Technique Right Or Wrong? You Be the Judge!

Styles make fights. Sometimes, the boxing style is the difference in the result of the match. This, coupled with conditioning could determine the winner. The style comes from a background. It is self- taught or instructed by somebody. That somebody is the teacher--- in this case the TRAINER.

Boxing is a very tricky sport. Training is crucial. There are several training methodologies you can follow that are believed superior over another style--- believed by the trainer himself and not the public who know boxing. Allow me to show you 4 points here:

TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN?
I am still old school when it comes to this. I still believe in doing roadwork. For sure running can be boring but it is a prerequisite in developing stamina--- both short and long term. A lot of fitness experts have ruled out this one to give way to interval training instead of roadwork. They have a good point but in my opinion--- WHY NOT DO BOTH?

TO LIFT OR NOT TO LIFT?
Boxing training has evolved in the past years. Now, they have incorporated strength training to the workouts. In the past, lifting weights is considered a mortal sin for boxers. It was believed to slow somebody down and eventually drop the arms in the latter stages. However, there is a proper way to do it and that's by lifting low weights with high repetitions. This improves the power and speed without the fear of bulking up. My personal preference in developing strength is by using bodyweights through circuits and plyometrics, I am not a big fan of lifting weights but strength training is an integral part of the program. The choice is your--- weights or something else.

TO MOVE TO THE NEXT, OR STAY?
Most of my clients are fitness enthusiasts. I don't think it's very necessary to stick to one technique until they perfect it. We only have so much time to devote to working out so the progressive system of training that the TRAIN LIKE A BOXER program suggests is ideal. Again, there is nothing wrong to "perfect" a move first before going to the next. I believe that an individual can develop the basic skills in the long run. It is the trainer's job to correct the mistakes as you move along (individuals vary in terms of athleticism and other factors so skill levels vary no matter what). Time is valuable, it can't be wasted!

CHECK ON BASICS OR MOVE ON TO COMPLEXITY?
In my opinion, a few sessions focusing on the basics are essential to build the foundation. Complex combinations and techniques should be taught depending on the skill level of the trainee. Every trainee is different, that's what the trainer should understand. On the other hand, some trainers believe in "baptism of fire" or simply putting the trainee on a degree of difficulty for quick adjustment to the sport. In boxing, there is always a risk to injury which makes it the most demanding sport out there. One must take caution. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It's up to the trainee to find the positive in what is taught.

That is just how training in the sport works. It depends on the personalities involved--- trainer, trainee and team. Saying that one technique is superior over the other is baseless. Styles make fights and there's a counter to every counter. It is unfair to say that my preferred technique is WRONG. The "statement" disregards all the sacrifices I have done to be personally excellent in what I do. The track record speaks for itself and there's no doubt about it. Trainers and trainees don't match all the time, plain and simple. That is just how the world turns.

I would like to dedicate this article to all my fantastic past and present (and future) clients who stuck with me through the positive and negative. You are the reason why the Train like a Boxer program continues to evolve with our collective hard work and perseverance. Thank you very much for being solidly behind me and my system. Congratulations to the best clients in the world! Our continued loyalty towards each other is the reason why WE SUCCEED!

About the Author
Lawrence Ragos is a Certified Boxing Trainer and the director of the Train Like a Boxer Program--- a boxing training system focusing on intense strength and conditioning workouts. His DVD Series and FREE ebook are available in his official website, www.trainlikeaboxer.com