Q&A for How to Box

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  • Question
    What exercises should I do to improve my footwork for boxing?
    David Engel
    Muay Thai Instructor & Self Defense Trainer
    David Engel is a Muay Thai Instructor and Self Defense Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of martial arts instruction and training experience, David runs California Martial Athletics with co-owner Joe Chernay. He has created and maintained martial arts programs at Rise Combat Sports in San Francisco and Round 5 Martial Arts Academy in San Leandro, with a mission to provide students with a level of comfort and competency that manifests both within and outside the martial arts context. He is also a registered cornerman for amateur and pro competitors under the IKF (International Kickboxing Federation). David was the youngest apprentice instructor of the Thai Boxing Association of America under Ajarn Chai Sirisute (2009), and was a top-ranked amateur competitor in his weight class (127-130 lb) in California between 2013 and 2015.
    Muay Thai Instructor & Self Defense Trainer
    Expert Answer
    The best thing you can do is to run. Long-distance runs of more than 5 miles will help you catch your breath and recover in between rounds. You also need to work in sprints, and running on an incline is best. That will simulate the chaos and quick exchanges in the fight.
  • Question
    What do I need to start boxing?
    Community Answer
    You need some basic supplies, such as gloves and a punching bag. You also need good muscles, a healthy diet, positive motives, and a good attitude.
  • Question
    There are no boxing clubs in my area. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Practice at home. Buy a bag and look up videos to help you. If you don't have a bag, shadow box.
  • Question
    Is boxing also for girls?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's excellent for self defense, discipline and exercise.
  • Question
    How do I breath when boxing?
    Community Answer
    You should exhale before punching, as it contracts the muscles which helps you punch harder.
  • Question
    Is there a way to make equipment instead of buying it?
    Community Answer
    For the purpose of practicing, yes. You can wrap cloth or duct tape around your hands and wrist instead of buying gloves. For a punching bag, you can fill a pillowcase with dry sand and hang it from rafters or a tree.
  • Question
    How do I start boxing as a kid? What supplies do I need?
    Fall down house
    Community Answer
    Try looking for a local sporting store in your town. Look through the fighting equipment and try to find boxing gloves, punching pads, and, if your parents let you, a punching bag. you will need a partner to practice, and it is advised to wait until you are at least a teenager.
  • Question
    Is the leg movement important? How do I learn it?
    Fall down house
    Community Answer
    Yes, leg movement is very important as it helps slip before and slightly after punches. To improve, try to slip about 0.50 seconds after the punch is thrown.
  • Question
    I am 13 years old and I am skinny. How can I improve my boxing skills?
    Community Answer
    All you have to do is have a healthy diet and keep practicing.
  • Question
    In boxing, how can I protect my face and teeth against very strong and fast boxer?
    Sean Medina
    Community Answer
    When it comes to boxing, mouth guards are your first line of defense against punches that could damage your teeth. If you are up against a strong and fast boxer, consider researching about his techniques and fight style. Watch videos of his match and get a trainer to help you train against said opponent. You must also practice strengthening your arms to block his punches, your reaction time to evade his punches and your agility, flexibility and technique to perform the bob and weave.
  • Question
    Do you have any videos that we could watch?
    Community Answer
    There are plenty available on YouTube.
  • Question
    How do I win a match with one punch?
    Community Answer
    A punch to the side of the head (the soft part) which leaves an instant knockout would work, that's why boxers block there most of the time.
  • Question
    What do I do if I'm 14 and I want to learn boxing, but my parents won't let me?
    Community Answer
    Tell them you just want to learn it for fitness purposes and so you know how to defend yourself if it's ever necessary. Offer to pitch in and help pay for lessons and equipment.
  • Question
    Can I just practice by myself?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can practice alone. Pretend you're fighting someone else and practice dodging, punching, and kicking.
  • Question
    Can I counterattack karate with boxing?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the opponent you're facing. It will be a lot easier to defend yourself against, say, a yellow belt than a brown belt. However, if you're careful, you should be able to last reasonably long - just keep in mind that karate includes kicking, so you will need to protect yourself from that.
  • Question
    How do I train for boxing without a punching bag?
    Community Answer
    You could shadow box or fill a pillow case with sand and hang it from a tree or on a wall. You could also jump rope and run.
  • Question
    How long will it take me to get the hang of boxing?
    Community Answer
    It will take anywhere from 2 months to a year to get down all of the basic moves, pacing, etc. It depends on your natural ability, commitment, age, and other factors.
  • Question
    How do I know if I'm made for boxing?
    Community Answer
    No one is ”made” for boxing. You will need to train hard, maintain a healthy diet, exercise, etc. Get started following the steps in the article, and if you decide you're into it and you're sparring well with partners, keep at it.
  • Question
    Can I become a boxer past the age of 21?
    Community Answer
    Of course, but ultimately it depends on your dedication and commitment to the sport.
  • Question
    What boxing style should a stockily-built person use?
    Top Answerer
    Either boxer-puncher or in-fighter, as these will require less movement and speed than other styles. Unless you're certain that it'll work, avoid slugging.
  • Question
    Do I really need boxing boots?
    Top Answerer
    It is highly recommended. You'll be moving your feet quickly, so you'll want to support your ankles.
  • Question
    Is it compulsory to fight a person of the same height or can you face anybody when boxing?
    Community Answer
    It isn't usually height that is a concern in equal matching, rather it is weight. Boxing divides its fighters into weight classes to ensure they won't be destroyed by someone bigger than them.
  • Question
    Can you teach yourself to box?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    You can certainly learn the fundamentals of boxing on your own such as stance, punching technique, and head movement. You can also check out instructional videos to practice on your own. However, boxing is a difficult sport that requires a lot of technique that has to be taught to you by an experienced coach. If you really want to learn how to box, join a boxing gym and take classes with coaches who know their stuff and you'll improve your skills.
  • Question
    How do you start boxing for beginners?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    You can start by familiarizing yourself with the proper stances and punching techniques. You can also start shadowboxing on your own and throwing a few punches at a punching bag to get used to how it feels to hit something. But the best way to learn how to box and to learn correctly is to seek out an experienced boxing coach. Check only one for boxing gyms or classes in your area and start training under the direction of a coach who can make corrections and teach you how to properly box.
  • Question
    How do you punch faster?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Punching is a movement that uses a lot of muscles and has to be done with good technique to do it well and fast. There are a few things you can do to speed up your punches, such as drilling on a speed bag, and working on a punching bag to punch as fast as you can. You can also improve your punching technique through drills and repetition, which over time, will increase your punching speed. The truth is, there isn't a secret to punching faster. It's just a matter of practice and using good technique.
  • Question
    What if the reason I can't punch hard isn't because my lack of upper muscle but because of my mentality?
    Community Answer
    Think positively. You can do anything if you practice long enough, and keep at it. Don't be hard on yourself when you slip up, reward yourself when you do a good job. If your trainer isn't willing to see that you are trying, maybe it's time for a new trainer. If you don't punch hard because you don't want to injure anyone, remember that all the equipment is to keep people as safe as possible.
  • Question
    I am 12 years old and want to box but I am very skinny and can't gain weight because I have ADHD and am on a stimulant. What should I do?
    F&j&c123
    Community Answer
    Often coaches will give suggestions to each individual. nutritionists would be able to help you with changing a diet to also suit a beginner boxer. You need specific advice from a qualified nutritionist.
  • Question
    Can you box at the age of 5?
    Community Answer
    No, that is too young. Five-year-olds have not developed the focus and discipline to be able to train in a gym without needing constant supervision.
  • Question
    When you use a hook, do you use your right hand if you are right-handed?
    Will Berglund
    Community Answer
    If you are right-handed, a right-handed hook is called a lead hook, and a left-handed hook is called a rear hook, so you can use either hand for hooks.
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