Boxing: Its Not A Science Project

 NEXT BOUT: SEPTEMBER 27 @ GEORGE BELL ARENA

•  No sparring week
• Getting ready, again
• A Q & A Period

NO SPARRING WEEK :(

On Saturday, there was no sparring because Richard wanted the day off with is family. Then on Monday, for some reason there was no sparring as well. Richard did pad-work with his boxers instead.

I hope there will be sparring on Wednesday evening. I need it.


GETTING READY FOR: "FIGHT II"

Rick informed me on Monday, that the next Stockyards' hosted boxing will be on September 27, and to "be ready".

Well, I would, but not being able to spar does not really help. Also, being sick didn't help, either.

I have over two months to prepare, and my opponent has not yet been announced.
I am still accepting suggestions through the survey, above right, until the end of July.
My coach is suggesting a rematch against "The Cobra", which is an idea I like, but nothing has been made official yet.



BOXING: ITS NOT A SCIENCE PROJECT, ITS A SWEET SCIENCE PROJECT

I have had people come up to me to ask about boxing. Even a complete "stranger" on the Number 40 bus the other day. He started asking me questions about boxing. 

I had written articles before about the sport, and even a bit here, but have never gone into a lot of detail.

In this entry, I would like to cover some of the common questions I get about boxing.

Note: I am not paid to promote any products or services or any business of any kind. I also do not accept payment for advertising of any kind. I want to maintain the 'purity' of this column. To be sure that what is posted here is only my opinion.
Anything you see ever on this blog, are my suggestions only.  

Now, the Q & A part of this entry:

Q: I want to try boxing. How do I get started?

A: Talk to other boxers and coaches first. Find out if you will even like it. If you decide you want to try it, see about a trial class. Most boxing gyms will offer at least one free trial class. Keep in mind that not all boxing gyms are the same, and that you don't always get what you pay for, so don't be afraid to try more than one. Boxing gym fees will cost anywhere from $40 to $150 per month. Shop around first, and also ask the members of each gym how they feel about their experience at that facility. Also note, that not all boxing gyms offer a competitive program. If you want to compete, participate in exhibitions, or even just do contact sparring, the gym and yourself will need to be registered with a boxing regulator. Ontario has two, Boxing Ontario and the Ontario Boxing Association. Check to see if the gym you want to join is registered with either of these first, as you will have to register for the same organization as the gym you choose. Current registration fees are $55 for OBA and $110 for Boxing Ontario, per year for each athlete. You will also need "permission" from your family physician to participate in any boxing activities. A doctor's note is required before you can join either organization, and in most cases the medical exam required is not covered by the Ontario Health Plan (OHIP).

For more information:  Boxing Ontario      Ontario Boxing Association

If you want to try my gym, Stockyards Boxing    150 Ryding Ave, Toronto  [Near Runnymede Road and St. Clair Ave. W.]


Q: Where can I get boxing gear, and what will I need?

A: Good question, but the question should be "Where can I get GOOD boxing gear?" Your gear is important. It is for your safety, and it will also take a lot of punishment. In this case, you want to make sure your gear is of good quality, to keep you safe, and last a decent about of time. 
If you just want to do recreational boxing (no contact), you will need only wraps and bag gloves. 
Hand wraps are intended to protect your wrists, not knuckles, as commonly thought. Wraps come in different lengths, and materials. You will need to experiment with different types to find out which ones you like. My preference are a medium-length wrap (150 inches). They generally come in three lengths, 120, 150, 180. Although, I have seen shorter ones on occasion.
They also come in different colors. I usually wear green ones, "The Brick's" official color, but I also use other colors as well. Currently, I wear orange ones for training.
They come in two different fabrics. A "stretchy" one, and cotton. I find the stretchy ones get too tight, and cut off circulation, so I stick with the all-cotton ones. 
Hand wraps should be washed in cold water, and hang-dried after every use. They should also be kept rolled-up, to avoid tangling and wrinkling.
Also. ask your coach how to properly wear your wraps.
If you choose to compete, you will have to wear your wraps properly, to avoid disqualification.
Decent wraps are about $10 a pair, and are the least expensive gear.

Bag gloves are easy. Any gloves that are not approved for sparring can be used as bag gloves. Even MMA gloves. They should be comfortable for you, and protect your hands. Bag gloves start at about $25 a pair, but I recommend not getting the least expensive ones.

If you want to do contact sparring, in addition to the above, you will need additional gear. Sparring gloves, mouthguard, foul protection, helmet, and uniform.

Sparring gloves are 16 oz. for guys and 14 oz. for girls, and can be purchased from any martial arts supply store. I prefer to order directly from the manufacturer. Rival makes excellent gear, and it is a Canadian company.
Gloves are one of the most expensive pieces of gear, but if cared-for correctly, will give you years of service. Good sparring gloves will cost at least $120 a pair.

Mouthguard can be purchased from practically any sporting goods store. However, it is a good idea to get one specifically made for combat sports. They are a bit more expensive, but offer better protection. Mouthguards come in different colors, but note that under Canadian boxing rules for competitive boxing, a mouthguard can only be black, white, or clear when used during competition. Using any other color of guard may lead to disqualification. You may use any color of mouthguard for sparring. However, in all cases it should be formed properly. It should fit tightly against the teeth, and not be too long to cause choking. A good mouthguard will cost about $20.

Foul protection is required for all male athletes who are participating in contact events. Although "Hitting below the belt" is illegal, accidents do happen, and the last thing you need are cracked nuts.
There are different types of protectors for different sports, but the one intended for boxing is very specifically designed. When shopping for one, it is important to go to a place that sells gear for combat sports, and specify that you need a protector for boxing. Boxing protection will cost about $75.

A helmet, or headgear, is required for all amateur boxers for all contact events. You are required to supply your own for sparring, but headgear for competition will be (must be) supplied by the host club. You are not allowed to use your own.
Like the foul protection, go to a place that specializes in combat sports, and specify a boxing headgear. Headgear take a lot of beating, and are protecting something very important, so don't go too cheap on this. There are also some ridiculously expensive ones. I suggest to stick in the $100 - $200 range.

Also recommended for sparring, and required for competition are boxing shoes.
For these you should go to a store that sells shoes for combat sports. Find a pair you like, and try them on.
Boxing shoes have soles that are specially designed to allow you to pivot and move properly and safely on the ring surface. Boxing shoes that are good quality can often be found on sale for about $80. Rival Boxing makes a very good shoe.

A uniform is required for competition. It consists of a tank top and boxing trunks. The uniform is usually in the colors representing your gym. For example, Stockyards' boxers wear red, white, and black. I am an exception, as my uniform is green, to represent the color of "The Brick". Boxing trunks are designed to have a large waistband. This is intentional, to mark the foul line. Trunks can be purchased any where boxing gear is sold, and cost about $50 - $60. 
Boxing trucks should be washed in cold water, and not put in the dryer.

At one time, it was required in Ontario for all competing boxers to wear a specific "boxing shirt". Now, any tank top can generally be worn as a uniform top. Although, it should look like a top, and not an undershirt, and should match your trunks.


Q: What sized gloves are used for boxing?

A: For sparring and exhibitions, 16 oz. are the only size allowed for the guys. For competition, 10 oz. are now used for all male athletes (formerly 12 oz.), and are always supplied by the host gym. You are not allowed to use your own gloves for competition.


Q: Have you ever been knocked out?

A: This is a very common question for some reason. The answer is "no".


Q: Have you ever bled?

A: You know, I am not a bleeder. I have had two nosebleeds from boxing in five years. So, yes, I have, but rarely. For a boxer, that is a good thing.


Q: Have you ever received a black eye from boxing?

A: No. I don't bruise easy, either. Although, as odd as this may sound, I would like to have a black eye from boxing. I will finally look like a boxer!


Q: Can you teach me boxing/coach me?

A: I am not a certified coach, nor do I give lessons any more. However, if I am free, I do give out the occasional "pointer".  Contact me for availability.


Q: I want to spar you. When can we spar?

A: If you are a registered boxer, and would like to spar, you can arrange a "sparring partner exchange" through your coach, and my coach has to agree. I am available to travel to other gyms in the GTA or Hamilton. 
I am not allowed, and will not, participate in full-contact sparring outside a registered boxing facility.


Q: Wow. You are a boxer. Will you hit me if I piss you off?

A: Yes. Don't piss me off. *

* I use boxing for defense only, so if "Piss me off" means that you are trying to attack me, then I will do what I need to do to stop the attack. Keep in mind that boxers are legally restricted to what we can do, and that "defense" has a very specific meaning under the law as it applies to boxers.
I will discuss this more in a future column.


What Happened To "Videos From the Blue Corner"?

The video blog did not perform as well as I expected, and therefore has been put on hiatus.
"Auction Finds", a popular segment, may be moved to this blog.


Moving Sale

Items going up for sale:

• New Blackberry smartphone protective gel skins (x5)
• New HP keyboard, French layout
• Used Quest active subwoofer, 60 watts
• Used Pioneer center-channel speaker, 40 watts
• Used unbranded set-top DVD recorder
• Various cables and A/V, computer accessories

More, soon.

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"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team

Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto

STATS

Record: 0 / 1  / 1 

Weigh-in on July 18 / 2014 @ 86 kg / 189 lbs. {no change}

Last bout: June 14 / 2014 [Loss by Decision]

Next scheduled bout: September 27 @ George Bell Arena
Training schedule: Monday to Sunday, sparring 3 times weekly

Coach: Richard Soucé
Trainer: Junmar Emon

Resting HR: 64 - 66

Stance: Orthodox 

Status:  ACTIVE
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TRAINING 

Thursday July 17    OFF (Sick)
Friday July 18    OFF (Sick)
Saturday July 19   OFF (Sick)

Sunday July 20  Bloor  FLR, CARDI, RESIST   90 mins

Monday July 21 Stockyards PADS, BAG, SHDBX  90 mins

Tuesday July 22   Bloor  CARDI, BAG, 60 mins

Wednesday July 23  Stockyards SPAR(?)

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SPARRING

None.

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