Boxing
Now feeling feverish with the sudden burst of activities, I head to Fort Bonifacio where the boys train in boxing. Here we see amateur boxers teach whoever wants to learn. I start off with warm-ups (I am now officially the king of warm-ups.) and then I am shown the basics of boxing. It's all about the footwork. "A lot of beginners get cramped legs after doing the footwork basics," my instructor, Buddy tells me. He jokes a lot and admits surprise that I was boxing for the very first time. "You got good form for a beginner," says Buddy. That puts a big smile on my face. "But you have to teach me everything now, because I won't be back. I'm doing this for a feature in our magazine," I tell him. In fairness to the guy, he does a good job of showing me the ropes. (Yes, that is a pun.)
After showing me everything he could possibly teach in about an hour, we go to the ring. I feel my heart beat real fast. I'm sure this guy, with a solid frame courtesy of the ol' Navy, can take me down with just an accidental flick of his wrist. It doesn't help that Buddy, jokingly, I presume, asks his comrade about the ammonia. Everyone enjoys a hearty laugh. I join in gingerly. "Wag ka mag-alala, Sir. Malapit lang ospital dito," his fellow navyman says. Hahaha…hilarious. I was about to ask for a face guard but I worry that people would think of me as a sissy.
Round One. I crouch down and look for openings. I jab and hook. "Watch your balance," Buddy reminds me as I stagger after a right hook lands air. "You should always be wary of your footwork. It's crucial to boxing." At this point I remember what Pagulayan said about amateur boxers: "I have a particular fondness for amateurs because you don't see them doing anything flashy. They throw punches to get points as opposed to knocking down opponents. And they have solid defense." The bell rings. Rest period. Buddy teaches me a few pointers. He says I should relax as I breathe really hard now. "If you get too tense, you won't last two rounds."
Round Two. What do you know? I land one in his gut! After the initial glee, I stand promptly in attention. "Oh no, please don't get back at me for that," I tell Buddy. He shrugs and says not to worry. Then he peppers me with punches. He laughs. "Once you get pummeled, crouch low and protect your head with your arms. Then back away," he says. Sorry, Buddy. I can barely comprehend you what with all the punches you threw at me.
Round Three. Of course, I just prance around. I'm not going to throw any more punches at him. Nor would he me.
"Not bad, Sir. Not bad at all." I'll come back for you, Buddy.
» Fitness archive
Men's Health Philippines - September 2005 Issue
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PROPER STANCE IN BOXING
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Maintain a 45-degree angle to your opponent so as not to make yourself an easy target. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and the center of your balance should be kept in the middle of your body. The arms are kept high to deflect punches. It also absorbs opponent's blows to the head. The elbows should be held tight in the body for the opponent's body blows. Stand on the balls of your feet for easy shifts in positions. |
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To throw a good jab you must first push off your back foot, then step forward with the front foot as you throw the punch at your opponent. Rotate your fist as you reach full extension. Maintain balance by not throwing your body into the punch—just your arm. |
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In throwing a punch with your strong arm (right for right-handed, left for lefties), pivot your toe, hips and hand in the direction of your punch. Remember to keep your balance as, once again, you don't throw your body into the punch. |
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