Questions From The Audience

Hello followers of the "Blue Corner".
It has been a very busy week for The Brick, including lots of sparring. I even had sparring at Richard's gym this week, and two sessions at Bloor.
There are a lot of new guys trying out the sparring at Bloor. This past Thursday's class was really busy.
On Monday, I think I scared one away. I sparred one new guy one round, blocked everything he threw, and scored a number of points on him. After the one round, he decided to try running the treadmill instead.
I think I need to try to take it a bit easier on the newbies. Then again, it does not really help them. You learn more from someone who is better than you.

There is not much other news in the Toronto boxing world, except that Berry has opened his new gym in the Christie Pits area, and I have been invited to check it out this weekend.

Since this entry is a bit short, I will answer a few questions I have received.

:: I want to start boxing. How is the best way to go about it?


First of all boxing is very physically intense. I always recommend checking with your physician before even  considering stepping foot into a boxing gym. If your physician feels you are OK to start, visit some local boxing gyms and talk to the coaches, and if possible some of the boxers who train there. This is the best way to decide where to start. Always remember that a good gym will not let you immediately jump into the ring.
That is a good thing. It is better to make sure you have all the basics before you start sparring.

:: Do your muscles hurt after sparring?


Not any more, but they did. Just like any physical activity, muscles should feel "worked" after exercise. After a while they do not hurt any more.

:: When you box, do you go all out to try to hurt your opponent?


I look at boxing as a sport. You can score points without causing damage to your opponent. However, I am a guy. I will admit that there are times when my opponent nails me really hard, and the testosterone kicks in. It happens. Although, that is not my initial goal. My goal is to score points, while defending the attack...just like with any other sport.


That is all for this entry. Have a great week.

Paul "The Brick" Brec,
Stockyards Boxing Team/Bloor Boxing Team, Master's Novice Division, Heavyweight (90 kg)