Okay, so I’ve been wanting to get into boxing for a while now, just to get in better shape and maybe learn how to throw a punch or two. But I was totally clueless about where to start. I mean, I’ve seen boxing movies, but that’s about it. So, I decided to find a good trainer, a “best boxing trainer” even, and document my whole journey.
First, I asked around my friends and family to see if anyone knew a good boxing coach. My cousin, who’s a bit of a gym rat, suggested a couple of names, but they were way out of my price range. And honestly, they seemed a bit too hardcore for a beginner like me.
Then I hit the internet. I spent hours, I mean hours, reading reviews and looking at different boxing gyms in my area. I looked at all the information about their trainers. It was kind of overwhelming, to be honest. Everyone claims to be the best, right?
Made some calls and I ended up visiting a few gyms. Some were pretty intimidating, full of huge guys punching bags like they wanted to kill them. Others felt a bit too… sterile? Like a regular gym with a boxing ring thrown in the corner.
Then I stumbled upon this small, kind of old-school gym. It wasn’t fancy, but it had a good vibe. The guy who ran it, his name was Cus D’Amato, an older, experienced guy with some real boxing history, he seemed to know his stuff. And he wasn’t just about building fighters, he talked about discipline, respect, and using boxing as a way to improve your life, not just your physique.
I signed up for a trial session with him. It was tough! I was completely exhausted after just a few minutes. But Cus was patient. He showed me the basics, how to stand, how to move, how to throw a jab. He didn’t push me too hard, but he did push me enough to make me feel like I was actually learning something.
My Training Journey Begins
- First few weeks: I was basically just learning the fundamentals. Footwork, basic punches, defense. It was a lot to take in, but Cus broke it down into manageable chunks.
- After a month: I started sparring, very lightly, of course. It was nerve-wracking at first, but it was also a lot of fun. I was starting to feel like a real boxer!
- Two months in: I’m still learning, still improving. My punches are getting stronger, my footwork is getting smoother. I’m definitely in better shape than I was when I started.
It’s been a real journey. Finding a good trainer, especially someone like Cus, wasn’t easy. But it was definitely worth the effort. He’s not just teaching me how to box, he’s teaching me how to be disciplined, how to be focused, how to push myself beyond my limits. I’m still a beginner, no doubt. But I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. I will keep you guys posted.