Boxing training by myself

Rinksterk · 02-19-2006, 02:11 PM

I keep hearing that there is no use practicing boxing by myself because I might get stuck with a bad habit. BUT! Is it possible to have good technique by using a book or video? I want to learn how to box the the only gym is like 2 hours away from my house. Do you think it would be better to not learn boxing at all (if I cant get official training) or to try follow a video or book a perfectly as possible? I know if I train by myself I wont have sparring experience, but wouldn't it be better than nothing?

That being said, what are some good books or instructional dvds or videos for boxing? Boxing that is more applicable for MMA or the street (without gloves).

Marc936 · 02-19-2006, 02:17 PM

well im not sure but theres this guy at my gym who tries to train in boxing with him and his partner, both have horrible form and punches like a girl, i woulda gave them tips on how to get it better but they wouldnt let me use the punching bag because they were going to use it like 30 minutes later, but ya i think u do form bad habits when u train on ur own

Hurricane Brad · 02-19-2006, 02:26 PM

I've got Joe Frazier's book, "Box Like the Pros". It seems to be pretty good to me, but all of my boxing experience is self-taught, so maybe I'm wrong. If nothing else, it is motivational and a good read.

PUTnWORK · 02-19-2006, 04:26 PM

I like pat miletich's intructional on boxing striking. if you are on your own, use a mirror, and practice keeping your hands up, chin down, make sure you get lots of movement in your hips when you punch. Get a heavy bag, hang it from a tree if u have to, after days of shadowboxing and working on form you are gonna want to hit something with some power. get some 16 oz gloves. if your not sure about your form pick a few of your fav fighters and try to imitate their style in the mirror. remember practice practice practice.

Biggiebrother · 02-19-2006, 05:27 PM

I did some training at home before joining a gym properly and all i can say is you need to join a gym and train properly. Of course you can still train at home.

The biggest imbalance you will have training at home only is defence. You can work your punches etc but you can't train defence effectively on your own.

koconcept · 02-19-2006, 06:57 PM

training on your own can only be good if you use it as an extra to going to a gym.

z0nk · 02-19-2006, 07:17 PM

Go to the gym, its a waste of time if you dont spar.

Goshinjitsu · 02-19-2006, 10:25 PM

I feel it's better than nothing. Especially if you're hitting a heavy bag. You'll learn how to punch with power without hurting your hands or wrists. Work on your hooks.

VampireMonk · 02-20-2006, 01:18 AM

keep an open mind, & learn techniques knowing that they may not be the
ultimate or best method.

just work on learning and evolving as you keep training and you can't go wrong.
don't be afraid of mistakes, just make sure that mistakes will teach you to
progress. Science is a discipline that is self correcting.

mixicus · 02-20-2006, 10:05 AM

Practice (proper) on your own is great and often under used. Picking up some drills/techniques from videos is a fine supplement to your base.

Technical training from the ground up on your own is not a good idea. You are subject to developing bad habits that will take time to unlearn when you start getting instruction. You may practice combos you think would be good but turns out you are leaving yourself open or off balance.

If you want proper fight instruction, how about making the drive once a week and spending of few hours getting coached. Then go home and practice what you've learned for the next week.

Then again if you are looking for a conditioning workout only, grab Bas' Workout CD and have fun. It will get you in shape FOR training.