The Saga Continues

Good day mates.

Been a while eh, but no need to fear, Josh is back. You are freed from Daphne's reign of horrendously lame posts with a refreshing change of pace.

You're welcome.

I figured you guys deserve a little insight into our daily lives of boxing so here goes. I'm going to spare you the details of our exercises and shenanigans partly because they are pretty much identical every week and partly because the experiences are painful to relive. Just to give a quick rundown, our weekly schedule consists of various classes ranging from Strength, Cardio, Core, and Heavy Bag. The majority of our class time is spent in the Coed Boxing classes which are basically a combination platter of all the different courses. We start off with strength training with rather light weights with numerous, numerous, numerous (have I mentioned numerous?) repetitions which trails off into slides, squats, shuffles, and more cardiovascular exercises. We put on our latex gloves and venture into the lockers of sweat-filled boxing gloves with the stench of a thousand dumpsters packed into each and every pair and begin the warm ups. The 1-2, the 1-1-2, the 2-3-2 and the works are used to warm-up. The routine after the jabbing warm-up include a few speed punching rounds where two people partner up and one does the 1-2 combo as fast as possible with little regard to form while the other holds the heavy bag and a few power punch rounds where form and power take precedence above anything.

The thing about the power jabs is the inherent danger in its malpractice. Especially for rookies such as 5 high school seniors with limited previous knowledge about how to throw a punch, the 125 lbs heavy bag can be a little intimidating. Once you start to get a feel for the bag, you realize that the punches you throw need to be controlled in a very precise manner to hit the weight at a safe angle. Just a few centimeters too close to the index finger for the impact, and the lasting vibrations travel up and down your bones. One of our members unfortunately found out the consequences of repeated malpractice leading to immense swelling and coloration of her knuckles. The first step to prevent injury is knowing when to stop. Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong and to ignore this pain is not the smartest of ideas. For our member, she continued to persevere through the pain thinking it was just her being out of practice in throwing a punch but her noble efforts ended up with some painful results.

And with that, I leave you with an amazingly powerful scene that I recommend everyone watch at the very least, if not the entire movie. This little snippet can be found through this YouTube video and is a must watch.

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that! 

An unforgettable monologue taken from Rocky Balboa spoken by Sylvester Stallone.We sure ain't no cowards, and we'll certainly prove it through sticking with this project till the end.

Josh

The Establishment of Boxing Rules

As I mentioned before, boxing has a long history, during much of which there were no rules. However, in 1743, Jack Broughton, "the Father of Boxing," came up with the first set of rules. After killing his opponent George Stevenson in a boxing match in 1741, he realized that boxing needed to have stricter regulations in order to prevent similar incidents. His rules were:

http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/broughton-jack.htm

"1. That a square of a yard be chalked in the middle of the stage; and on every fresh set-to after a fall, or being parted from the rails, each second is to bring his man to the side of the square, and place him opposite to the other; and till they are fairly set-to at the lines, it shall not be lawful for one to strike at the other.
2. That, in order to prevent any disputes, the time a man lies after a fall, if the second does not bring his man to the side of the square, within the space of half a minute, he shall be deemed a beaten man.

3. That in every main battle, no person whatever shall be upon the stage, except the principals and their seconds; the same rule to be observed in bye-battles, except that in the latter, Mr. Broughton is allowed to be upon the stage to keep decorum, and to assist gentlemen in getting to their places; provided always, he does not interfere in the battle: and whoever pretends to infringe these rules, to be turned immediately out of the house. Everybody is to quit the stage as soon as the champions are stripped, before the set-to.
4. That no champion be deemed beaten, unless he fails coming up to the line in the limited time: or that his own Second declares him beaten. No second is to be allowed to ask his man's adversary any questions, or advise him to give out.
5. That, in bye-battles, the winning man to have two-thirds of the money given, which shall be publicly divided upon the stage, notwithstanding any private agreements to the contrary.
6. That to prevent disputes, in every main battle, the principals shall, on coming on the stage, choose from among the gentlemen present two umpires, who shall absolutely decide all disputes that may arise about the battle; and if the two umpires cannot agree, the said umpires to choose a third, who is to determine it.
7. That no person is to hit his adversary when he is down, or seize him by the ham, the breeches, or any part below the waist; a man on his knees to be reckoned down."

While not all of these rules are still place, he set the tone for a closer look at boxing regulations; he brought to light the potential dangers of such a sport.

Later, John Sholto Doughlass, "the Patron Saint of boxing," came up with boxing rules, much of which we continue to use today. The 12 rules he came up with were:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Douglas,_9th_Marquess_of_Queensberry

"1. To be a fair stand-up boxing match in a twenty-four foot ring or as near that size as practicable.

2. No wrestling or hugging allowed.

3. The rounds to be of three minutes duration and one minute time between rounds.

4. If either man fall through weakness or otherwise, he must get up unassisted, ten seconds be allowed to do so, the other man meanwhile to return to his corner; and when the fallen man is on his legs the round is to be resumed and continued until the three minutes have expired. If one man fails to come to the scratch in the ten seconds allowed, it shall be in the power of the referee to give his awart in favour of the other man.

5. A man hanging on the ropes in a helpless state, with his toes off the ground, shall be considered down.

6. No seconds or any other person to be allowed in the ring during the rounds.

7. Should the contest be stopped by any unavoidable interference, the referee (is) to name the time and place as soon as possible for finishing the contest, to that the match can be won and lost, unless the backers of the men agree to draw the stakes.

8. The gloves to be fair-sized boxing gloves of the best quality and new.

9. Should a glove burst, or come off, it must be replaced to the referee's satisfaction.

10. A man on one knee is considered down, and if struck is entitled to the stakes.

11. No shoes or boots with springs allowed.

12. The contest in all other respects to be governed by the revised rules of the London Prize Ring."

As you can see, many of these rules still apply to present-day boxing matches. Thus, these two men paved the way towards establishing a safer, but still intense, sport. 

Sources:

-http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Boxing/About-Us/History-of-Amateur-Boxing

-http://nipperpatdaly.co.uk/rulesofboxinghistory.htm

-http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/spring03/bueneventura/history.htm

-http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/broughton-jack.htm

Boxing Dictionary (Continued)

I began my boxing dictionary yesterday, but today, I will add a few more, including the second half of the alphabet.

Punch Drunk

When a boxer acts like they are drunk, but in fact has a neurological disorder due to too many hits to the head

Round

One of multiple, which make up a bout or a match

Southpaw

A left-handed boxer

http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-strategy/counter-punching/3-basic-counters-for-southpaws-against-orthodox-boxers

Technical Knockout (TKO)

When one fighter is knocked out OR the referee deems one fighter unable to continue to fight due to injuries

http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/09/us/pacquiao-marquez-fourth-fight/

Weight Classes

There are seventeen weight classes for boxers; these divide boxers up so that they are evenly matched

Weigh-In

When boxers are weighed to make sure they fit in the correct weight class

Boxing Dictionary

As I continue to box at Boston Boxing, I have begun to pick up some important terms. I thought I would share a few of them with you today.

Apron:
The canvas of the ring outside of the ropes.

Belt:
Approximately around the navel; boxers are not allowed to attack below this area

Bout:
Also called a match; the name for a boxing fight

Break:
When boxers are in a clinch, referees call this, allowing the two fighters to step back before reengaging in the fight

Canvas:
The floor of the ring, the cloth covering the ring

http://www.ringmasters.org.uk/equipment_canvas.htm

Down:
Referees call this when when one fighter has a body part outside of the ropes OR one fighter touches the canvas with a body part other than his or her feet OR one fighter is not conscious and cannot keep fighting

Headguard:
A padded head piece used in real fights which covers the entire head except the face; padded to prevent head injury

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/boxing-equipment/bbe-boxing-head-guard.asp

Origins of Boxing

http://www.crystalinks.com/romerecreation.html

Boxing is a sport with a long and rich history. It all began in Ancient Rome, when consuls would make criminals and slaves fight to the death in elaborate stadiums. Winners who prevailed fight after fight might eventually be granted freedom. Even free men engaged in the sport to prove their manliness to the population. Simialr to today, boxers wore protective hand wear -- except theirs was made of leather and lined with destructive studs. These games became so popular that Theodoric the Great, a king, had to ban the sport in 500 A.D. due to its disruption of everyday life. Similarly, Egpytians and Mesopotamians in the third millennium engaged in "prizefights" during funeral rites, according to the Iliad. These prizefights were the first recorded boxing matches. Soon, a form of boxing could be seen in the illustrious Olympics in 688 B.C. and similar athletic competitions, and thus gained credibility as a sport.

Obviously, these forms of boxing were not nearly as elaborate or advanced as today's games. Without rounds, rings, weight classes, rests, or points, boxing simply declared the winner by whoever was left standing. Boxing has since expanded, becoming a complicated, but increasingly popular sport.

Sources:
-http://www.historyofboxing.info/
-http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/05/30/boxing-a-manly-history-of-the-sweet-science-of-bruising/
-http://whitecollarboxing.com/boxinfo.htm

Defense Moves (Continued)

In this post, I will be speaking about more defensive moves. These are more advanced and require more practice, but work well in response to opponents' attacks.

Hook and Cover
Step back with your rear foot and use your rear hand to catch the jab. Keep your hand up in a defensive position, making sure to keep your face protected.
When to Use It:
In response to a jab


http://www.functionalselfdefense.org/boxing/duck

Duck and Jab

Bend your knees (do NOT lean forward) as soon as your opponent steps forward. Once you reach your squat, move forward for a body jab.
When to Use It:
In response to a double jab.



http://www.functionalselfdefense.org/boxing/duck

Sources:
-http://www.functionalselfdefense.org/boxing/jab
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_(boxing)
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmvR-QofKco

Defense Moves

I briefly spoke earlier about defense techniques. However, there are specific blocks that you can use to best offset your opponents' attacks. Today, I will be talking about the two most basic ones: the high front cover and the low left and right cover.

High Front Cover
Raise your forearms to head-level. Make sure your arms are far away enough that you have a good view of your opponent, but close enough to keep your opponent from reaching your head.
When to Use It:
In response to a straight punch to the head



http://www.functionalselfdefense.org/boxing/hook-cover

Low Left and Right Cover
Drop your elbow to your hip, using your forearm or cover to cover your body. Lean forward and hide as much as your face as you can while still maintaining eye contact with your opponent.
When to Use It:
In response to a punch at rib-level and hooks.

 

 

http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-techniques/defense-techniques/how-to-parry-punches

Sources:
-http://www.blitzmag.net/training/
-http://www.functionalselfdefense.org/boxing/others/52-boxing-skills-to-improve-your-martial-arts-ability
-http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-techniques/defense-techniques/how-to-parry-punches