The legendary “Iron” Mike Tyson coming out of retirement after 15 years at the age of 54 has inspired many. Maybe that’s why you’ve decided to pick up boxing. But how long does it take to learn it? Well, like most sports, it depends.
Boxing is a demanding sport, both physically and mentally. It might seem a bit daunting at first but I can assure you, it can be very rewarding as well.
Building A Solid Platform
It might take a couple of weeks or even months for you to spar with an actual opponent. It might be frustrating at first but, there’s a very good reason for that. You shouldn’t go into a sparring session without having your fundamentals in check.
Boxing is very much a nuanced martial art full of intricate techniques and methods. You need to learn to throw punches properly, move your feet, and work on your stance.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Boxing?
In general, training 3 times a week for 6 months should let you get the hang of it. However, it can vary from person to person. Some might even take up to a couple of years to get the same result. Here are some factors that determine your progress.
Training Smart
Sparring with the same opponents every training session will halt your progression at some point. Instead, switch opponents as you get better to continue your progress.
Conditioning
Being in good physical shape will go a long way when it comes to boxing. It will certainly give you that extra edge. Strength training and conditioning helps you progress faster.
Training Environment
The gym you train in plays an important role in your ability to get better. Look up the reviews online before joining a gym. Another approach to finding a gym that’s best for you is by signing up for free classes. See how the training goes and if the coach is passionate about the sport he’s teaching.
Staying Motivated
Many say that without talent, you won’t go anywhere. Let me tell you one thing, the all-time greats that people aspire to be got there by sheer dedication and hard work. They didn’t just become good at their respective fields automatically. This is especially true for boxing.
Most fighters train from a very young age to get where they’re at today. However, you shouldn’t be discouraged by this if you’re starting late. Many boxing champions started fighting relatively later in their lives. Staying motivated is half the battle.
Mistakes to Avoid as A Beginner
To get the most out of your training, here are some common mistakes you’d want to avoid.
1. Arm Punches
A proper punch generates power from your lower body and legs rather than your arms. This ensures the transfer of weight from the base. Most beginners tend to just move their hands towards their target. Keep your knees slightly bent and twist your torso while punching to generate more power.
2. Excess Head Hunting
Landing a big punch on the head for that knockout can be tempting, trust me, I’ve been there. But many newcomers often neglect the other scoring zones. This also leaves them vulnerable. And that becomes their downfall.
So, you need to always mix up your combinations and go for those body punches. Eventually, your opponent will lower their guard. That’s the perfect time to go for the head.
3. Line of Sight
It’s crucial to maintain a line of sight while punching. Losing visuals on your opponent will leave you vulnerable to counterpunches. It’s always the one that you didn’t see that gets you. Practice maintaining eye contact with your opponent while punching or on defense.
4.Training Too Fast
Many forget that it’s more about the journey rather than the process. Never overtrain or rush on things. Focus on the fundamentals and key skills. And of course, enjoy the process. Otherwise, you’ll face a burnout quite fast.
Conclusion
The sport of boxing is challenging but rewarding as well. You can certainly learn boxing within half a year in ideal circumstances. But in most cases, it will take about a year or so. Staying dedicated, training smart, going to the gym best suited for you will make the process much faster.
Well, now you’ve got an idea of how long it takes to learn boxing. With that being said, it’s time to put on the boxing gloves.
Also read-Krav Maga vs Boxing
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