Boxing Revisited

I joined boxing this year and I wish I had done so much sooner. As a third year, I wanted to take a crack at something that I had never attempted before, and many of you may have made similar decisions this academic year.
It seemed like the right move to try out boxing at least once as I was completely inexperienced and had never even put on gloves before. Despite showing up a bit intimidated by experienced fighters and how they may be overbearing or brutish, my reservations were almost immediately proved wrong. I was warmly welcomed by the guys and girls organising the first meeting and was not alone in being a beginner, which helped to settle those early nerves. It is true that many of the members of the boxing club are experienced at the sport, but I was never made to feel inadequate for having no previous knowledge.

As a first time visitor, I was showed the proper stance and footwork, where to hold my gloves, and some simple moves. I was hooked from the start and felt like I was learning quickly. After the first few meetings, they incorporated new moves and skills at a relaxing and easy to follow pace. The class is divided into two or three groups depending on ability: first time visitors, beginner to intermediate, and advanced. The time is split between fitness and technique, with fitness incorporating circuit training. The fitness will definitely keep you in shape and increase overall strength to your core, arms, and legs. All fitness is weight bearing exercises such as press ups and squats. It’s all at your pace and can be taken slowly, or as intense as you would like.

We do have one of the most rigorous training sessions out there, so come and try it out! We also have sparring throughout the meeting. Sparring is optional, but is an amazing way to practise some of the technique you will learn. In addition to our training sessions, there is the challenge of potentially showing off your new moves in our annual Fight Night event. Again, no one is forced to spar, but if you choose to, we always incorporate head gear and everyone is required to wear mouth guards. Headgear can be risky as it partially obstructs peripheral vision. However, we would rather be protected and take that shot from the side than risk serious injury by abstaining from the headgear.

Not only do we train hard, but we have amazing nights out as well. The socials are some of the best I’ve been to with large groups of guys and girls coming out for a good time. We always stay in a group and ensure that everyone makes it to the destination. Fancy dress is a common theme, and we have joint socials with other sports. I definitely don’t regret trying out boxing as I have made some of my closest friends during my entire University experience just this year through my membership of the club.