Boxing is one of the most well-known and widespread combat sports. The form in which it is practiced today developed in England, hence it is sometimes called English boxing, also classic boxing by some.
A champion is someone who gets up when he can't.
Jack Dempsey
History
Technique
There are three types of hand punches in boxing (straight hand punch, hook and uppercut) and different defences against these hits (blocking, slipping, ducking, covering up). Another essential part of boxing is the footwork used by opponents to move forward and backward or to duck sideways. If the opponents come to close to each other for direct punches (being at less than an outstretched arm’s length) the fight can go on in a clinch for a while. This is a kind of a grappling technique in which the opponents try to hold each other by covering the other’s arms, not allowing him to punch. Boxing only allows punching with the knuckles of the clenched fist. It is forbidden to strike with and other part of the hand, the head or legs. Besides, it is forbidden to punch bellow the waistline, in the back, the back side of the head and neck and the lumber area. Pushing, tripping or holding the opponent while punching him is also forbidden.
Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring.
Sugar Ray Leonard
Classic boxing gear
Boxing uses gloves of various size and weight. The type of glove depends on the individual fight, but the smaller and lighter gloves are usually more dangerous, as they enable stronger blows. Under the gloves, hand-wraps cover the fists to additionally protect the wrist and knuckles. Boxers wear shoes and mouth-guards. Professional boxers compete without helmets and in shorts only, while amateurs have to wear headgear. Several props are used in training (focus pads, punching bags, speed balls…). Stamina is also very important.
Matches
Boxing matches take place inside a ring. The boxers are separated into weight classes. The winner is decided by referee-awarded points or by knockout (one of the opponents is unable to stand up in the time of the referee’s count) or by technical knockout (one of the opponents is too tired or injured to go on). Amateur matches last 3-4 rounds of 2-3 minutes. The referees mostly look for the technical skill of the fighters (the so-called clean hits, which also depend on the strength of the punch). Professional matches last 6-12 rounds, depending on the association.
Boxing at our club
Our trainings are very dynamic. All the participants gain stamina and learn the basic techniques essential for the advanced system of learning. We train according to a successful school of boxing adapted both to beginners and advanced students. To those who already have boxing knowledge we offer open trainings, where the emphasis is on individual work. We also organize special trainings for competitors, where the trainers pay special attention to technique, tactics and physical shape.
Boxing training is divided into four basic units:
01. Dynamic warm-up, shadow boxing and skipping rope.
02. Boxing school – working in pairs according to the programme.
03. Sparring – controlled light-contact matches, testing the learned technique in realistic situations.
04. Conclusion – power exercises, stretching.
Trainings also include working on props – focus pads, speed balls, punching bags…
Boxing for schoolchildren – the elementary school of boxing
In the 2011/2012 school-year we started a programme for elementary schoolchildren aged 11-14. The programme consists of the basics of boxing – the punches, the blocks and the escapes, which are via a dynamic play of light-contact blows upgraded into the real school of boxing. All interested participants can also try competing.
