[Saweeep]

Mouthguards are only half of the equation.

The other half is making sure that you and your sparring partners are wearing suitable, heavy gloves.

The amount of guys I've seen trying to spar in 10/12oz gloves is shocking really.

As a Super Heavy, I spar in 20s.

[MikeCF]

(09-17-2014 02:34 AM)Vroom Wrote:  

Whoa! Settle petal, I didn't realise you came from a long line of mail order mouthguard merchants, and that I'd offended the craft.

No connection with mouth guards.

I just don't like it when people spread misinformation in threads I participate in.

I stay out of threads where I don't know what I'm talking about. Seems to make sense to only talk about what you know about.

Perhaps you should consider doing the same.

As far as the mouth guards not working, yes I played sports all of my life and am familiar with the dentist ones.

All Gladiator does it skip the middleman.

Just like you don't need a lawyer to write a will for you (just fill out some pre-approved forms yourself), you don't need a dentist to put your teeth into some putty trays.

(Unless you are mentally retarded or something.)

[Vroom]

(09-18-2014 12:07 PM)MikeCF Wrote:  

(09-17-2014 02:34 AM)Vroom Wrote:  

Whoa! Settle petal, I didn't realise you came from a long line of mail order mouthguard merchants, and that I'd offended the craft.

As far as the mouth guards not working, yes I played sports all of my life and am familiar with the dentist ones.

Good. What do you think of them?

What happened to your professionally fitted one that made it necessary to change to a mail order one? Should I look out for the same thing to happen to mine?

[AntiTrace]

Pulled the trigger and started boxing.

Essentially there are 2-3x "classes" per week I go to. I'll outline a typical class, can you experienced cats tell me if this is decent training?

Setup: One instructor. 6-10 students with varying experience.
Part 1: warm up
-5x 2 minute jump ropes. Each set you change jumping techniques(one foot, moving around, doubles, boxing stance jumping, etc). 2 min of rest/stretching inbetween sets
Part 2: Further stretching/flexibility.
-15 minutes or so of stretching with a couple sets of knuckle and fingertip pushups thrown in.
Part 3: Technique training.
-Squat down into boxing stance and hold it for a couple minutes. Trainer evaluates and critiques form. Switch to south paw and do same thinng
-Basic footwork stuff. Moving in a square while remaining in a good stance. Combine that with moving and punching. Then the trainer throws a rope up across the ring, one side of the rope higher than the other, we put our left shoulder to the rope, punch and move forward, duck and move the other side of the rope, rinse and repeat to the end. Every just does it in a line for about 10 minutes as the trainer watches and critiques as we go.
Part 4: Bag work
- 5-6 rounds of bag work. Each round increases complexity. For example: round 1 was a simple jab and move forward, jab and move back. Round 5 was punch and move left three times, duck and come up on the right with a right overhand. Move right three times, duck and come up on the left with a left overhand. Jab and move back.

This is beginners class (gym has levels 1-3 classes). THere was no sparring, which makes sense for a newbie class. It was my first time so I was going really slowly and robotic, trying to focusing on the technique and properly keep my weight on my back foot while keep the core tight and shifting weight into the punch. I made a few mistakes, like crossing my back leg across my front when moving left and getting off balance, so I wanted it nice and slow until I could eliminate those errors.

Overall it was a good workout, the jump ropes were kicking my ass at the end. The bag work was pretty tiring, and I was only going about 30% effort while doing it (focusing technique, not speed and power) so I can imagine its going to be brutal once I pick up the pace.

Would you consider this decent for a beginner class? The trainer was very friendly, open to any questions(I asked a lot haha), and very active jumping back and forth between students making comments. I definitely didn't feel ignored or invisible like sometimes happens in group classes. The workout just seemed light, I wasn't sweating much. Then again I was purposedly going slow.

[paulstein]

(09-16-2014 06:14 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

Alright, time for another question. This time about mouthguards. I am getting ready to do some sparring, mainly with a guy I met at the gym, we plan on going slow. But still I want to be responsible about protecting myself, I am not a spring chicken any more.

Seems like Gladiator makes some excellent mouthguards and it is a process to make sure everything fits well. Pretty pricey at 80 bucks. But seems pretty solid. I have looked at some other mouth guards and read reviews. But would like to get some opinions from RVF. I'd appreciate any alternative suggestions.

If you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts on mouthguards or make a suggestion I would appreciate it. Though $80, seems like a lot, if it could save me some major damage, it is worth it. This guy took the time to make a detailed post about his Gladiator mouthguard experience, in case you were interested.

http://kravmagafederation.com/forum/view...c3197de0db

Thanks.

I have one made my Python guards and it's really top notch. They send you an impression kit, you mail back the impressions and get a mouth piece a week or so later. It was maybe $150, which is kind of expensive but waaaay cheaper than any dental work.

There are a number of companies on the internet that do the same thing, to my mind that is the way to go.

[the chef]

(09-22-2014 08:05 AM)AntiTrace Wrote:  

Pulled the trigger and started boxing.

Essentially there are 2-3x "classes" per week I go to. I'll outline a typical class, can you experienced cats tell me if this is decent training?

Setup: One instructor. 6-10 students with varying experience.
Part 1: warm up
-5x 2 minute jump ropes. Each set you change jumping techniques(one foot, moving around, doubles, boxing stance jumping, etc). 2 min of rest/stretching inbetween sets
Part 2: Further stretching/flexibility.
-15 minutes or so of stretching with a couple sets of knuckle and fingertip pushups thrown in.
Part 3: Technique training.
-Squat down into boxing stance and hold it for a couple minutes. Trainer evaluates and critiques form. Switch to south paw and do same thinng
-Basic footwork stuff. Moving in a square while remaining in a good stance. Combine that with moving and punching. Then the trainer throws a rope up across the ring, one side of the rope higher than the other, we put our left shoulder to the rope, punch and move forward, duck and move the other side of the rope, rinse and repeat to the end. Every just does it in a line for about 10 minutes as the trainer watches and critiques as we go.
Part 4: Bag work
- 5-6 rounds of bag work. Each round increases complexity. For example: round 1 was a simple jab and move forward, jab and move back. Round 5 was punch and move left three times, duck and come up on the right with a right overhand. Move right three times, duck and come up on the left with a left overhand. Jab and move back.

This is beginners class (gym has levels 1-3 classes). THere was no sparring, which makes sense for a newbie class. It was my first time so I was going really slowly and robotic, trying to focusing on the technique and properly keep my weight on my back foot while keep the core tight and shifting weight into the punch. I made a few mistakes, like crossing my back leg across my front when moving left and getting off balance, so I wanted it nice and slow until I could eliminate those errors.

Overall it was a good workout, the jump ropes were kicking my ass at the end. The bag work was pretty tiring, and I was only going about 30% effort while doing it (focusing technique, not speed and power) so I can imagine its going to be brutal once I pick up the pace.

Would you consider this decent for a beginner class? The trainer was very friendly, open to any questions(I asked a lot haha), and very active jumping back and forth between students making comments. I definitely didn't feel ignored or invisible like sometimes happens in group classes. The workout just seemed light, I wasn't sweating much. Then again I was purposedly going slow.

yeah that sounds pretty standard. does your gym have double end bags? i'd say to put in consistent work on that just as much as a heavy bag.

if i had to start from day one again i wish i would have spent as much time working on tempo, accuracy, and timing as i did on speed and power. the double end bag is the best way to work on said qualities.

[AntiTrace]

(09-22-2014 07:39 PM)the chef Wrote:  

[quote='AntiTrace' pid='835808' dateline='1411391115']
snip

whats a double end bag?

[samsamsam]

(09-22-2014 10:11 PM)AntiTrace Wrote:  

whats a double end bag?

It is a pretty cool training tool. I like it because I feel like I can practice certain things a bit better. The heavy bag is great but I get poor follow through on things like hooks. But I am just a noob, so take what I say with a grain of salt. The dude talks about bouncing but I was told to keep my feet planted/connected to the ground. When I move it is more of a slide than a total lift off the ground. You need to be connected to the ground to hit with any sort of power or stability. But once again, I am just learning.

[AntiTrace]

oh haha.

I tried hitting that thing and shit got crazy real fast. I couldnt get it to go straight back and forth, kept going off at an angle.

Regardless, I'm loving the boxing so far. It was really eye opening when I realized how shitty I was throwing a punch. Then I realized I throw a punch like an average guy, so a little bit of training would put someone leaps ahead of average guy.

And on a game note, I've seen crazy responses from chicks when I dropped the "can't tonight, i got boxing till 10" line.

[thedavidgt]

Guys, I'm considering joining a boxing gym.

What are some things I should look out for when choosing a gym?

[samsamsam]

(09-22-2014 10:41 PM)thedavidgt Wrote:  

Guys, I'm considering joining a boxing gym.

What are some things I should look out for when choosing a gym?

I think you need to ask yourself some questions. What are your goals? To get in shape, to actually spar?

That would dictate where and how much you want to pay, etc.

[Teekay]

(09-22-2014 10:41 PM)thedavidgt Wrote:  

Guys, I'm considering joining a boxing gym.

What are some things I should look out for when choosing a gym?

I asked myself the very same question a month ago when I got started.

The best gym is the one you can go to rain or shine.

Choose a gym closest to you so that there are fewer opportunities to not go when you feel tired etc. Mine is a short bus ride away.

It's also a mixed group type of gym so it's not full of total beginners like myself -> I get to watch to experienced guys spar and learn a lot from just looking, not to mention that one day I'll get to spar with them, too; I'll probably take a few bruises but the learning should go quicker. So I advise to get into such a gym. Only training with fellow beginners would mean I wouldn't learn as fast as I could.

But really, sign up wherever is the most convenient for you. There'll be times when you won't feel like going, so it's good to have as few excuses as possible.

[Saweeep]

Yup.

Location, location, location.

[samsamsam]

First, just a thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread. And Veloce for starting it. I am getting up to 5 days a week now at the gym. I only seem to get in weights about 3 times a week. 2 legs, and one upper body. I do an extra 20 mins of jump rope at a different time of the day. To be honest, it is sort of addicting. It feels like when I played football. A bunch of guys trying to get better. Everyone trying to help one another if you need it.

Alright, time for the next noob boxing question.

My trainer thinks in about another week he wants me to get in the ring and spar (slowly) with someone to get the feel. I'll be putting on borrowed gear, etc. But I would like to plan ahead and pick up the headgear and groin protector.

As far as groin protector goes, I am not as concerned about that as I am the head gear. Just wondering what you more experienced boxers might recommend. I am investing heavily into head and teeth protection. I am just too old not to protect myself and some of the gym gear is pretty old. Thanks.

And I am guessing most of you guys would say NO to the full bar options? No one at the gym I have seen uses full bar. Also, it impairs visibility, right?

Winning is great but nearly 500 bucks!

Thanks.

[the chef]

^all comes down to preference really.

full bar headgears can be tricky. pro's use it because their defense is top notch and they're able to feel and time when punches are coming at them just off muscle memory and instinct. the bar could blind vision if you're a beginner and don't have any experience. i would stay away from face bar headgear for the first sessions or so of sparring. if you do decide to go with a face bar and don't want to drop $500 on winning, title makes some quality ones for $90. stay away from the everlast knock offs. actually, just stay away from everlast in general.

i personally have the winning fg-2900 headgear which ran me under $300. the padding and craftmanship is excellent. also, the headgear isn't constricting at all. it's light, and i can see shots coming at me perfectly.

before i dropped the $300 on the winnings, i used the rival d30. these were also excellent... and it only costed $129. the protection and fit on this is a steal for the price.

[samsamsam]

^^ Chef, thanks so much.

Rival d30 looks like a good value.

Any thoughts on used gear? I may have a lead on some winnings.

[Saweeep]

(09-24-2014 11:41 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

Any thoughts on used gear? I may have a lead on some winnings.

I can't see an issue with it as long as its structural integrity is still intact.

Another thing to mention with head guards is to make sure you get the correct size and it fits well…a poorly fitted HG causes all sorts of problems.

[AntiTrace]

for those that have sparred/fought amateur matches:

how long did you train before you sparred.

how long before you fought (if you did).

and how many days a week did you train?

[Giovonny]

(09-24-2014 04:21 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

headgear and groin protector.

Try a few options. Put them on and find the best match for your body.

Comfort and fit are important.

Don't be afraid to buy something and then return it. There can be a wide variety of sizes and designs.

I don't mind the "full bar" style headgear. They can be clumsy and they do impair vision but its better that than a broken nose.

I think its good to have both a regular head gear and a full bar head gear.

I use the full bar when I spar against dangerous guys.

(09-25-2014 08:44 AM)AntiTrace Wrote:  

how long did you train before you sparred.

I had many school yard fights, street fights, and family scuffles before I ever got into a boxing ring. So, in that sense, I had years of training before I started boxing.

When I did start boxing, I sparred on the first day. I demanded this.

Sparring is the only way to simulate a real boxing match.

I didn't want to spend months and months hitting bags and hitting shadows, I wanted the real thing.

I think most guys are way to passive and fearful when it comes to live sparring. They are afraid to do it, but, there is really nothing to be afraid of.

The chances of getting a serious injury are very slim. You will probably only get a bloody lip, bloody nose, etc.

I recommend sparring sooner rather than later.

If you want to know what boxing all about, you must box. Hitting things that don't hit back is not boxing.

I'm sure most people will disagree with me but that is my philosophy.

When I teach people how to box, the first thing we do is spar. I want them to experience the real thing on the first day of training. Obviously, I go easy on them.

(09-25-2014 08:44 AM)AntiTrace Wrote:  

how long before you fought (if you did).

I trained for about a month before I had my first amateur fight.

Why wait?

If you want to box, get in the ring a box.

Nothing else compares.

(09-25-2014 08:44 AM)AntiTrace Wrote:  

and how many days a week did you train?

Everyday.

At least something, stretching, weights, massage, watching film, jogging, cooking, etc

[samsamsam]

(09-25-2014 01:15 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  

I use the full bar when I spar against dangerous guys.

Well then, you won't need headgear when you spar with me. Probably could do it with your eyes closed.

As always thanks for your input.

[samsamsam]

Well a quick update. Minor venting.

My lead on winnings came up empty. The guy said someone got them 20 mins before I showed up. Hopefully, no lurkers here snagged them (assholes). But he had some other gear, the guy had 22 pro fights but he is smaller than me. So no luck on shoes, groin protector,

He encouraged me to look into this other headgear called Windy. I did a quick google and all I could figure was it normally retails around 90 bucks. So 20 wasn't bad. But I couldn't find reviews and he said, "What is better a review or an opinion of a pro fighter." I figured for 20 worth the gamble. But more research shows maybe it is used for MMA?

Looks like this.


I wonder if I could still use it while getting started.

Just a little mad at myself for being rushed. I usually am well researched and should have knew something was up when I didn't recognize the name. But it fit well. And I have read some people have bad fits with headgear so I dodged that issue of buying something via the internet.

Anyway, sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you.

P.S. I looked the guy up, he is a legit former pro fighter.

[Saweeep]

(09-25-2014 06:14 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

Well a quick update. Minor venting.

My lead on winnings came up empty. The guy said someone got them 20 mins before I showed up. Hopefully, no lurkers here snagged them (assholes). But he had some other gear, the guy had 22 pro fights but he is smaller than me. So no luck on shoes, groin protector,

He encouraged me to look into this other headgear called Windy. I did a quick google and all I could figure was it normally retails around 90 bucks. So 20 wasn't bad. But I couldn't find reviews and he said, "What is better a review or an opinion of a pro fighter." I figured for 20 worth the gamble. But more research shows maybe it is used for MMA?

Looks like this.


I wonder if I could still use it while getting started.

Just a little mad at myself for being rushed. I usually am well researched and should have knew something was up when I didn't recognize the name. But it fit well. And I have read some people have bad fits with headgear so I dodged that issue of buying something via the internet.

Anyway, sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you.

P.S. I looked the guy up, he is a legit former pro fighter.

Windy is a respected Muay Thai brand.

To be honest, I think you might be over thinking the importance of the brand of gear you've got…

I sell a huge number of head guards per year to my students that cost me $10 imported from Pakistan and have never had a problem.

[the chef]

^true story.

if you are a beginner you are most likely going to spar someone who is better than you and who knows when to back off or to ease up when you get tagged. no need to drop top dollar if you aren't sparring competitively on day to day/week to week basis. if you plan on competing in boxing or are certain that you're going to be boxing for years.... then yeah, it would be more efficient for you to drop money on some expensive gear like winning, grant, cleto, etc.

i used some old ratty used gym head gear for the first 6 months of sparring. used the same basic ass $40 title classic gloves for almost a year; and never even considered buying expensive mouth guards or winning products til about 2 years after i started boxing. i also never even bought boxing shoes until i started competing. i'm pretty sure all the experienced boxers in my gym were like this too.

i mean if money isn't an issue then go ahead. but if you're like me (cheap fuck, rather spend my money elsewhere) buying top notch gear really isn't necessary until you decide you're going to spend a lot of time doing this in the future.

[the chef]

for guys who just started sparring check out this video and study it.

check out how the amateur (red shirt) is sparring with someone way better than him (the pro in the black shirt). the pro is "working with" the amateur... he's letting the amateur get his combinations off and showing the counters that the amateur is prone to. also check out how the pro effortlessly controls timing in distance during the session (slips shots, bobs and weaves while inching his way inside, or sliding out of the way when the amateur tries to rush him). notice how the pro's footwork looks much smoother... he's doing the bare minimum to get to point A to B without wasting any energy.

towards the session you see the pro putting the pressure on the amateur and making the amateur react to the feeling of having combinations thrown at him; but none of the shots are vicious and are meant to take the amateur's head off. look at how whenever the pro is in striking distance, he never "squares up" and is in a staggered stance, allowing him to roll and counter, and not giving the amateur any vulnerable spots to strike (kind of like a bruce lee/floyd mayweather stance).

great video to learn from.

[samsamsam]

For anyone interested, I found the hour long instructional by Freddit Roach. It has the clip MikeCF first shared, also goes to cover movement, etc.