I'm curious as to what most folks consider an acceptable background for someone assuming the role of a boxing trainer, since it's virtually an open field, given the minimal license requirements. Do you consider it more or less a requirement that they had competed officially at some point? Trainers often have a capacity to teach that far exceeds their ability to fight. Is it important to you that your trainer, if reasonably young, would be able to step in a ring with you and have an edge (assuming this is the amateur level)? What is your opinion of someone who barely or never fought, but claims to have a good eye for the sport and a patient hand?
I have no problem if they haven't competed, as long as they've boxed at some point in the past. Some people are just better at teaching than actually fighting. I would expect my trainer to be able to have an edge on me in terms of technique, which mine does but he's a bit old so you couldn't really expect much. For me the most important thing is that the gym is popular and has a history of success.
I think a good eye and analytical mind is key here. My trainer has never competed, and I doubt he's been a serious boxer (the gym belonged to his son, a seriously talented pro who passed a few years ago). But he is still able to pick out subtle steps and techniques that I don't see on my own. He is also able to talk about strategies for different types of fighters, so I trust him and his knowledge completely. Now if I were to go Pro hypothetically speaking, I would probably seek out someone who is more adept at coaching pros. But at my level, I would go as far as to say my coach is among the best in the amateur game.
Interesting, thanks for the input. Yeah, once you go pro, it always makes sense to look for someone to take you to that next level, if you feel you need to . But I guess a trainer doesn't have to have been in there to recognize subtle deviations or enhancements of technique. A pair of eyes from the outside can see a picture that you can't yourself. I think it helps for someone to at least have tried it out, to see things from a fighter's perspective and notice common habits. Certain things you only know by doing it. I suppose that might be more important in the pro game so that a trainer can communicate with a tired/discouraged/hurt fighter.
I think it would depend on the level of commitment to the sport and what type of career you're aiming at. If I had a choice of trainers, I'd choose someone who has had extensive experience in the amateur program (not necessarily as a fighter). Someone like Rigo/Cotto's trainer (Diaz I think). This type of trainer knows what level a fighter should reach and at what point in their career by expecting/reading the level of opposition. Someone who can build an athlete from scratch and then guiding him
calmness that gives you reassurance that you got this, every trainer can come up with a certain fight plan and training plan. My coach right now is just really calm at all times and whenever i come back after a round he calmly gives a few things i need to do in the next round and thats about it. as for training its pretty simple gotta run early in the morning, weights at noon, boxing at night where you do drills and work on specific things(footwork, head movement, and combos)
Great trainers come from many backgrounds. Some trainers work better with certain personalities. I say you don't worry about paper and deal with him on a personal level to decide. Preferably you can make your decision by being in a group setting before you go one on one and it gets awkward if you don't like him/her.
I'm actually asking the question for the flip side of it; I never got a chance to compete, but spent lots of time in the gym, sparred a total of something probably under 100 rounds, study the sport as closely as I can, have already advised and improved the technique of certain young fighters I'm personable with, and hope to one day open a gym as a side community project I can contribute to. A best friend of mine has been boxing steadily for two years and wants to compete in the regional Golden Gloves, and despite training under several solid trainers in Philly and New York, says he wants me to be train him. He said it jokingly at first but he told me he was serious and asked me to inquire about getting a license (which is fairly easy.) So while I don't think that will end up happening, it did make me question whether or not I'd be overestimating my ability to teach because of my experience, or underestimating my knowledge of the sport. I'm fairly confident in the latter, I just don't want to let anybody down in the future or unintentionally misrepresent myself as a seasoned pro or anything. I figure the best place to start would be under another head trainer and get experience as an assistant.
That's a huge responsibility, Bogo. Even between friends, you don't want to half ass it. From being familiar with the rules in and out side the ring, to smallest things like wrapping hands properly. You'll find out how there's always snakes who will **** on your team any way you let them. You want to be in the in and as part of the program as you are part of your fighter's team.
The worst, literally worst trainer I know is an ex fighter. He has all the fundamentals completely wrong and doesn't realise he is literally ruining every boxed he works with. My amateur coach reputedly never had a fight, and if he did it was only very low level. Yet he produced more champions then any other in the region.
If they're young enough to compete (under 40) and are training and still haven't fought just to say they did it...yeah I wouldn't take them serious.
Personally, I don't think a trainer needs to have trained or competed in order to be good at what they do. Many amateur coaches in the UK get in to coaching when their sons / daughters start boxing. Some have absolutely no experience at all but go on to make very good coaches over time. Of course, you will always get 1 or 2 people who think that a trainer must have competed in order to be respected but I can't see the logic in this type of thinking.
Great thread!! I'm in a similar position and agree with the above comments. I've sparred 100s of rounds and I have had one fight. But I love the coaching side of things and considering doing it along with being a PT. I would say main thing would be to gain experience as a trainer, go to your local gym and ask if you can help out in any way possible. My gym had a couple of young coaches one of them was 17 and I can't explain enough how amazed I was when I found out his age because he was full of authority and what he taught more importantly worked. He had also done a couple amateur coaching courses. Also I don't know about you but for me this would be something I would do as a volunteer (especially am) the coaches at my gym all worked full time and spent all their spare time coaching because they loved it.
