If you want to start boxing you will need to find a club or
gym that has the necessary equipment (in addition to what you purchase on
to help you with your conditioning and training.  You will need a jump rope,
medicine ball, punching bag, and exercise mats.  Conditioning will also include
learning breathing techniques, abdominal, leg, and arm exercises, and eventually
working with a partner.


Items you will need to purchase will include lightweight shoes, boxing trunks, a
mouthpiece, and a cup if you are male.  Some clubs may have boxing gloves
available for you to use.  Eventually you will want to purchase your own pair.
 It should be noted that wrapping your hands before putting on boxing gloves is
a necessity.  This will help to protect the small bones in your hands from
injury.  There are several methods of wrapping.  It is important to not twist
the wrapping and to keep it loose enough to not cut off your circulation.  The
support given to the wrist is also important.  When you are working with a
partner some gyms may require you to wear leather helmets to protect the sides
of your head and your ears.


An important element in boxing is footwork.  It is helpful for a boxer to be
quick and agile so jumping rope is essential.  You will need to find the stance
that is comfortable for you.   Standing with your feet approximately a shoulder
width apart will give you a stable base.  You should have one shoulder turned
toward your opponent.  You will learn to move your feet in small steps, sliding
your feet close together but never crossing one over the other.  You will have
your lead hand just to the side of your chin and your other hand near your
shoulder.  Your elbows should be tucked in to help protect your ribs.


The basic punches you will learn are the jab, the uppercut, the hook, and the
straight right and left.  Each punch has a specific purpose.  The jab is used to
help keep your opponent at a distance.  This punch is done with your lead hand
and is done at shoulder height.   The uppercut is just what it says, a punch
directed upward.  It can be done with either hand.  The hook is delivered with
the lead hand.  This short punch uses the arm and fist with the elbow bent.  The
wrist is twisted just before impact.  The straight right or left is also
delivered at shoulder height using the back hand.  It is usually part of a
combination and is thrown after a punch from the lead hand.  Your strategy is to
use these punches in combinations to keep your opponent away from you and to
score points.


Practicing both punches and your footwork in front of a mirror helps you to
develop your own style.  You will find that the combination of quickness,
strength, and physical conditioning will enable you to develop the style that
will work for you.