Description
Boxing is a combat sport where two contestants face each other in a ring and wear padded gloves and fight a certain number of rounds at a defined weight limit. The goal is to attack the opponent using a combination of fast and powerful punches above the waist to score points or knock the opponent out.

Students getting ready to spar

History
Boxing is an ancient sport that dates back to Ancient Greece. In modern history, it was used to settle disputes between English men in the 18th century. Fortunately boxing shook off its pugilistic appearance as it was adopted into universites and the armed forces. Shortly after, both professional and amateur raknings were established, and each produced its own local, national and international governing bodies and its own variation of the rules. Today, boxing is the most popular combat sport in the world. In addition, Mixed Martial Arts competitors include boxing as a significant part of their stand up training.

MMA fighters Takanori Gomi and Jens Pulver put on a
great display of boxing in their fight at Pride Shockwave 2004

Class Format
Students usually warm up on their own by skipping rope or shadowboxing. The typical class includes sparring, mitt work, bag work, footwork drills and composure exercises. Students finish off by doing bodyweight exercises and interval training on the bag for conditioning.

Just hanging out after class

Attire
Shorts, t-shirt, boxing shoes, wraps, gloves, mouthguard, head gear

Instructor
Rafael Delgado