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This years Olympics saw some excellent boxing displayed.  If you watched much of the Olympic boxing tournaments you would have noticed different styles that were on show.

There were 81 different countries being represented at this year’s Olympic boxing event. And what has become a regular occurrence in amateur boxing; Cuba reigned supreme with 4 gold medals and one bronze having entered 7 boxers.

In this blog, I will discuss the various styles of the top boxing nations, starting with arguably the best… Cuba.

Cuba – Cuba are renown for their excellent footwork, balance, reactions and overall fluidity. Something that always sees their boxers have success in major competitions.

This is a style that is drilled into them from when they first walk into a boxing gym. Boxing is about ‘’hitting and not getting hit’’ and Cuba embody this. Most of their training is focused on fighting drills and footwork drills with a heavy emphasis on rhythm and flow. It is said that this style was made possible by Alcides Sagarra Carón, a former Cuban national coach.

A great boxer to watch who displayed the epitome of Cuban boxing is Andy Cruz, who won lightweight Olympic gold in this year’s Olympics and was one of the stand out boxers of the tournament.

USA – The USA always send a strong team to the Olympics. Most of the boxers seem to have a pro style with amateur elements. They hold their feet longer (which decreasing the speed of their footwork) and are comfortable blocking and countering with speed and accuracy that you would normally see from a pro boxer.

A USA boxer who displayed the USA style very well during these Olympics which culminated into a Silver medal is Keyshawn Davis who competed at lightweight. He lost in the final to Andy Cruz.

Great Britain – GB had their most successful Olympics in the boxing event, winning 6 medals in total. 2 gold, 2 sliver and 2 bronze.

GB are known for their excellent fitness and forward aggression. GB boxers are usually on their toes, with a high guard and focus on straight punches behind an in and out movement. They always have fast feet which matches their fast hands.

A GB boxer who to watch with the GB style is this year’s Olympic champion at flyweight is Galal Yafai.

Russia – Boxing under the banner of Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), due to the decision by the World anti-doping agency (WADA) to ban Russia from all international sport for four years, after it was found that data provided by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency had been manipulated by Russian authorities with a goal of protecting athletes involved in its state-sponsored doping scheme.

ROC had 6 Medallists this year, 1 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze. ROC have the typical soviet style. Very tall, fast feet behind a long lead hand. They throw fast combinations, leading with the jab and always have fast feet and hands and like GB, they focus on in and out movement.

A boxer to watch from the ROC is Albert Batyrgaziev who won gold in the men’s featherweight division.

We will be exploring these different styles in our skills classes in the coming months.  Kicking off September with our own GB style.

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://12roundsboxing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/0ca675ea-bcfe-4b5f-a2e4-b1da853ea6ab.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Scott has been boxing since he was 18 and has an impressive amateur record of over 50 fights. His talent was spotted early. When he first walked into Islington Boxing Club he was put straight into the competitive class and had his first fight 3 months later. Scott has fought all over the country and travelled to extensively including to South Africa where he won boxer of the tournament. Now retired from competing Scott is excited to put his skills and energy into coaching[/author_info] [/author]

‘You win or you learn’, a common phrase used in boxing, because you don’t actually lose; you’ve gained vital information on what you need to improve on. Fighting is like life, you’re given the theory (training), then you’re given the test (bout). Sometimes you pass, sometimes you don’t, but either way your given the lesson and the opportunity to take the test again (have another bout).

I lost my very first fight. A mixture of nerves, fear and doubt got the better of me and I didn’t perform.

After I lost, the images I had created in my head of me winning championships and being a good amateur boxer had started to disappear. Doubt had started to creep in and I was now asking myself if I was capable. What I didn’t know though, was that my next training session would be one of my best, because I had learnt and improved a lot after that bout.

What I had learnt/Improved:

• I have to be switched on all the time. You quickly realise that you have no time to switch off, and that’s generally when you get hit the most.
• Body positioning, although this takes time to master, I was now aware of my positioning.
• Speed and timing first, power after
• Confidence; you think confident, you fight confident. You think scared, you fight scared.

The lesson I’d learnt had been greater than the loss, and I was keen to ‘’get back on the horse’’ as they say. And I did. Two weeks later, I had my second fight. Which I won.

My second fight was completely different from the first. Naturally I was nervous, but armed with the knowledge from my first fight, I went into this fight confident.

I won the fight by unanimous decision, having won every round.

The feeling of euphoria and excitement was surging through my body, and the images of me winning a championship and being a great amateur boxer, had re-appeared. It’s a buzz you cant describe, but one you wish will continue.

I’d be lying if I said I remember what I learnt from my second fight, but the feeling of winning, was enough to keep the fire burning.

Boxing is one of the toughest sports in the world, and a loss is not a be all or end all. The lessons learned and the experience gained serve you longer in life then a win or a loss. Keep taking the lessons on board, stay humble and stay consistent.

Stay humble in victory, as you are in defeat – Connor McGregor

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://12roundsboxing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/0ca675ea-bcfe-4b5f-a2e4-b1da853ea6ab.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Scott has been boxing since he was 18 and has an impressive amateur record of over 50 fights. His talent was spotted early. When he first walked into Islington Boxing Club he was put straight into the competitive class and had his first fight 3 months later. Scott has fought all over the country and travelled to extensively including to South Africa where he won boxer of the tournament. Now retired from competing Scott is excited to put his skills and energy into coaching.[/author_info] [/author]

This fantastic couple joined our fundamentals programme pre lock down last year.

As we went into lockdown, instead of putting their training on hold Eion and Helen stepped things up by taking up our 1-1 outdoor PT option.  Over the last year we’ve watched them go from strength to strength.  Eion has not only dropped 10kg he has now joined our Fight Skool programme and is about to take part in his debut White Collar fight on 25th July at the Clapham Grand.

Helen told us she’s never felt or looked better since taking up boxing.  We suspect we will see her in the ring too at some stage.

Here’s what they had to say themselves.

‘I started boxing to get a break from a busy work week and I absolutely love it! It’s the one hour a day where the world around me doesn’t exist and it’s brilliant. I have never felt this great and been this strong before. I can absolutely recommend it’ . Helen Ness

‘Doing the fundamentals course in September was one of the best decisions I’ve made since I can remember. I’m as fit and strong as I’ve ever been, and it is without doubt the best stress buster I’ve encountered. The training really does what it says on the tin about improving your mental and physical health. All that lead to me signing up to fight school, which is unlike anything I’ve tried before and completely out of character for me. Bring it on! 5 star review’  Eion Power

Eion and Helen are one of many couples who train together at 12 Rounds.  We think getting fit and punching bags together makes a fantastic date night lol

Like the majority of our members Eion and Helen started on our fundamentals programme to learn the basics.  If you want to get involved and see what boxing can do for you, course run monthly.

You can book a space on the next course here

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Boxing is a fantastic outlet for kids. It unleashes all their natural energy, gives them an outside
focus, teaches discipline and lessons that are usually taught later in life.

I have been teaching kids since 2015 and although I was the coach, I too was learning during every class I taught.

Every child presents a challenge. No two kids are the same, so you must vary your approach.
Throughout the years, I have trained kids with Autism, Aspergers Syndrome (on the Autism spectrum) Downs syndrome, ADHD and a selective mute (who after 6 months of training, grew comfortable enough to start talking to his peers).Boxing always had a positive effect on them. They were always able to express themselves and as a result, grew more confident, started to love exercise and they gained new friends.

Children are sponges and boxing has great coaches who are willing to pass on their decades of knowledge and mentor them to become not only good boxers but humble gentlemen and women in our society.

At 12 Rounds Boxing, we offer a taster session. This is a free session where we can slowly introduce your child/children to boxing. You get to know the coaches and other children who will be just as eager and maybe a little nervous to learn
about Boxing as your child is.

From there, your child/children will progress onto the Fundamentals programme. This goes more into depth on the technique and the foundation on which your boxing skill is built on.

Once you graduate from the Fundamentals, you go to the intermediate class. This is where you are taught more advanced techniques and build on the skill that you will have developed from the Fundamentals programme.

At the end of each term, we hold an end of term showcase for friends and family.  This is to show what your kids have learnt and give you and indication to what they will be able to do in the future with 12 Rounds Boxing.

I can talk about why boxing is great for kids until there is no more oxygen to breathe. But you will only really know if you try for yourself.  We are running taster sessions every Tuesday at 5pm.  You can book here 

‘The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing’ – Walt Disney

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This morning I sat down to write a motivating email to our members and I have to say I really struggled.

With lockdown continuing and no end date in sight, it’s definitely been starting to get to me.

How can motivate my team, my boxing family when I can’t motivate myself I thought?

I knew what I had to do, I had to do a workout to sort out my head.

I really didn’t want to this morning, it was cold and I felt tired.

But one thing I do know for sure is that this works.

So I started swinging a kettlebell in my back garden and put together a circuit.  After the first round my energy started to lift.  That dark cloud sitting over my head seemed to just lighten.

And then the message became clear.

Movement really is medicine.   I’ve spoke about it for years in how it literally switches your brain set.

We need this medicine more now than ever to stay upbeat.

If you are feeling frustrated, sad, angry, overwhelmed – do a workout.  It will rest your brain and help you find a focus.

And if that’s all you do today, that’s ok.  it’s so hard to plan anything right now so just stay in the present moment and take things day to day.

It’s now Feb which means winter on way out and spring is coming :) it’s getting that little bit lighter in the mornings and evenings so slightly more encouraging to get outside for walks and workouts.

I hope you are all coping ok.  I’m sure we are all having these fed up days.  Just get moving as much as you can and hit that re-set button.

Kat

PTSD is a common affliction of many who have served in the forces. Our own team member Jake Duggan knows only too well the challenges of dealing with this condition. Jake wanted to raise awareness and do something to help his fellow army veterans. We know that boxing is a fantastic tool for managing mental health. Focussing on learning technique takes you out of your mind and back to the present moment providing temporary relief from stress and negative thinking. Seeing progression and improvements builds self esteem. Something we believe is much needed for our army veterans.

Check out the video here of Jake talking about his own experience and how we got involved in boxing

With everything thats been going on this year charities have taken a huge hit. With remembrance day happening this month we wanted to do something to support our military heroes who give so much yet receive very little support.

This remembrance day weekend we are holding a Punch for PTSD fundraiser event to raise money for Help for Hero’s Charity.

Come along and join us for a military style boxing workout where all proceeds go towards Help for Hero’s providing support for ex-military personnel.

Workout takes place at 1pm on Sunday 8th November and is suitable for all levels of fitness and boxing experience.

Jake signed up for our fight skool programme last year. As an ex-soldier who’d been in the Australian military for 9 years Jake was struggling with ptsd. He needed something to focus on to get out of his head. Jake found that boxing and joining fight skool provided the perfect remedy.

Learning boxing skills gave him a focus and kept him learning week in week out and the support and camaraderie from the group was exactly what he needed. Since completing the programme and winning the fight Jake decided he wanted to share what he’d learned and become a coach. He is also so passionate about helping ex-military boost their mental health and cope with ptsd that he is running a charity day to raise awareness this remembrance week.

Hears Jakes story in his own words

What go you into boxing?

After being discharged from the army after 9 years service I was looking for a new challenge and something to get me up and going in the morning. I wanted something to strive for, to better myself and achieve something. I came across the fight skool programme and it seemed to offer just that.

What did you enjoy about the training at 12 Rounds and what made you want to get into coaching?

What I loved about the fight skool programme was the community and cammadradie in the team. You really do develop that family type bond. You are all there for each other and push each other, even though there’s also some friendly competition. That’s what makes you want to come back. The other thing I loved about the training is that you are always learning. There’s always something new to learn. After successfully winning the fight I wanted to do my part and give something back. I wanted to pass on the knowledge that I’ve learned to help others

What’s been your biggest highlights from training/coaching?

Firstly there was the actual fight night and seeing how well both myself and the rest of the team did on the night. Then there was the after party…..that was fun
In terms of coaching running my first classes with Rich and seeing the members enjoy the sessions and progress has been fantastic. It’s also really encouraging when members come up and thanks me afterwards, it’s a real sense of achievement to know I’ve made a difference

What challenges have you faced?

The biggest challenge has been getting out of my own head. You’re biggest obstacle is always yourself and I’ve had my own struggles with managing my ptsd. But as I said 12 Rounds is such a positive environment and that helps you take that step to get out of bed, get out your house and come down here as you know you will feel better.

Tell us about the Remembrance day event you are organising

From 1st Nov till Remembrance Sunday on 7th, the theme is remembrance week. I wanted to do something to raise awareness and raise funds for both veterans and military personnel who need support. I know from my own experience of ptsd how difficult it is to cope with and find support. I was shocked to find out how poor the support system is for these men and women who’ve served and fought for their country. I think that getting involved in boxing is a fantastic way to help as takes your mind away from being stuck in that dark cloud. Focussing on a skill like boxing where you are always learning and seeing yourself progress takes you into a different mindset. It’s also a positive outlet for any emotion and you see growth not just in terms of technique and fitness but in yourself. Boxing really does make you better, I’d 100% recommend it.

We are super excited to welcome Jake to the team and love his genuine passion and desire to make a difference. Jake teaches Fundamentals and taster sessions on Saturdays and you’ll find him on reception Tuesdays evenings and Friday mornings.