Boxing
When someone makes something look easy it usually means that they are actually very good at the thing they’re doing.
I’ve been doing boxing fitness for the last month. It has been challenging and exciting in new ways for me.
The class is setup circuit style and for two minutes you work your ass off at whatever station you’re at. Then move onto the next. This happens for an hour.
I’ve made good progress with the speed ball. I’ve got good power in my punches and I can throw out combinations at a good speed (my upper cut needs work though).
Today the instructor added movement when sparring and actually throwing back punches if you dropped your gloves out of the defensive position.
The first thing I did was anticipate where he was going to move to and then I stepped onto his foot. Ouch. I’m a girl. So I apologise. He smiles and says "good technique, stand on your opponent so they can’t go anywhere and then you hit them".
I still feel bad for standing on him.
By the third sparring session I’m tired. Very tired. So my gloves dip. And he goes for the gap. Yikes.
It is a rather interesting experience to have a punch come at you.
Ha! But then I notice that I’m not dipping my gloves, it’s just that he is so much taller than me, that he will always be able to get over my gloves. I mention this to him. He laughs, tells me he only picks on short people. I laugh. And can’t hold my gloves up. Tell him that it’s fighting dirty to make your opponent laugh. We’re both bent over laughing. Wheezing to get our breath back.
Right. Suck it up and get back to sparring.
Boxing. Love it.






September 26, 2009 at 6:50 am
I love this story. I used to fight/spar several years ago and reading your blog brings back memories. I remember thinking at one time that marshal arts would be the last thing I would ever be interested in - then when I took a self defense class it turned into kickboxing and full fledged marshal arts. I was so addicted to it. I loved it. I’m so glad to have read your blog today. It’s given me a spark.
Thanks, SueVanKoz
September 30, 2009 at 11:34 am
I can’t believe we are such good friends and I never told you about what a total boxing fanatic I am.
I used to spar at the YMCA 4 to 5 times a week when I was in my teens. That’s why I STILL can kick almost any non-martial artist guy’s ass with ease.
Maybe even some martial artists, too.
Anyway.
My little sister, who took my stepfather’s last name and who I was very competitive with was the first female to win the New York City Gold Gloves boxing tournament.
She went on to become a professional boxer and a world flyweight champion (She is a pee wee at 5′ 2" 104 pounds).
This is a little bit about her:
http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/1995/04/09/1995-04-09_southpaw_jill_matthews_grabs.html
And this:
http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9902/three.htm
She’s crazy. It runs in the family.
September 30, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Herm, I can’t believe you haven’t told me this before!
I have new found appreciation for the sport.
Your sister sounds like a fantastic woman. Just the kinda crazy gal I’d be friends with.
Love her quote about boxing:
"Boxing", says Matthews, "is the punk rock of sports. It’s aggressive and offensive."
That struck a chord with me.
Love it!