Page 130 - Doug Werner Boxer's Start-Up

Chapter Twelve

be working on this at home. I go another round on the pillar and
finish jumping rope.

Al and I discuss the differences between Asian martial arts instruc-
tion and boxing. Seems boxing just doesn’t have the same sizzle as
the other. One is perceived as some kind of arty workout while
boxing is just bloody noses or something. Al says the martial arts are
more structured for learning, having so many stages and the like
(white belt, brown belt, black belt, etc.). Boxing instruction gets
right down to it without the years of instruction and the spiritual
shadings.

This leads to the questions:Why not include similar stages to boxing
instruction? Why not define levels of expertise in the manner of the
martial arts? And why not emphasize the mental as well as the phys-
ical challenges of boxing as well (as they do in the other combat dis-
ciplines). I’ve only had 20 lessons, but I know this much: boxing is
much more than slugging it out! It’s a sport that rewards grace,
coordination and strategic thinking (hey, that sounds like fencing).

I know I’m a little green at this stuff to be spouting off, but what is
it with the meager perception of boxing (especially among middle-
class Americans) and why are the other forms of hand-to-hand
combat held in such esteem? Why do mothers send their tykes to
karate class without blinking an eye, but would never dream of
having little Tommy (or Susie) attend a boxing class?

PUMPED! SPARRING AT LAST
10-21-97: Lesson #21
After some rounds on Mr.Pillar Punch (a freestanding heavy bag),Al
puts on the mitts and we go over the jab. First without Al throwing
return fire, then with. It gets real interesting when he throws jabs
straight into my face as I throw my own.Of course,I must continue
with my action while catching his jab with my right hand.

Then a surprise.Al puts on a pair of gloves and away we go! Just
throw slow jabs he says --- 70% or so. Well, this is exciting. At last!
Toe to toe. Boxing for real! At first I hesitate to hit him because
inflicting pain on others is not a natural part of my personality (is it
anybody’s?). But I keep telling him it’s OK to hit me (I think)
because I don’t want him holding back too much. I’m not a piece
of glass, I say.

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