fitness levels. Boxing is a good sport not only for physically strong and robust men. In fact, boxing is becoming increasingly popular with women. Age is not a barrier either, as boxing is suitable both for children and the elderly. Boxing training incorporates various ways of exercising the body: from sparring with a partner to strength training, and diverse workouts to improve performance and general fitness. This implies that many elements of training can be performed on your own, either at home or outdoors.
Boxing training involves high-intensity exercises, often in the form of interval workouts. Consequently, it may not be a suitable option for individuals with heart disease and circulatory system disorders. Other contraindications include conditions of the bones and joints which are exposed to considerable strain.
Boxing training – a good way to rev up the body
Through boxing practice, you can build up your strength, endurance, and speed. The sport involves a broad spectrum of intense exercises that improve many facets of your fitness. As in any other combat sport, the foundation lies in good cardiorespiratory endurance. Boxing provides high-intensity cardio workout, during which you can burn 800 or more calories in one hour. Coupled with a proper diet, this type of training promotes fat burning and helps shed excess weight. Strength-oriented aspects of boxing training contribute to the development of muscle mass, tone the physique, and reinforce the musculoskeletal system.
Importantly, boxing training engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting balanced and comprehensive muscle development. Take up boxing to boost the speed and efficiency of movement, and improve your coordination – boxing requires the use of well-trained techniques in rapidly changing circumstances. During boxing practice, you need to make instant decisions and perform thoroughly practiced complex movements at lightning speed.
Boxing training – a good way to invigorate the spirit
Boxers are often advised to ‘switch off their mind’. But in reality, it’s a different story. Boxing training is known to improve coordination and spatial awareness, enhance peripheral vision and ability to judge distance, and build up the capacity to accurately assess dynamic situations. However, the psychological effects of boxing practice are far more important. Aside from being a great way to relieve stress and let go of negative emotions, boxing is a discipline that requires working on your personal weaknesses and strengthening your character.
Every training session serves as a platform to cultivate qualities such as focus, concentration, patience, humility, and respect for both yourself and others. They are useful in every aspect of life: both in and out of the boxing ring. Boxing also fosters healthy sporting habits by promoting efforts to improve body strength and fitness, and focus on a proper diet, body recovery and rest. It’s not an exaggeration to say that boxing transforms regular people into fighters – and having a fighting spirit is a very useful life skill.
What equipment is essential for boxing training?
Boxing has a relatively low entry barrier, with minimum equipment required to start training. Here are the essentials every boxer needs:
- boxer shorts made of natural or synthetic materials;
- boxing gloves made of natural or synthetic leather;
- boxing boots (lace-up boots that extend above the ankle, offering a secure grip and comfortable foot feel);
- bandages, hand wraps or inner gloves for better hygiene and improved protection against hand and wrist injuries;
- boxing mouthguard to protect your teeth;
- jump rope – because any sport that engages the arms requires even better footwork.
Read also: “The Skipping Rope – which one to choose for an effective workout?”.
The decision to purchase additional equipment (boxing headgear, groin protector, and various boxing pears and punching bags), depends on your personal dedication and the facilities and gear provided by your local sports club. For a list of sports facilities available with the MultiSport card, where you can try your hand at martial arts, click HERE.
Is boxing a safe sport?
Boxing training involves high-intensity exercises. This entails the risk of injury to muscles and joints working under heavy strain. Consequently, as in any other combat sport, paying attention to proper warm-up and correct exercise technique, incorporating muscle stretching into the training, and prioritizing body recovery are crucial.
Read also: “12 stretching exercises to prevent injury”.
Sparring matches in boxing involve the risk of injuries commonly associated with full-contact combat sports: abrasions, bruises, sprains, and dislocations. But if you’re a beginner in boxing, there’s plenty of individual training ahead to grasp basic boxing techniques and movement patterns. Sparring bouts are best reserved for later stages of training. If you’re concerned about injury, use additional face protection, such as a boxing headguard.
Where should you start?
Begin your boxing journey by doing some reconnaissance. Find out which sports clubs in your local area offer boxing training. Check who runs the boxing class and whether they have a friendly attitude towards beginners. Review feedback and comments posted on various social media groups and discussion forums. And last but not least, visit the sports facility of your choice. Find out what the classes look like. Talk to the boxing coach and the trainees. Have a look at the training conditions and the equipment available. If everything turns out OK, sign up for an introductory training session to see if it suits you.
Important! Avoid boxing clubs that look like settings from action movies. Watch out for warning signs such as unkempt surrounding, broken equipment, questionable people around or unnecessarily brutal training sessions. Steer clear of such places for a more positive boxing training experience.
Read also: “Martial arts: facts vs. myths”.
Good luck in the boxing ring and in all your future endeavors!
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References:
- V. Bruzas, A. Stasiulis, A. Cepulenas i inni Aerobic capacity is correlated with the ranking of boxers [w] Perceptual and Motor Skills 2014 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25153738/.
- H.Chaabène, M. Tabben, B. Mkaouer i inni Amateur boxing: physical and physiological attributes [w] Sports Medicine 2015 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25358529/.
- A. J. Alevras, J. T. Fuller, R. Mitchell, R. P. Lystad Epidemiology of injuries in amateur boxing: A systematic review and meta-analysis [w] Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 2022 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36195527/.
- M. J. Finlay, M. Greig, R. M. Page, C. A. Bridge Acute physiological, endocrine, biochemical and performance responses associated with amateur boxing: A systematic review with meta-analysis [w] European Journal of Sport Science 2023 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35380916/.