I am always being asked questions about training so here are a few answers to the most frequently asked.
Q. Is it a problem if I am a complete beginner?
A. No problem at all. The great thing about being a beginner is, you have no bad habits
boxing
wise.
Q. Do you give a
free trial
?
A. Always! I want you to be satisfied that boxing is for you and also that I am the right trainer for you. I quite often tell people to try other gyms and different trainers. I personally think that different trainers all have different things to offer and if you want to take boxing seriously, you must find the trainer you are happy and confident with.
Q. Do I need to buy any equipment?
A. Again, please don't buy any equipment until you are sure boxing training is for you. There is gloves, skipping ropes in the gym etc. that you can use.
Q. Will I have to spar?
A. Only when you are ready and if you want to, even then it will be in a very controlled enviroment. Lots of people want to do boxing training without there being any contact. It is widely known that boxing training is one of the best, if not the best all over body workout!
Q. I am a beginner, what will a typical
training session
consist of?
A. Whether you want to box in competition or just want to train, I like to teach all the basics of boxing, starting with the stance and achieving good balance. Moving on to basic footwork. A good, solid foundation is the most important thing in boxing! As I always say, build a house on sand and it will fall down! The same goes for a boxer, if he has a weak foundation, he will also be falling down very quickly. Aswell as the basics, there are lots of different drills and cicuit training. You will also learn how to hit the mitts (pads)
punch bags
and use the rest of the equipment in the gym. The thing with boxing, everything takes time and it's a matter of practice, practice, practice and then when you think you have it...More practice!
Q. I work odd hours at the moment and may find it hard to make it - What times are your classes?
A. I am the first to appreciate the hours that people work in Shanghai. Especially the expats working here and I do try to accomodate everyone by being in the gym Monday - Friday from 10:30 am until the evening and Saturday from 10:30 until around 1:00 pm. I also do private/one on one sessions Saturday and Sunday afternoons.