I've got a nine year old nephew who told me this weekend that he wants to learn how to box. It sounded great to me and, after talking his mom into letting him try it, I offered to pay his way and help him find a gym. Problem is, I don't know what to look for. With the exception of boxing smokers throughout high school I've never boxed. I've checked online and it looks like I've got quite a few choices in this area so, what I need to know is, what do I need to be looking out for? What seperates a good gym from a bad one, especially with a kid this young? He loves boxing (I pretty much bring him over to my place any time I order a pay per view) and I don't want to kill that enthusiasm for the sport by setting him up with some *******. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
If it were my nephew I'd get him to an old shabby gym in a working class neighbourhood, not a fancy one with personal trainers. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but I'd rather have him train at a PAL gym for a few bucks a month than with some douchebag who charges hundreds. He'll learn more from someone who's not in it for money. Where are you located? Ps. the basic things you'd want in a gym are bags and a ring. Everything else is optional.
I'm in the Seattle area. I do understand what you're talking about concerning the gyms and I'll keep it in mind while looking. I appreciate it.
Im in agreement with RDJ. I only have experience with two gyms; a shabby old school one in downtown Milwaukee WI, and a more fancy one in Cary NC. The one in Milwaukee was a little more personable. At the one in NC Im tight with my trainer so I get lots of focus and attention at fight practices and stuff, and I've been there since they opened up, but younger guys not so much. I notice they really only show you attention if you got alot of potential. The one in Milwaukee the coaches would alway fool around with the younger ones and make it alot more enjoyable for them. There were like five young ones around 8-10 years old too. Try and look for a place that is more personable and for the love of the sport, and not just about the trainers/coaches getting a commission. (I work at a gym, I know how it is for some people)
Read Joe Frazier's book Box Like the Pros. It will give you a good basis upon which to evaluate the gym, its trainers, and training. Remember, a million dollars worth of equipment is not a substitute for proper training.
I appreciate the advice, everyone. I'm going to spend Saturday driving my nephew around to some of the local gyms and seeing what they have to offer.
As your nephew is young your best going to a gym that treats the kid great and have a laugh and understand there not in it to make the trainer money. i agree with rdj as well, the best gyms are probably the shabby ones it might look like crap on the outside but there are always good people on the inside, you might not think it at first when you first walk in because of the sterotypes of boxers but give it a try and you wont regret it
Hey man, I'm in Seattle too. I'll tell you straight up. HANDS DOWN the Bumbleeboxing gym in South Seattle is the best boxing gym in Washington. I've been there for five years. I know all the other gyms, seen their fighters at all the matches, and honestly, they are all scared to fight bumblee fighters. But I have to tell you, Coach BumbleeBee is old school. He'll break you down to nothing and build you back up.
I couldn't agree with this more, which is why I recommended the Bumblee Boxing gym. I went to gyms like RingSports United, who charge $85 per month and have top rate equipment. I went to Cappy's, who charge the same, but being that they have a league called "White Collar Boxing", I decided it wasn't for me. BumbleeBoxing has a bags which have basically been relined with duct tape, and a ring made out of garden hoses. It has everything you need to be a complete boxer.
you really just have to go to the coache and see what kind of program he has put together and check to see f he works with the kids well. Sometimes kids that young maybe better off in a martial arts class for 6 months to a year before going into a boxing program. But, if they teach a bit about how to be a professional athlete and have a regular regiment, then that program would probably be alright. but if all there doing is letting everyone have a run of the place and throw them in the ring without any proper training,then i'd say, go check out a different faciity.
