Beginner sparring, asking for advice.

Test your chin first and foremost, intentionally eat a jab straight right down the pipe and a left hook thrown from the hip. If you’re buzzed I’d go home. No chin no dice in this game

 

Fantastic advice, just fantastic!

 

No idea what the context of the spars are, mate, whether you’re in with experienced pro’s or novices. You’re probably better watching tons of different fighters/fights on YouTube. What I will say is that it sounds like they’ve acknowledged your lack of experience and told your opponents to go light, so I doubt they’ll turn into the Terminator if you land a nice shot. Just enjoy it.

That actually reminds me of a scuffle I got into in Maccies in late 90’s. This lad threw an empty milkshake cup in my face. Livid, I stood up walked over and chinned him. I immediately knew I was out my depth as he was a few stone heavier than me and the shot didn’t even bother him. I just clinched like Galahad for dear life until it got broke up and the situation calmed down hahaha.

 

Just keep working away and take the opportunities when they come. If your sparring partners turn up the heat that usually means you are improving as well. Try and stay relaxed but keep alert at all times.

Progress is progress.

 

I agree with this, drop your hands and show your opponent you don't respect their power. Do some feints and pivots and throw a lead right from orthodox

 

Jesus Christ mate, that's the shittest bit of advice ive ever heard

 

I recognise this, my situation is a little different though lol..I was chinned once by a bloke roughly the same size, half seen it coming so I could brace it, but it was his hay making best, then he darted back, back pedalling so I couldn't hit him, thing was I was walking forward giving the impression I was up for it when I was buzzed to ****, a jab would've dropped me or a back hander lol. I stayed up from a shot that looked impressive, but really I was gone and fit for nothing, I was lucky the bloke sacked it

 

Iv just started up the boxing again bud, i did martial arts from a very young age and did just over a year of boxing when I was 15. I'm now 36 and just started it back up.

Gyms are different now, they really struggle to turn a profit and they need the business. They will be happy your there an enjoying the sport. When I was younger there was defo more of a cliquey feel in the gym and people wanting to assert themselves.

Two spars is nothing after about 6 months you will massively improve your timing and gauging of range.

I started back a t higher level than u as like I said I competed for about 8 years in karate. And although it's not the most practical of martial arts it did teach me a fair bit.

Other boxers in the gym will see you improve and if u stick at it and show commitment they will defo encourage you.

I felt hopeless for about a month when I went back, I thought I would be better than I was. My fitness and coordination are nothing compared to what I had. For eg. Skipping!!!! When the hell did that become bloody difficult! Used to be a breeze and could show off now I'm hopeless.

Thankfully things like balance and transferring weight and composure are still there but it was weird not being able to do things I thought I could! Was defo an eye opener.

Not everyone has to be the best or be able to turn pro there is loads of benefits to boxing other than just being able to take a punch or beat someone up.

Keep at it and enjoy yourself.

 

No real Boxing knowledge on here bud, just calling fighters bums and talking about money and promoters.

 

Mate half of having a good chin is not showing ur hurt. Don't believe for a second no one gets buzzed or stunned it happens to all of us. Those who say it doesn't are either full of it or haven't spent anytime in the ring

 

OP : Best advice for a beginner I could give is to stay calm when sparring and not to be overly worried about the punches coming towards you, to begin with just keep a high guard with your chin tucked in and don't take your eyes off your opponents gloves. When most of us start sparring all we can think about is the offensive side of the game (landing shots) but having a good defence, making your opponent miss and not taking unnecessary punishment is just as important if not more more important than your offence.

Edit : Watch as many fights as possible on Youtube of the all time great fighters, you'll learn plenty that way too.

 

Don't be to worried mate, what your feeling is just nerves, you'll over come it

 

It's sparring mate, sometimes you get pasted. One of the gyms I was at for a few years was like a bear pit, some nights you just got battered, but there's learning to be had there too.

Also, if these guys are going light then they recognise that they're above your level and they're willing to help you learn. Try to land shots is my advice, they don't need you to go light on them. If you land a good shot they'll be more upset with themselves than with you. Of course they'll most likely give you 2 or 3 good slaps to put you back in your box, but they're not going to just suddenly turn up the heat and steamroll you.

In another gym I went to we used to put a a big hoop in the middle of the ring and put our lead foot in it, we then took it in turns to throw 2 or 3 shots each. It teaches you how to defend , catching shots on the elbow etc. Might be good for yourself.

Anyway, fair play for getting in the ring, it takes minerals.

 

I like stories like this.

Mine is somewhat similar. A guy in a pack of his mates is giving it large. I’m on a date night with the Mrs, just me and her. He tries advancing to her at least twice each time I went to the bar. I went over gave him a friendly warning and said you’re taking **** now.
I come back from the toilet and there he is again, with my Mrs looking so very uncomfortable. With my **** absolutely boiling, i go over hitting him with a Hail Mary right hand, he goes flying, ensuring drinks and what not spilt absolutely everywhere.
I stood there for a brief second so very proud of myself, what I didn’t take into account was his mates Hail Mary punch as I stood there gormlessly looking at his pal on the floor.
I took the shot fairly well, but didn’t take his 3 mates well and spent the next 4 hours in A+E with bruised ribs and a cut lip. I’m lucky the bouncers were fairly quick.