Page 55 - QDG Year of 2020

Boxing
Following the success of individual boxers during the 2019 season, the CO was eager to maintain momentum and ensure the pugilistic art remained a solid fixture in 2020. This would consist of a weeklong inter-SQN competition, culminating in a Regimental fight night in late November. To generate genuine competitive rivalry, each boxer would be trained by coaches from their respec- tive sub-unit (or anyone under 40 in the case of HQ SQN). Subsequently, the winner of each weight division would represent QDG at the RAC Champion- ships in December. As expected, there was substantial interest, Dragoons of all ranks were eager to go toe to toe with their opposite number. Even the Adjutant expressed an interest, until it was made clear that ‘no punching in the face’ was not recognised in the Queensbury Rules.
As opposed to most team sports, indi- viduals don’t play boxing and the safety of fighters is paramount. Therefore, there was a requirement to formally train coaches; This was no mean feat given the lack of white space in the Forecast of Events. Royal Engineer attached, Sgt (Cat) Stevens and QMSI Sgt Taylor organised a coaching course to be run at RBSM. This was the gold standard solution and meant 15 coaches in total would undertake the ABAE civilian accredited L1 coaching course.
Former GB women’s coach Mick Gannon BEM put potential coaches through their paces over the course of a week. The emphasis was placed on understanding the duties of a coach, instructional techniques and a sound understanding of boxing basics. At the end of the course students underwent
a summative test. They were required to explain and demonstrate recognised attack and defence techniques as a drill, familiar territory to the bright reconnais- sance soldier. Although some displayed the coordination of a baby elephant, the course was a success with a 100% pass rate. The fossil of the course C SQN SSM was immediately offered a fast track to attend the L2 course (those that can’t do, teach).
“The punch you don’t see coming is the one that hurts the most” this old cliché was the perfect analogy as
COVID 19 arrived in the UK.
The ABAE and Army Sports
Control Board directed
that all boxing training be
stopped, and all competi-
tions cancelled. This was a
devastating blow to everyone
involved. None the less,
the resilience and positive
attitude of the team leaders
and coaches alike focused
on the freedoms of the situ-
ation as opposed to the
constraints. Time spent in
lockdown conditions was the
perfect opportunity to further
develop coaches. Sgt Stevens would bombard coaches weekly with links to virtual coaching classes. Furthermore,
with the help of the gym staff he would transform part of the Leathersellers Suite into a dedicated boxing gym, complete with ring, heavy bags and of course, an over- abundance of mirrors.
As ever QDG Boxing will continue to roll with the punches thrown by the current climate and oper- ational commitments. For now, at least, the conditions are set for big fights under the lights in 2021.
MR
1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
53
Even the adjutant expressed an interest, until it was made clear that ‘no punching in the face’ was not recognised in the Queensbury Rules
Despite all the effort there was only one volunteer