Art of Boxing

So, you can think of me as a fan of boxing, but I am not a hardcore fan. The differences? Well, I can only explain to you the perspective of boxing only as an average fan I guess, in my definition. I don't know the differences between IBF and WBO and the other 3 sanctioning bodies of boxing... Well, I guess you can say I'm a fan of the 'skill', story of the boxer and the art of boxing. The story, the 'dramatics' of boxing, just adds to the depth, but either way, the art of boxing is something beautiful to me in itself.

The development and training a coach provides to the student is an awesome education. The repetitiveness in training which builds speed and mental awareness, the conditioning that help promote a healthy body, the footwork which would promote balance (physical and mental), the myriad of punches, slips, weaves, defenses, and counters which I feel help memory and it's capacity due to learning and remembering each and every tool... and besides physical training, mental and spiritual training are usually invoked. The mind sharpens, and more wonderfully, the self-esteem or the confidence of the person may prosper. This is an art that promotes self. I appreciate that because it leaves the philosophy open to the student.

Unlike traditional martial arts, where eastern philosophies and teachings/techniques of previous masters/teachers are forced and crammed down the students throat, boxing is open to the student, therefore bringing out the best (or worst) of the student's character. With organized traditional martial arts, the 'correct' way of doing this, or the 'wrong' way of doing that... I feel it's in the way of the student's path of finding 'self' in his art, you know what i mean? It's like a an art teacher teaching her student how to um... paint with water colors for example. 1. There's only going to be so much you can learn from that teacher and her techniques and 2. they will teach you in a way that will conform you to their methods. That's not always bad in that will force you to become great in a technique or method, but when it's time to be free or you are set loose in an unexpected environment, the student will most likely loose their structure and all that was taught to them may become unusable. Wow, I didn't mean to write so much on martial arts and my personal feeling toward traditional and free-willed methodology, as I could go on and on about that hahaa, let me get back on track with boxing.

In boxing, the foundation is laid, and that is kept open. The structure is produced, and that's left open as well. Finally, the techniques are all but that of the coach/trainer. Note: What i mean by 'open' is that the coach and student go into their relationship knowing that they will utilize each other as resources. They should know that their 'resource' isn't the answer to everything, rather they should expect that each person, the trainer and the student, have limitations. This should lead the student to seek additional coaching/assistance from other resources. As a boxer, their main focus, if not philosophical, should be to keep learning, keep building up their repitoire, keep challenging themselves. I feel coaches should understand this... but they don't always. But this understanding between the coach and the student if both willing, well, it's a more true, a more human approach to education. Unfortunately, boxing has rules which do diminish true expression, but that is not to say the students techniques or 'animalistic instincts' (haha) are watered down in real life, no rules fighting. It all depends on the student and how, and more importantly, what they intend to do with what was learned in the gym for use in their daily lives (idealogically, not fighting hahaha).

Um, so there you have it, as you can see, I am not a hardcore fan of boxing in that sense (LOL). Like I'm not a fan of a boxer because of what he/she represents for his/her country or his/her nation or his/her richess or his/her fame or what he/she is known to produce outside the ring for charity or family... Those are qualities to respect them as a person in general and to appreciate their character. I, as a fan of boxing simply loves the fight involved, the 'chess game' if you will, and techniques brought to the fight in order to knock another person out! I just want to see a good fight, but if i have to choose... Pacquiao for the win! haahahah