Boxing s a good way to exercise and keep fit, while also keeping a reputation that you are not to be trifled with.

The amazing thing about the bag is that it can be so very satisfying during a decent workout, and so much energy is spent and the feeling afterwards is of achievement and of a job well done.

I remember the first boxing bag I got and I had read that a 3 minute workout was good.
Not knowing anything about it I felt that 3 minutes would be easy, but when I did it I was surprised at how much energy is used, and how tiring it is to someone who is not used to hitting the big heavy bags.

I have had some boxing training, but more martial arts training in the long run.
My preference for martial arts is the using of the legs, and pressure point blocks.
I would find boxing frustrating because when I felt that I was not getting anywhere with fists I would want to kick and that would not be allowed.

On bag workouts, for years I didn’t use gloves and by bags were covered in blood from my knuckles and hitting the bag over and over again.
Now I try to use gloves but often don’t.
I enjoy the most of hitting the bag and letting out energy,
and I really enjoy just smashing the bag until I am exhausted,
but sometimes I mix it up and do 3 minutes on the bag, 50 martial arts kicks or blocks and so on,
and then back to the bag for 3 minutes and then 50 more martial arts moves and so on.

One of the issues of using gloves is that the hands and knuckles become soft
and in a real street fright the hands are not wrapped tight or in gloves so unprepared the fighter can be seriously hurt and lose the fight which could be a life or death situation.

Boxing has its place in history and as an exciting sport and form of self defence.
bare fisted boxing was once very popular where the boxers would “slug it out” for a crowd or to settle an argument.

There are specific exercises for boxers designed to be useful in the sport of in self defence.

Hints on Boxing from a many Hands publication:
It is true that boxing has become associated with all manner of ruffianism, but it is true also that it is one of the most effective forms of physical exercise,
and that low life and brutality need no more enter into this pastime than into cricket.
All the muscles are exercised, and dexterity, nimbleness, prompt decision, quickness of sight and many other admirable qualities are promoted.

The right arm is held across the body so as to protect the pit of the stomach.
The elbow of the left arm is held to the side.
This position enables the boxer to hit from the shoulder, an important matter in boxing.
The right leg bears most of the weight of the body, an arrangement which permits rapid movement backwards and forwards as occasion demands with a minimum of exposure.
The left side should be towards your antagonist, the left hand has the principal part of hitting allotted to it, the right stops, parries, and at close quarters hits too.

Study all these things carefully before a mirror, noting what parts are exposed and the manner in which the exposure may be remedied.

Throw your head well back, and watch your opponent’s eyes, for there you get the earliest indication of his intentions, and therefore you are able to make your arrangements for circumventing his plans. When you strike let it be from the shoulder and with all the weight of your body pressing the right foot upon the ground and making a kind of spring.
Do not draw back your hand to make a stroke, because that gives your adversary warning. Come upon him unawares and then recover your position immediately.

Generally the time to strike is when your left toe is level with his heel, but if his reach is longer or shorter than yours this rule may need modification.
Remember that a curved blow is longer on its way than a straight one.

If your adversary strikes at your face or the upper part of the chest, do not retreat from the blow, but fling your right arm sharply outwards and upwards, catching your opponent’s arm by the wrist, and throwing it out of the direction in which it was aimed.
This generally lays open your opponent’s head, and gives opportunity for a smart return blow with the left hand; it is then near his head, and has only a short distance to go.
This return blow is called the “counter,” and is very effective, as it arrives when your opponent is expecting to give rather than receive a blow.
This plan of campaign may be practiced before a mirror.

“Stopping” comes in where this parry is impracticable.
If your adversary strikes at your body you must either get away, stop, or suffer the blow in hopes of being able to hit him in return.
In stopping you receive the blow on your arm, and break its force.

All the best from
James M Sandbrook.
17th of May, 2021.