Post: #376

(07-20-2015 06:53 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  If I was training boxers, I would have them train a lot in sand, I love how quickly and efficiently it trains balance and the ability to transfer power up through the legs.

This is huge and a lot of athletes don't understand it, or maybe they live in some inland place and the thought of training in the sand doesn't occur to them. I used to have a dog, a sheltie. When I was in high school, I would take him to the beach all winter, when there were no people around, take him off the leash, and chase him the same way Rocky chased the chicken, basically until I was completely worn out. The dog then used to screw around with me and refuse to leave the beach unless I told him he was going to eat when we got home. By senior year, people were shocked by how quick I was and when I told them how I got that way, I don't think they believed me.

Post: #377

Think the benefit of sand can be achieved at a playground? Meaning I don't know how deep the sand needs to be to provide benefit.

Gio, would you make them boxers train with or without shoes?

Post: #378

(07-20-2015 07:50 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  Think the benefit of sand can be achieved at a playground?

Yes, but the beach is better because of the diversity and variety of sandy options.

(07-20-2015 07:50 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  Gio, would you make them boxers train with or without shoes?

Both.

I would start barefoot but as the fight date got closer, the fighter would have to get comfortable in shoes.

The shoe that he wants to fight in, is the shoe that I would him train in.

Feet are very important. Proper shoes are big part of maintaining good feet health.

I give my athletes intense foot massages.

Post: #379

El Mech clicking on this thread by accident, then making some valid points, was pretty funny.

Post: #380

(06-09-2015 09:38 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  But while I'm here without reading any of it.

If you like to box only workout like boxers do because if you don't your muscles will get trained the wrong way and throw off your accuracy.

Also watch your punches and if you're having a problem connecting where you didn't used to you may be over doing it on weights.

Stay fast and agile which most body builders are not. That's why you can smack them around for fun when you want to.

The above is a classic El Mech opening line to enter a thread/post.


Reminds me of a Kenny Powers entrance:





Or how MacGruber would enter a party:

Post: #381

My friend and owner of the gym here is competing in a tough man 8 man tournament this week so I've been going in in the morning and helping him and another guy competing get some sparring rounds in. Was in complete piss poor shape after not boxing for months. Cardio is coming back now but fuck me the inside of my elbows and wrists are killing me. I've been taking my 11 year old cousin in to boxing class also so been sparring 3x a week in the morning, doing class 3x a week in the evening, and lifting 3/4x a week also. I hit 200x4 bench the other day and my elbows were killing me. Was pissed because I should have been able to hit 200x3x5 without too much trouble. I got sick in the Phillipines and lost 12 pounds so I've been slowly building my muscle and strength back up. Then my next push workout I only got 185x4 and I was furious lol. My damn elbows and shoulders are killing me from not boxing for so many months. Feeling a bit better now though so hopefully my body adapts soon. We are also mostly done with sparring since the tournament is 5 days away so I plan to only box 3x per week and lift 4x per week. I think my body should feel a lot better then and I can start inching my way back up to that 242lb PR I got right before I left Bangkok.

Anyways, that's my rant for the week.

Post: #382

^^^ That is cool you got your cousin started so early. Boxing is something I wish I been doing for years. Saw a kid (7 or 8) at the gym and he knew what he was doing. It was impressive.

Post: #383

Elbows are feeling much better. Hit 205 for 3 sets of 5 reps on the bench without much trouble and had one of the best workouts I've had in weeks. Feelin pretty pumped about it.

Post: #384

Took my first hard liver shot in sparring yesterday... Needed a full minute to get back, but damn, it's like someone flicked my off switch for the first 10-15s. I was testing out a combo and didn't snap my right cross back fast enough and went right into a left body hook. So much fun! Did get my sparring partner with a left cross and a left uppercut in the jaw, from my other, more fluent combos.

I'm learning so much from sparring at the moment, as everyone here is at a way higher level than me and is very patient with showing me the rope.

Need to improve 2 things asap: left shoulder endurance, and agility. I have an idea what to do with the shoulder, but not sure about agility. I really like the idea of chasing a dog or a chicken on the beach, but I have neither.

I'm googling Agility drills for boxing now, but anyone has a favourite to share?

Post: #385

(07-26-2015 03:46 AM)StrikeBack Wrote:  Took my first hard liver shot in sparring yesterday... Needed a full minute to get back, but damn, it's like someone flicked my off switch for the first 10-15s. I was testing out a combo and didn't snap my right cross back fast enough and went right into a left body hook. So much fun! Did get my sparring partner with a left cross and a left uppercut in the jaw, from my other, more fluent combos.

I'm learning so much from sparring at the moment, as everyone here is at a way higher level than me and is very patient with showing me the rope.

Need to improve 2 things asap: left shoulder endurance, and agility. I have an idea what to do with the shoulder, but not sure about agility. I really like the idea of chasing a dog or a chicken on the beach, but I have neither.

I'm googling Agility drills for boxing now, but anyone has a favourite to share?

Honestly, I don't like the idea of doing agility drills for boxing. Skipping is your number one assistance exercise for faster feet, and improved hand-foot coordination. When you skip, you should be focused on turning the rope quickly, and touching down with different parts of your feet with different weightings - trying to have absolute control of foot placement and distribution of bodyweight. A lot of people in boxing gyms end up using skipping for conditioning, but done properly, it is phenomenal for your footwork. Watch this for an example of what I'm talking about - this is boxing agility:



I think agility for boxing is a misnomer, it is about speed and control of footwork. An agile boxer has quick, controlled feet, that allow him to control range, recover from mistakes without getting hurt (your slow cross withdrawl you mentioned, for example), avoid punches without breaking guard, and change angles subtly on an opponent. All of these things are really only movements of 2-3" if they are done right. It boils down to being able to control your feet with precision whilst your hands are working at the same time - hence why skipping is a golden activity.

Secondly, it's about effective shadow boxing. Ideally, find a bit of floor with 2" floorboards, or mark 2" on the floor with tape, and practise shadow boxing up and down in a straight line. You want every toe strike of your lead leg to land just behind the next line. Practise without punching first, just concentrate on moving perfectly. Then practise behind the jab, moving offensively and defensively. Much of the agility actually comes from having drilled control of distance. Ensure when you do this that your bodyweight is exactly how it should be distributed across your stance. This drill can be extremely humbling, but will make a tremendous difference to your control in the ring.

To improve your shoulder endurance, throw 1000 jabs on the heavy bag every session. Within a month shoulder endurance will not be a problem for you. Dedicate whole rounds to doing everything with your jab, from all angles, every single session. Make sure you are throwing double and triple jabs and stepping in with them, so the heavy bag keeps tension on the shoulder.

Post: #386

Just be careful what you wish for with jab side shoulder endurance.

My left shoulder (front delt in particular) is noticeably bigger than my left and no amount of extra shoulder work in the gym seems to be able to change it!

Post: #387

Golden post, thanks a lot H1N1!

Post: #388

Also a fan of doing extra jabs at the end of training. I would usually do 1-2 rounds of just jabs to finish off my heavy bag work with. Haven't for a while though. Should start again.

This also helped me a lot.

Post: #389

I like it. Good to get in some extra, low impact work that achieves a useful aim, and balances out the muscles of the shoulder. Nice find.

Post: #390

Great post from H1N1 - shadowboxing is absolutely the best thing you can do for footwork.

On the muscular endurance, noboby mentioned push-ups which I believe are very effective for developing muscular endurance for boxing.

Post: #391

(07-26-2015 02:27 PM)Kieran Wrote:  Great post from H1N1 - shadowboxing is absolutely the best thing you can do for footwork.

On the muscular endurance, noboby mentioned push-ups which I believe are very effective for developing muscular endurance for boxing.

I agree, although I personally think that the quarter rep, marine style pushup, where you basically stay between bottom position and halfway up at maximum, is most effective. It allows you to keep pressure in the most tiring part, and knockout a lot of reps and really build up your endurance.

Post: #392

Some more rambling about my boxing journey.

I have been doing the rapid fat loss and down 8 lbs. I am noticeably more shredded now. However, the low carbs has killed me a bit in my boxing. In theory you are not supposed to do any intense cardio with this diet but fuck it I love boxing too much.

I have sparred a few more times and now just doing shadow sparring again. I definitely have done a few stupid things and had a few funny exchanges:

1) Was working with a friend and I was too deep into it I guess. I thought it was the 30 second bell, but it was actually the bell to end the round - punched him the face after the bell. The radio was off, everyone heard the punch. Still getting hazed about that one. Luckily, we were working, it wasn't some full power shot. I was backed into the corner, so I wasn't hearing anything, just trying to block and defend myself. My bad. I definitely am listening better now - my buddy was cool about it. He said always keep your guard up, a good reminder. Thank god, I am working with guys who are understanding

2) World Famous owner of the gym teased me about being knocked out the other day, I gently/humorously corrected him I did not get knocked out. I walked away but then turned around and said, "While we are on the topic of my boxing skills, are you taking any new clients?" He chuckled, I chuckled. ---If you are curious who feel free to PM me. I'd gladly share with the solid guys who have been so supportive on this thread. But if I don't know you on here, I will politely decline.

3) Apparently, when I get hit (not hard) but surprised/didn't see it coming - I make some funny faces. But my trainer was an Olympian, of course he is gonna embarrass me when we spar. But I am enjoying it. I did get hooked by him the other day, but with his mitt. It felt more like a head slap in the old NFL days. A little ringing in the ear but I guess it was my face. He started laughing gave me an opportunity to to jab him in the gut. I guess you take whatever opportunity you get

4) I am learning that a couple of guys at the gym (one pretty decently known) love the liver punch. One has won the last two fights with a liver punch. Another thing on my long list of things to learn.

5) My trainer and I do this toe to toe exercise - I am about 18-24 inches away and I practice slipping and rolling. Things come fast at that range, but when I am in the zone I can slip pretty decently (I still need to drop and raise the glove off the side of my face that is slipping - helps to clear the slip but I need to practice more). This exercise is really helping me. When I am in the zone and relaxed I do fine. If I am thinking, well, all I can say is taking a shot to the face is never fun.

6) Another experienced guy told me to use the double end bag but hit it from the side, using my peripheral vision. He says it helps to open my viewing range and be able to throw a punch when maybe not in an ideal position. I am enjoying it. I can do it while watching guys spar so it is pretty cool.

7) I have learned that feet movement is so important. You need to bring your feet with you if you are doing a combo. You need your feet to get you out of bad situations. I know it sounds obvious to the pros here, but it is just one of several things and it got lost in the back when I was just focused at the basics. My trainer is starting to move more during mitts in order to get me to move my feet, to bring the right foot up after throwing the jab and while throwing the right. Before we were standing still so I didn't get stuck stretching out and looking dumb. This is just the natural progression, I guess. But I have been doing this exercise to just remind myself feet and hand should land together. Starts around the 3:30 mark. I also like this video because, I think I need to be more rhythmic to I can be more relaxed and fluid.





8) Another thing I am learning from sparring is when you go to strike, you better have a plan on how you exit. Sometimes, I am just sort of "happy" I got into the body or landed a punch and have no plan to get out and avoid the counter.

9) It might feel stupid, but I have learned to throw a bunch of jabs to buy time or to get closer. Even if they are not perfectly targeted or land, if there is enough volume and I am paying attention to counters, it helps me spar better. I often watch fights and the commentators mention how a certain boxer has stopped throwing jabs. I need to throw jabs until my arm falls off.

10) I have fallen in love with the catcher's mitt. Not only to stop punches but it keeps me doing stupid stuff like reach back to throw the right. I can do stuff properly with mitts but in the heat of sparring technique fails me, I do show the right. But with the catcher's mitt, it is harder to see it coming. 1) Because I don't pull back 2) it is has less to travel than when the right glove is next to the side of my head (I box orthodox). Sure it might not have all the power, but it does the job.

Anyway, thanks for reading my ramble. I am sure this is stuff the experienced guys know, but it is sort of cool to grasp a little more each month.

Bonus 11) I think I mentioned it earlier in a different post - but don't be the jackass that tells your trainer your sorry for bleeding on his winnings We still laugh about that. He just caught me right in the nose, shit happens. I wasn't bitching about, I just felt bad since his gloves are white. Also, you don't blow your nose when wiping the blood off.

Bonus 12) Some guys use headbands to cover the laces, it is a cheap but effective trick. Sometimes tape will pull color off your gloves.

Bonus 13) I have migrated over to Mexican wraps. It takes longer but I seem to feel like I get a better, tighter wrap. But it takes 2 rolls per hand. Ideally I would cut the second wrap so it would be 1 1/2 rolls per hand but I like the extra padding. It has helped with a recent knuckle bruise.

Bonus 14) Winning Knuckle guards are beautiful things. http://www.amazon.com/WINNING-Winning-Kn...B00DOPVEZ8

Bonus 15) I do this sometimes, when I think I have good head movement and I am being shifty. My trainer just waits until I return to center and he plants one on me. So I have just learned to try and be cautious when returning there to be ready to slip.

Bonus 16) Think of your hands as a pulley system, if one hand is going out the other should be coming back to guard. Now this is for newbies like me. If you are pro - ignore anything I have said. Just a good way to develop a good habit.

Post: #393

2 quick things.

One is inspirational. A guy finished sparring, blood running out of his nose, not like a waterfall or anything but it was coming down. He went to work on the speedbag, blood and all. I dunno, I don't know the guy, but it just earned respect. Like he was a warrior. I didn't see how he did while sparring, it didn't matter, just that he sucked i up and kept working.

The other comment is a trick that I learned today. Well a practice tool actually. One of the guys was throwing a ball toward the ground and then grabbing it or slipping it. He said that it helps with peripheral vision and reflexes. And for me seeing uppercuts better (I imagine). He said once you get good at it, punches seem to slow down. I guess it makes sense the ball is flying faster than a punch does and it is smaller than a fist. And it is something you can do at home even. He let me try it out, and it was going good for a while, but did catch one in the face. I swear these stories make me sound like a clumsy fool.

Edit: He wasn't catching and throwing the ball it was more a constant open palm slapping down of the ball. So it was continuous.

Post: #394

Today I sparred a 6'1 215LB ex college boxer. A really cool guy and even though he had me by 35 to 40 lbs and and 3 inches, today's sparring was the one that gave me the most confidence so far. Because he was experienced enough to work with me. We did 4 rounds.

He let me work and get comfortable, he worked mainly on his defense (but he still hit me - I did see a flash of stars at one point ) Wasn't like I had amazing crushing blows, it was I felt most under control of all the sparring so far. Obviously, him not launching 10 punch combos helped.

But he didn't have anything to prove. I realized when I worked with some other guys (all more experienced) I wasn't getting time to register the process. They were too busy trying to prove what they know (if that makes sense). And I am a bit too much of a thinker, it is fluid and reactive yet. Today, during the sparring, my friend would be like "breathe, you're too square" etc. My trainer was also there to give me feedback, but feedback from the guy that is seeing you up close real time is helpful.

I actually started landing my jabs in this one. I have made a conscious effort throw it in the last couple of weeks. Even if it is too far away. It was the only way to work in closer.

On a few occasions, I so thought I was going to be able to hit his body, but was actually a foot off. I really need to move my feet with me. My ability to judge distance isn't great yet.

And though he wasn't full on attacking me and I knew I could get in closer, I didn't want to cheat, so to say, I wanted to make sure I was earning my way in. Even though he was working with me, I didn't think I would learn anything by just stepping inside. So it was a lot of jabs, fake hooks (I still have yet to land a clean hook on anyone), and rights as I tried to get inside. It seems I am most comfortable with a right handed body shots and right crosses. My uppercuts are still being launched too far away.

He was so tall (compared to who I normally spar with), I was actually looking more at his chest/stomach area/edge of his neck. I tried to keep a smaller profile. Which I think helped with the jabs, because when I stepped in to attack, I wasn't looking at his head so much for the jab. I launched jabs sort of based on where I could tell he was standing (i.e. was I in front of him or to the side), I would look up as the jab came out but never before. So in a way it was sort of hidden (at least he didn't see my eyes bulge when launching the jab haha).

I am really grateful to him for letting me work. I am sure some of my punches wouldn't have been thrown or landed had he been full on sparring me. Since he was working on his defense mainly (80% of the time) I was able to do some stuff that I couldn't in a normal situation. I don't want to walk away thinking wow I am so amazing now. I'm not, but to see and get feedback that I was snapping his head back on the jabs (sometimes - not trying to get carried away here) and the thuds of the right body shots was sort of encouraging. And that I had my guard up most of the time and the catcher's mitt was working. It was also nice to see things like jab body with a quick jab to the face sort of being fired off without too much thinking.

But the feet, the feet are not cooperating. After sparring, I did 8 rounds of mitts and shadow sparring with my trainer. He made me move almost the whole time. All 1-2s and 1-2-3s were this slightly weird exercise of him backing up on each of my punches. Weird isn't the right word, just exaggerated to land the message of move my feet.

Anyway, as I have rambled before I am so grateful to the guys on the forum for encouraging me to box, for helping me find the right gym (MikeCF), to the guys mainly on this thread who have been encouraging (or at least not telling me to stop posting). Thanks for just letting me ramble about my experience. Thanks to AnonymousBosch who sent me some very long PMs about the merits of boxing and what happens in street fights (may seem random but I have never been in one and nor do I want to be). I know I am 40+ year old man, but when I am boxing I feel like I am 12, just having fun, forgetting about all the BS. Just wish I started sooner but that is water under the bridge now.

Thanks.

Post: #395

(08-13-2015 02:58 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  I know I am 40+ year old man, but when I am boxing I feel like I am 12, just having fun, forgetting about all the BS. Just wish I started sooner but that is water under the bridge now.

Just caught up on the thread Samsamsam. It was great reading your progress: your curiosity; your desire to improve; your enthusiasm for the sport; and your willingness to share your observations, (even if you think they're simple or amateurish). The joy of discovery is contagious: you sound as young as you feel. I think it's positive for us older men to tap into that energy as we age. (Skipping rope is getting beyond the scope of what's left of my knees at 44).

It was an honour to read. Thanks for sharing. You have my respect.

BTW, I tried Eskrima a few weeks back, the Filipino stick-based fighting. It's fascinating - the pain of the blows on your body is sharp, explosive and intense, but you have no time to let yourself react to it, or you lose. Those Flipino dudes are hardcore. I had bruises on my calves and hips dark enough to be visible through my tatts. Can't wait to try it again when life settles back down.

Samsamsam Wrote:I do find a weird peace when I am there. From the sound of the speed bag, or just being so focused, everything else just disappears.

I know that feel bro.

Post: #396

^^^ I have hard enough of a time dodging punches. Not ready to dodge sticks yet

But that sounds pretty awesome. Toughen the shit out of someone I bet.

But I am game for dodgeball training.

Post: #397

This is an excellent article for anyone doing any kind of combat sport. Old school is the best school.

http://www.muaythaischolar.com/running-in-thailand/

Post: #398

Good article. I've posted before and linked to MMA s & c coach Joel Jamieson's thread over on sherdog. Low intensity steady state really is one of the best forms of conditioning for combat sports and is the only way to effectively attain eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle. People mistakenly read these sports science text books about which energy system contributes to what but they don't realise the extent to which the aerobic energy system actually contributes to even very short duration events. The Thais had it right all along.

Post: #399

^

Exactly. People thinking they and pick and choose what energy systems to target.

The body is a well oiled machine, everything works in sync, you should train and prepare everyway possible.

Also, just reading through this thread over the past week. Great stuff here, thank you all for your contributions. Particularly samsamsam, I really enjoy your posts here.

I've actually made the decision to return to combat sports. I feel like it's something I have to do and I'm excited to do so. I've found a gym, begin training next week and will go from there. I may move on to more MMA stuff in time but for now I just want to work purely on boxing.

Looking forward to sharing the journey with you dudes.

Post: #400

Anybody recommend a quality sparring/training glove?

14-16oz but must have plenty of high quality padding price range $100-$150