Boxing Vocab: Here’s How To Talk The Talk In The Ring!

So we said boxing was one of the hottest and sweatiest workouts for the summer but what’s up with all the different types of punches? Here we were thinking a hook was at the end of a rod – good thing we checked up with the pros! Pete Liggins from Box Clever Sports in Notting Hill gives us the down low (and up high) on the ins and outs (or should we say bobs and weaves) of boxing lingo.

PUNCHES – LEARN TO HIT LIKE YOU MEAN IT, AND TELL PEOPLE ABOUT IT LIKE A PRO…

Guard Position: Okay, not a punch but this is where your hands will want to be at all times when not punching. Hold your hands right up in front of your face with one a tad bit forward from the other.

Jab: When your lead hand does a straight punch into the bag or your partner (don’t worry, the classes we’re raving about are all non-contact), make sure to keep your knuckles straight on.

Cross: Like a jab but with the opposite hand – a straight punch in front of you.

Hook: With your elbow bent so that you’re impacting the side of your opponent or bags head – think of the way a hook looks, going from the side inwards.

Uppercut: When you slightly drop your fists from your guard position and bring your swing under and up – WHAM!

MOVEMENT – AKA HOW TO RUN AWAY (WITHOUT ACTUALLY RUNNING FULL-PELT OUT OF THE RING…

Bob & Weave/Slip: Turning your shoulder to move your head (by dipping your knees and moving your shoulders!) and slipping under a punch. This is strictly how-to-avoid-a-black-eye territory.

On your Toes: To move around the ring and avoid punches – think when you were a kid and the floor was lava, you want your footsteps to be light and fast.

On your Back Foot: This is similar to on your toes: moving backwards whilst punching/counter punching.

Toe to Toe: This is where things get interesting. Get up close and personal and go on the offensive – this’ll get some serious damage done!

Sit on your Shots: Lower your centre of gravity and tighten up your defence – this will create more power in your shots and get you looking badass in no time.

MINDSET…

Terminology is one thing, actually being ready for a class and knowing what on earth you’re walking into and how to give it your all is a whole other boxing match (if you know what we mean).

According to Pete, our favourite boxing expert, the ke thing is “positive mental mindset – the determination to dig deep and push through when you’re physically and mentally exhausted and hear our the final bell.”

Be prepared to work your whole body and push it to its limit. Boxing is great but it’s also grueling with the extensive amount of plyometrics involved. It’ll leave you shaking uncontrollably but also hankering for your next explosive session.

EQUIPMENT…

What do you need when you enter the ring? What can be foregone? There’ll be no rookies here.

Hand wraps: Like a long strip of stretchy fabric that secure with velcro at the end. Not only will you look super cool and authentic but it’s also the best for protection of your wrists and knuckles. Think of all that impact with every punch! The best option is a stretchable wrap 3.5 meters in length giving it plenty of support – it’s more essential than Waitrose Essential Chia Seeds.

Gloves: The guys at Box Clever say that gloves are something best not to skimp on – you can get relatively cheap ones but they tend not to give great support for your hands and aren’t durable. Pete’s favourites are the Adidas gloves that start with beginners at £43 and head up to around £130 for pro!

Oh and the best post-boxing meal? A good ol’ protein shake or a big protein-packed meal. If you’re at Box Clever, why not sneak over to Daylesford Organic and treat yourself.

DING, DING, DING – on your toes boys and girls!