Why Combat Sports Make Sense for Young Professionals

As a driven young professional, you’re likely familiar with balancing demanding projects, ambitious goals, and personal growth. Finding the perfect fitness routine that matches your lifestyle can be challenging. While traditional gym workouts might get monotonous, combat sports offer a refreshing alternative that’s engaging physically and mentally.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) aren’t just workouts—they’re a combination of skill-building, mental discipline, and social networking opportunities. They provide excellent stress relief, boost confidence, and can even enhance professional performance by teaching discipline and strategic thinking.

Choosing Your First Combat Sport

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

BJJ is known for its intellectual approach to physical engagement. Often compared to chess, it requires strategic thinking and patience rather than brute force.

• Gear Needed: Gi, rashguards, mouthguard.
• Ideal If: You prefer strategic thinking, methodical progress, and camaraderie.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is physically intense, engaging the entire body through powerful strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. It’s perfect for anyone seeking rapid fitness improvements.

• Gear Needed: Boxing gloves, shin guards, hand wraps.
• Ideal If: You crave high-intensity workouts and noticeable physical progress quickly.

Boxing

Boxing emphasizes precision, footwork, and endurance. It provides a structured training environment ideal for goal-oriented individuals.

• Gear Needed: Boxing gloves, hand wraps, mouthguard, boxing shoes.
• Ideal If: You appreciate clearly measurable improvements and technique refinement.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

MMA blends elements from several combat disciplines. It’s excellent for those who love variety and complex skill-building.

• Gear Needed: MMA gloves, mouthguard, rashguards, grappling shorts.
• Ideal If: You enjoy diverse training routines and comprehensive skill development.

Balancing Training with a Busy Schedule

Balancing your combat sports training with professional responsibilities is key. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Identify gyms with convenient schedules and locations.
• Schedule 2–3 training sessions per week.
• Use private lessons occasionally to accelerate learning.
• Ensure adequate rest and recovery to maintain productivity at work.

Gear Recommendations for Quality-Conscious Professionals

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Gi: Fuji, Sanabul
• Rashguards & Shorts: Hayabusa, Tatami Fightwear
• Mouthguard: Shock Doctor, Venum

Muay Thai & Boxing

• Gloves: Fairtex, Twins Special
• Shin Guards (Muay Thai): Fairtex, Venum
• Hand Wraps: Meister, Sanabul

MMA

• Gloves: Hayabusa, Venum
• Mouthguard: Shock Doctor Gel-Fit
• Rashguards & Shorts: RVCA, Tatami

Shopping Smart Online for Combat Gear

As an experienced online shopper, use these strategies:

• Check detailed product reviews.
• Choose reputable brands and materials.
• Pay close attention to sizing guides.
• Buy from trustworthy platforms with easy return policies.

Setting Realistic Expectations and Goals

Goal-setting can make or break your experience:

• Months 1–3: Build foundational skills and notice increased fitness.
• First Year: Achieve noticeable improvements and possibly your first promotion.
• Long-term: Potentially compete, mentor new athletes, or become proficient enough for advanced classes.

The Social Benefits: Networking and Community

Combat sports gyms attract ambitious, driven people, offering a unique networking and community-building environment.

Overcoming Initial Anxiety

It’s natural to feel apprehensive. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. The combat sports community is famously supportive and welcoming.

Take the First Step

Pick a sport, purchase essential gear, and book your first class. Your journey in combat sports will be both personally rewarding and professionally enriching.

Final Thoughts

Embracing combat sports in your 20s as a successful professional can significantly enhance your personal and professional life. You have the tools, resources, and capability—it’s time to step onto the mats or into the ring and discover the empowering world of combat sports.

The post Starting Combat Sports in Your 20s: Your Ultimate Guide (2025) appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.

What is Boxing?

Boxing is a combat sport where two athletes face off in a ring, using their fists to land punches on each other. Matches are divided into three-minute rounds, with brief breaks in between. It’s a sport that demands not only physical strength and agility but also strategic thinking and mental focus.

The Benefits of Boxing

1. Self-Defense: Boxing equips you with practical skills to protect yourself. It boosts your confidence, sharpens your reflexes, and teaches you how to handle potential threats effectively.

2. Fitness and Conditioning: Boxing provides a rigorous full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, builds muscle, and improves overall fitness. It combines aerobic and anaerobic exercises, making it an excellent way to stay in shape.

3. Mental Toughness: The sport challenges you to push through physical and mental barriers. This resilience helps you handle stress and overcome challenges both in and out of the ring.

4. Discipline and Focus: Boxing instills discipline and focus, qualities that are valuable in achieving goals and maintaining a strong work ethic in various aspects of life.

Tips to Maximize Your Boxing Sparring Rounds

1. Set Clear Goals

Before each session, define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s refining a specific technique or improving your defense, having clear goals keeps you focused and ensures productive sparring.

2. Communicate Effectively

Discuss your goals and intensity level with your sparring partner. Open communication helps create a supportive environment where both partners can learn and improve.

3. Prioritize Technique

Rather than just going all out, focus on perfecting your techniques. Good form and precision will help you build solid habits and improve your performance in actual bouts.

4. Work on Defense

Effective defense is crucial. Practice slipping punches, blocking, and moving your head. Strong defensive skills can protect you from unnecessary hits and set up opportunities for counterattacks.

5. Manage Your Energy

Pace yourself to avoid burnout. Manage your energy throughout the session to maintain sharpness and effectiveness until the final round.

6. Reflect and Analyze

After sparring, take time to reflect on your performance. Identify what worked well and areas needing improvement. If possible, review footage to gain deeper insights.

7. Focus on Recovery

Rest is essential for recovery. Incorporate stretching, proper hydration, and balanced nutrition into your routine to support muscle repair and overall well-being.

8. Invest in Quality Gear

The right equipment enhances your training experience. Check out these top-rated products available on Amazon to elevate your sparring sessions:

• Boxing Gloves: For protection and comfort, consider gloves from Everlast or Venum.
• Headgear: Protect your head and face with durable options from Title Boxing or Winning.
• Mouthguards: Safeguard your teeth with mouthguards from Shock Doctor or SISU.
• Hand Wraps: Provide support to your wrists and knuckles with wraps from Everlast or Ringside.

Gear Up and Get Ready

Boxing sparring is a powerful way to sharpen your skills and improve your overall performance. By setting goals, focusing on technique, and investing in quality gear, you can make every sparring round count. Embrace the challenge, stay disciplined, and watch your abilities soar.

For top-notch boxing gear to support your training, visit Combat Athlete Gear on Amazon. Equip yourself with the best and take your boxing to new heights. Happy sparring!

The post How to get the most out of boxing sparring rounds appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.

Now let’s get on with the article that talks about what you want to learn more about regarding the reasons you’d want to get into combat sports training.

What constitutes a combat sport?

Before we dive into the benefits of combat sports training, let’s cover what a combat sport is. Not everyone is familiar with the world of combat sports so going over the basics helps.

Combat sports are typically sports with a martial arts background that have a ruleset tailored towards organized competition. This usually involves one-on-one combat according to Wikipedia. Some of the combat sports you may have heard of include Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Savate, and Greco-Roman Wrestling. The winner is typically determined by one of the following depending on the ruleset: points, knockouts, technical knockouts, and submissions.

5 reasons why you need to begin combat sports training in 2024

Now that you have a better understanding of what combat sports is, let’s go over your why. There are extremely chill hobbies like aquascaping and completing jigsaw puzzles. And then there are more intense hobbies that have a degree of risk involved like combat sports. But don’t let the risk stop you. Here are 5 reasons why you need combat sports training in your goals for the new year.

Reason 1: you want to be in Better physical health

Making combat sports a part of your life is a great way to get in great physical shape. It’s tough to improve as a combat sports athlete when you’re not taking care of your physical health. As you make combat sports a part of your life, you’ll have a greater desire to do the simple things like drink water, eat nutritious food, and get enough sleep.

Over time, you’ll feel yourself get stronger. Your flexibility will improve along with other key attributes of fighting like agility, coordination, and footwork.

Reason 2: Improved mental health is a goal of yours

One thing you’ll find about the combat sports world is how many participants believe in the inner peace they find from training. There’s something meditative about working on your martial arts skills. Drills and sparring can often be an experience where one finds themselves in the zone.

Grappling and striking provide a healthy outlet for people to push themselves and express their inner feelings in a way they typically cannot. You can push yourself in every class to be better than the day before. As you improve, your confidence will increase. This is a natural result of consistent training and pressure testing which you’ll greatly benefit from.

Reason 3: you seek a Greater ability to problem-solve

A major benefit of learning new skills is your brain’s ability to make new neurological connections. As a result, your ability to problem-solve in your everyday life improves. Combat sports condition your brain to deal with problems that are literally standing right in front of you. There’s something about dealing with an opponent looking to break you down and you stepping up to the occasion.

Reason 4: New friends and community is something you’re searching for

Something every long-time martial artist can agree on is the friends you make through combat sports training are some of the best friends you’ll ever have. There’s something about the bond that forms between you and others you do difficult things with. Pushing yourself and your teammates to make it through a workout or a competition creates memories for you all to share with each other. It’s a huge part of what makes combat sports special.

Reason 5: you need a Healthy outlet for emotions

Combat sports are a safe place to express your feelings of frustration. Everyone needs a healthy way to unwind after a long day at work. While combat sports aren’t therapy, they can be therapeutic for you due to the exercise component. Exercise helps you improve your mental health by boosting your mood and helping you think more clearly.

What type of gear do you need to get started in combat sports?

Why do we bother answering this question about gear needed for combat sports? This is because most people make an excuse saying they don’t know what to wear. This quick list helps take away excuses from you.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gear

Let’s begin with one of the more popular grappling arts which is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you’re looking to do Gi classes, here’s a quick list of Gis for you to choose from:

Elite Sports BJJ Gi for Men: This Gi is a classic budget-friendly choice. It’s a comfortable fit and is a great option for hobbyists.

Elite Sports Ultra-Light Women’s BJJ Gi: These Gis are designed specifically for women. They’re durable, comfortable, and can handle training and competition.

Boxing Gear

Boxing is a popular combat sport that many choose to do for fitness reasons and to develop self-defense skills. Below are items you can count on as you begin your boxing journey.

Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves, Black 16-oz: This is a great pair of boxing gloves for less than $50. It won’t break the bank and will help you gain the momentum you need to learn the sweet science.

Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves for Men & Women: This pair of gloves costs more than the gloves previously mentioned but they’re known for premium protection and comfort. Its durability and fit are attributes you’ll love.

Start training and experience the reasons why people do combat sports!

Now that you have some key motivations in mind, it’s time to begin your combat sports journey. Stay posted for future blog posts on helping you be the best combat athlete you can be.

The post 5 reasons why you need to begin combat sports training in 2024 appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.

The history of boxing

The earliest evidence of boxing goes even farther back in time than the ancient Greeks. Carvings by the Sumerians have been found dating to roughly around the 3rd millennium BCE depicting the art of pugilism. There’s also a relief sculpture from Egypt created around 1350 BCE showing boxers and spectators.

1st century BCE – Development of rules for boxing

As far as we can tell, the beginnings of an official ruleset starts in ancient Greece. Greek boxers didn’t have rounds but the contest could end when one fighter conceded or the other could no longer fight. The Greek boxers during this era fought without hand wraps or gloves. It until 4th century BCE when ox-hide thongs were introduced. These ox-hide thongs were wrapped around the knuckles of boxers and were capable of cutting their opponents.

Romans created their own glove they named the caestus. These gloves had lumps of metal or spikes sewn into the leather which dealt even more damage.

1681- The beginning of the bareknuckle era of boxing

Bareknuckle boxing is exactly what it sounds like. No padding or gloves of any kind were used in these formal bouts. Bareknuckle boxing regularly took place in the Royal Theatre of London. Fighters competed for cash prizes and fans took to placing bets outside of the ring. These fights didn’t have a lot of rules and also lacked weight divisions. There was only one championship that boxers could compete for.

Fights during this time were closer to modern mixed martial arts rulesets than to modern boxing as we’re familiar with today. Boxers were permitted to wrestle their opponent to the ground. Some boxers would even try to land on their opponent during the fall to deliver more damage. There were also strikes thrown to downed opponents.

In 1743, Jack Broughton introduced the first set of rules that led to what we now know as modern boxing. Broughton’s credibility came from being a great prizefighter and also being the student of famed prizefighter James Figg. Rumor has it that Broughton worked on introducing rules and regulations after one of his opponent’s died post-match. Here are some key points of the ruleset introduced by Broughton:

• Wrestling holds were permitted but boxers couldn’t grab an opponent below the waist.
• Rounds continued until a man went down after which the downed opponent had 30 seconds to stand back up. If the downed fighter did not square off/face his opponent, he’d be declared the loser.
• Hitting downed opponents was forbidden.

Along with rules, Broughton also brought something new to the boxing community called mufflers which are the predecessors to the modern boxing glove. One interesting side note is that strikes to the head increased with the use of hand protection resulting in more brain damage. Prior to gloves, boxers went for more body shots to prevent breaking their heads against the skulls of their opponents.

1867 – The Queensberry rules

A new set of rules released in 1867 took boxing to another level in regulating the sport. Through the Queensberry rules which are credited to John Graham Chambers placed a greater emphasis on technique and skill. Here are a few key attributes of the Queensberry rules:

• Fighters wore gloves
• A round was 3 minutes long with a 1 minute of rest in between
• Wrestling was illegal
• A 10-count was implemented
• Weight divisions were introduced

While boxing became more formalized, boxing did deal with some issues in the British culture as some evangelicals were pushing to categorize boxing as a sinful past time.

1897 – Collegiate boxing becomes a reality

Fighters representing Oxford university and Cambridge university occurred in 1897. This was a time period when boxing was considered a required skill for gentlemen and the opportunity to fight was a privilege.

1932 – American intercollegiate boxing is formalized

Despite intramural boxing being a reality on many American college campuses, formal competition between schools didn’t occur until 1932. Boxing as a collegiate sport grew in the US during the next couple of decades. The only college sporting events that had greater attendance these boxing tournaments were football games. Some of the best programs during this time were the University of Idaho, University of Virginia, and Washington State.

1950s-1960s – Pro boxing is a part of regular television

As more people tried to find entertainment post-WW2, boxing grew to new heights. Professional boxing matches became a mainstay on television. This development of boxing finding its place in pop culture led to the growth of boxers as personalities as well.

1976 – Boxing proves it’s here to stay in America

5 American boxers won gold medals in the 1976. Making this list included legends like Leon Spinks and Sugar Ray Leonard. The success experienced by these American fighters led to even more popularity in the US for the sweet science. The 1970s also saw greater promotions for boxers as millions of dollars were paid out to the best fighters like heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali.

1993 – Women’s boxing becomes sanctioned by USA Boxing

Although women started to box in organized bouts in the 1700s, the formalization of women’s didn’t really happen until the late 1980s. Different lawsuits helped make boxing more accessible to women. The 1990s saw more women around the world began to take part in boxing in countries such as Russia, Norway, Sweden, and Hungary.

2020s – The rise of the celebrity boxer

The growth of celebrity boxing matches has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Past decades saw celebrity boxing matches that were more of a joke than anything else. However, key players such as Jake Paul and Logan Paul has sparked a renewed interest in boxing for online users. The Paul brothers have taken on a range of current pro athletes and retired pro athletes including ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and retired MMA star Anderson Silva.

Why do people choose to box?

While boxing is capable of uniting people as a shared interest, the reasons as to why people start training can vary. Right below are a handful of reasons as to why people start to learn the sweet science:

• Self-defense: This tends to be the top reasons as to why people learn to box. Boxing is an effective skill to have in hand-to-hand altercations. Through boxing workouts and sparring, you can learn different skills such as distance management and defense.
• Fitness: Getting in better shape is a top reason for people to join a boxing gym. Due to the physical nature of boxing, your cardiovascular endurance will naturally improve due to exercises like jumping rope and heavy bag workouts. You’ll also become stronger and more flexibility. People who begin boxing are able to lose weight and improve their self-esteem.
• Fighting: Not everyone in a boxing gym wants to compete but that possibility is always available depending on the gym. Some people who join a boxing gym sign up with the intention to fight as an amateur. There are some who even have the goal of going pro. Either way, the desire for organized competition can be a major motivator for the right person.

Why do you choose to boxing if you’ve already begun training? Let us know in the comments below as to what interests you about the sweet science aka boxing!

Basic boxing terminology

Boxing is a lot more enjoyable when you can speak the language! It’s easy to get lost in the sweet science when you don’t understand terms like pivots, slips, and rolls. Here’s a quick list of terms you should be familiar with:

A basic guide to Boxing gear/equipment

There’s more to boxing gear than just gloves. Here’s a quick guide to the most common/widely used boxing equipment every boxer needs.

• Boxing gloves: Boxing gloves are typically made of leather and are filled with foam or other padding. They are designed to protect the hands and wrists of the boxer.
• Boxing headgear: Boxing headgear is a type of protective gear worn by boxers during training and sparring. It is designed to protect the head and face from injuries such as cuts, bruises, and concussions. Headgear is typically made of padded foam and is adjustable to ensure a snug fit.
• Boxing ring: A boxing ring is a square or rectangular area, enclosed by ropes, in which professional boxers fight. The ring is divided into two equal halves by a vertical rope. The fighters are required to stay within their half of the ring, and the only time they are allowed to leave the ring is when they are given a break by the referee.
• Boxing round: A boxing round is a period of time in which boxers compete against each other. A round can often be 3 minutes or 1 minute long depending on the ruleset and whether or not the fight is a pro or an amateur bout. Boxers typically rest for one minute between rounds.
• Boxing shoes: Boxing shoes are typically made of leather or a synthetic material. They are designed to be lightweight and provide good traction and support.
• Mouthguard: Mouthguards are pieces of plastic or rubber that fit over the teeth and are used to protect them during sports. They can also be used to protect the jaw if it is injured.
• Groin protector: Boxing groin protectors are a type of athletic cup that is worn by men to protect their groin area from injury. They are typically made of a hard plastic or metal and fit inside of the boxer’s underwear. The groin protector helps to absorb the impact of a blow to the groin area and can help to prevent serious injuries, such as a ruptured testicle.

A beginner’s list of punches used in boxing

Here’s a quick list of the most common punches you’ll see in boxing. Let’s begin with the punch that is thrown with the lead hand:

• Jab: A jab is a straight punch thrown with the lead hand. For orthodox fighters, the lead hand is the left hand. For southpaw fighters, the lead hand is the right hand.
• Cross: A cross is a straight punch thrown with the lead hand.
• Lead uppercut: A lead uppercut is thrown with the front hand with an upwards motion.
• Rear uppercut: A rear uppercut is thrown with the back hand in an upwards motion.
• Lead hook: A curved punch with the elbow bent at a 45 degree angle using the lead hand.
• Rear hook: A curved punch with the elbow bent at a 45 degree angle using the rear hand.
• Overhand left: An overhand left punch is typically the most powerful punch for a southpaw fighter.
• Overhand right: An overhand right punch is typically the most powerful punch for an orthodox fighter.

Famous boxers (you may or may not have heard of them)

The list of the famous boxers includes more than just Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali! Let’s start with the top female boxers of all time:

Greatest female boxers of all time (From Ali to Prazak)

1. Laila Ali: Born on December 30, 1977, in Miami, Florida, Laila is the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali and his third wife, Veronica Porsche Ali. Laila Ali followed in her father’s footsteps and became a professional boxer. She made her debut in 1999 and went on to win 24 of her 25 fights, 21 of them by knockout. In 2001, Ali won the Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) super middleweight title, and in 2002 she became the first woman to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) female middleweight title. In 2007, Ali retired from boxing. She now works as a television commentator and is the author of two books: Reach! and I’ll Show You. Ali is also a dedicated advocate for children’s health and wellness. She founded the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand, which promotes healthy living for kids and families.
2. Christy Martin: Christy Martin is a professional boxer who has held world championships in four different weight classes. She is the only woman to have held a world championship in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Martin is also the first woman to headline a major boxing card.
3. Mia St. John: Mia St. John is a professional boxer who has competed in the super welterweight and welterweight divisions. She is a former WBC and IBA champion. Born in Los Angeles, California, St. John took up boxing at the age of 18, after the death of her father. She won her first amateur bout, and turned professional in 1992. She won her first world title in 1998, when she defeated Juliette Whittaker to win the WBC super welterweight title. She lost the title later that year to Lucia Rijker, but regained it in 1999 with a victory over Hyun-Mi Choi. In 2000, she moved up to the welterweight division and won the IBA title with a victory over Lisa Brown. She lost the title in 2002 to Layla McCarter, but regained it in 2004 with a victory over Miho Kato. In 2006, she lost the title to Zoila Frausto. St. John has also competed in mixed martial arts, and has a record of 2-1. Outside of boxing, St. John is a passionate advocate for animal rights, and has worked with PETA to promote vegetarianism.
4. Ann Wolfe: Ann Wolfe is a professional boxer who has held several world championships in her career. She is considered one of the best female boxers of all time. Wolfe is known for her aggressive fighting style and her powerful punches. She has never been knocked out in a professional fight.
5. Lucia Rijker: Lucia Rijker is a world champion boxer who has also had a successful career in acting. She was born in the Netherlands in 1967, and began boxing at the age of 14. She turned pro in 1988, and by 1994 had become the world champion in the lightweight division. She defended her title twice before losing it in 1997. In 1998, she moved up to the welterweight division and won the world title, which she held until her retirement in 2004. Rijker has also had a successful career in acting. She made her debut in the 1995 film “Million Dollar Baby”, and has since appeared in a number of films and television shows. She is perhaps best known for her role as Billie in the 2004 film “Kill Bill: Vol. 2”. Rijker is a highly accomplished boxer and actor, and is considered to be one of the best female boxers of all time. She is a three-time world champion, and has won numerous other titles and awards. She is also a successful actress, and has appeared in some of the most popular films and television shows of the last two decades.
6. Valerie Letourneau: Valerie Letourneau is a Canadian professional boxer who has competed in the flyweight and strawweight divisions. She is the former WBC and IBF Strawweight Champion.
7. Holly Holm: Holly Holm is a professional boxer who has competed in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. She is the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and is currently the #2 ranked pound-for-pound female boxer in the world by BoxRec.
8. Jackie Fields: Jackie Fields was born in 1908 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was one of the most successful female boxers of all time, winning the World Featherweight Championship in 1930. She was also the first woman to ever referee a men’s boxing match. Fields died in 1984.
9. Jeri Sitzes: Jeri Sitzes is a professional female boxer who has competed in the sport since 2000. She is a two-time world champion, having held the IBF super flyweight title from 2006 to 2007, and the WBC light flyweight title from 2009 to 2010. She has also competed for the WBA flyweight title in 2009.
10. Diana Prazak: Diana Prazak is a professional boxer from Australia. She is the current IBF world champion in the lightweight division. Prazak started boxing at the age of 16, and turned professional in 2006. She has since won the IBF world championship, and has also held the WBC Silver lightweight title. Prazak is a highly decorated boxer, with a record of 34 wins and 3 losses. She is known for her fast and powerful punches, and is considered one of the top female fighters in the world.

Greatest male boxers of all time (From ALI to holyfield)

1. Muhammad Ali: Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and civil rights activist. He was born Cassius Clay on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. Ali began boxing at the age of 12 and won an Olympic gold medal in 1960. He turned professional later that year and quickly became one of the most successful boxers in the world. In 1964, Ali refused to be drafted into the U.S. Army and was banned from boxing for three years. He returned to the ring in 1967 and won the world heavyweight championship by defeating Sonny Liston. Ali defended his title six times before losing to Leon Spinks in 1978. He regained the title in a rematch the following year and retired in 1981. Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984. He remained active in the fight against the disease until his death on June 3, 2016. Ali was widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
2. Sugar Ray Robinson: Sugar Ray Robinson was born in 1921 in Ailey, Georgia. He was one of the greatest boxers of all time, and is considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in history. Robinson won the world welterweight championship five times and the world middleweight championship twice. He was also a six-time world champion in the welterweight, middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions. Robinson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
3. Joe Louis: Joe Louis was born in Alabama in 1914. He was one of the most famous and successful boxers of all time. He was the world heavyweight champion for 12 years, and held the record for the longest unbeaten streak in boxing history. He was an American hero, and a role model for many people. He died in 1981.
4. Rocky Marciano: Rocky Marciano was an American professional boxer who competed from 1947 to 1955. He held the world heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1955, and is the only heavyweight champion to have retired undefeated. Born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Marciano was the son of Italian immigrants. He was the only child of Angela and Pasquale Marciano. As a teenager, he worked in a shoe factory and as a driver for a local trucking company. He entered the United States Army in 1943, and was discharged in 1945. After returning to civilian life, Marciano became a professional boxer. He won his first 45 fights, 38 by knockout, and held the world heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1955. In his last fight, he faced Archie Moore, the only boxer to have ever knocked out Marciano. Marciano knocked Moore out in the ninth round to retain the world heavyweight championship. Marciano retired from boxing in 1955 with a record of 49 wins, 0 losses, and 43 knockouts. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
5. Floyd Patterson: Floyd Patterson was an American boxer who was the first to hold the world heavyweight championship twice. He was born in 1933 in New York City and died in 2006. Patterson was known for his quick and accurate punches, and his defensive style. He was the youngest man to win the world heavyweight championship, at age 21, and the first to regain it, at age 36. Patterson was also the first African American to hold the world heavyweight championship.
6. George Foreman: George Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, in January of 1949. He was one of twelve children, and his father was a preacher. Foreman began boxing at the age of fifteen, and by the time he was eighteen, he had won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics. Foreman turned professional in 1969, and by 1973 he was the heavyweight champion of the world. He lost the title in 1974, but regained it in 1975. In 1977, Foreman lost the title again, this time to Muhammad Ali. Foreman retired from boxing in 1977, but came out of retirement in 1987. He lost a match to Evander Holyfield in 1991, and retired for good in 1997. Foreman is now a Christian minister, and he has written several books.
7. Lennox Lewis: Lennox Lewis was a world heavyweight boxing champion who held the title twice. He was born in London, England in 1965 and began boxing at the age of 12. Lewis had an impressive career, winning 41 of his 44 fights, including 31 by knockout. He was known for his powerful punches and his exceptional defensive skills. In 1993, Lewis became the first British boxer to win a world heavyweight championship. He lost the title in 1994, but regained it in 1999. Lewis retired from boxing in 2004.
8. Manny Pacquiao: Manny Pacquiao is a professional boxer from the Philippines. He is the only eight-division world champion in history, and the first boxer to win world titles in eight different weight classes. Pacquiao began his professional boxing career in 1995, and has since won 59 of his 68 fights. In addition to his world titles, he has also won a number of other accolades, including the Fighter of the Year award from Boxing Writers Association of America in 2006 and 2008. He is also a two-time winner of the Ring magazine Fighter of the Year award, and was named the Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Decade for the 2000s. Pacquiao is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, and is often ranked among the top five pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He is also a popular figure in the Philippines, where he is considered a national hero.
9. Mike Tyson: Mike Tyson is a former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2005. He held the world heavyweight championship three times, and was the first boxer to hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles simultaneously. Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion and remains the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles at 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old. Tyson was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He was trained by Cus D’Amato, and became one of the most feared boxers in the world. In 1986, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, at 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old. Tyson lost the title in 1990, but regained it in 1996. After being convicted of rape in 1992, Tyson lost his boxing license and spent three years in prison. He retired from boxing in 2005. Since retiring from boxing, Tyson has appeared in a number of films and television shows. He has also been involved in various legal troubles, including a 2006 arrest for cocaine possession and a 2008 conviction for assault. Tyson is currently married to Lakiha Spicer and has four children.
10. Evander Holyfield: Evander Holyfield is a retired American boxer who competed in the heavyweight division. He is a four-time world heavyweight champion, and is the only boxer in history to have won the world heavyweight title three times. Holyfield is also the only person to have been champion in both the WBA and IBF. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010.

How to choose the best boxing gym for you

Beginning your boxing journey can feel intimidating but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some helpful tips on finding the best boxing gym for you to train at.

Consider a location less than 30 minutes from your work/home

As you might’ve guessed, reducing travel time for training sessions will make your life a lot easier! The closer you live to your boxing gym, the lower your chances are of missing workouts.

Analyze your budget

Does the pricing for the gym you want to train at work within your budget? If the answer is no then you may want to reconsider a different gym. However, if you really like a gym but the pricing doesn’t quite work, consider restructuring your spending habits. You could also figure out a way to increase your income to cover training costs. You may also want to wait for deals or discounts on membership rates.

Do the trial class

This is a must. If a gym provides a free class or a free week of classes, schedule time to do it! Doing so will help you make a more informed decision.

Pay attention to quality of instruction

The quality of instruction matters. Are the boxing classes being taught by a knowledgable and experienced coach? Is the coach able to explain concepts in a way that you can understand? Does the coach take time to answer your questions?

Talk to gym members to get a feel for the environment

While you attend your trial class(es), take some time to talk to other people around you. Ask them different questions get a feel for the community in the room. You can ask them how long they’ve been training for. You can find out if any them have trained at other gyms and ask why they’re at the gym they currently train at. Take a few moments to also see how friendly everyone is or if they’re too intense for your personality type.

Gym cleanliness and maintenance

One of the last things you want is to get sick when working out! Pay attention to the training environment you’re in during your trial class. Is the gym clean and free of dirt/grime? Is all of the equipment clean and in working condition?

Book your trial class!

Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons of the boxing gyms in your area, it’s time to take your first class! It might even be time to sign up if you’ve fully committed to a boxing gym that you really like. Once you’ve signed up, commit to training regularly and you’ll see yourself get better at boxing overtime!

The post THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BOXING BY COMBAT ATHLETE GEAR appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.

Keep in mind that your growth as a boxer takes time and consistent hard work. Be patient as you progress along your journey!

What is boxing?

Boxing is both a martial art and combat sport. This popular sport focuses on throwing punches, head movement, and footwork both in self-defense situations and organized bouts. Boxing is held in high esteem for various reasons i.e. efficiency, effectiveness, reliability. From Muhammad Ali to Holly Holm, boxing has had its fair share of greats to have an impact both in the sporting world but also in pop culture.

Keep your goals in mind as you learn the various factors you need to think about when choosing a boxing gym to join.

How to find the right boxing gym for you

It doesn’t have to be frustrating when you begin your boxing journey! One of the first steps to finding the right boxing gym for you is to do a quick Google Maps search of boxing gyms near you. After you’ve done that, consider the factors listed below:

1. Location: How far a boxing gym is from your work and home affects how often you’ll be able to train. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a boxing gym that is less than 30 minutes away and is also easily accessible whether you drive or take public transportation.
2. Price: Expect to spend around $90-120/month on a boxing gym membership. Some boxing gyms may also have an activation fee so don’t be caught off guard when you sign up. Depending on the gym you’re at, your membership fees may also include some equipment like new gloves.
3. Environment: Is the gym cleaned regularly and are all the equipment in great shape? Are the bathrooms well-maintained? The cleanliness and maintenance of a boxing gym tells you about how much the coaches and owners care about their space.
4. Teaching/coaching style: Choose a gym with smaller class sizes if you need/want more attention. Larger class sizes may mean you won’t have as much interaction with the coaches. Some gyms may not spend much time on mitt work. Additionally, other gyms may spend most of their time on partner drills or heavy bag work.
5. Gym focus: Is the gym you’re interested in focused on cardio or trains amateur/professional fighters? Not all boxing gyms are equal because they all have different goals. If you want to compete or learn self-defense, find a boxing with an active fight team. If you just want to get in better shape then a fitness-focused boxing gym will be more of your jam.

Remember to follow these steps before you sign up for a boxing gym! Doing so will certainly save you time and money in the long run since you don’t want to be stuck in a boxing that doesn’t work for you.

Common boxing terminology

To help you get up to speed at a faster rate, we’ve compiled a quick list of common boxing terms. You’ll not only see some words you may have never heard of before but you’ll also be more comfortable in your first boxing class since these terms won’t be completely foreign.

• Gloves: The padded gear boxers wear on their hands
• Hand wraps/wraps: What boxers use to give their hands support and protection
• Mouthguard: Worn by boxers to protect their teeth, gums, and also prevent concussions
• Headgear: Worn on the head by boxers to prevent cuts and other damage to the head
• Groin protector: Worn by boxers below the belt to prevent trauma to the groin region
• Ring: A 4-sided roped-off space where boxers compete and spar
• Heavy bag: A filled bag that’s suspended and can handle a wide range of punches
• Speed bag: a smaller suspended bag designed to help boxers with timing and coordination

Boxing punches terminology

• Jab: A straight punch thrown by a boxer’s lead hand
• Cross: A straight punch thrown by a boxer’s rear hand
• Hook: A punch that can be thrown from either hand with the elbow elevated and bent at a 45 degree angle
• Uppercut: A punch thrown upward with a bent arm
• Overhand: A semi-circular and vertical punch thrown with the rear/power hand

Go train!

All in all, boxing is a lot of fun will provide you with many benefits including better health and more self-confidence. Give yourself the opportunity to become a better version of you through the sweet science. Over time, you will get in better shape. You’ll greatly benefit from the friends you’ve made in the gym which is one of the best benefits of embarking on your boxing journey.

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The history of boxing

Today’s Western-style of boxing is a stand-up striking art focused on throwing punches, head movement, and footwork. Boxing’s roots go deeper than the ancient Greek Olympics in 688 BC. There’s evidence of boxing appearing in old carvings by the Sumerians that go even further back in time. Over the years, it’s evolved into a competitive sport with a skillset that can also be used in self-defense and serve as a solid foundation for combat sports like mixed martial arts (MMA).

Famous boxers that have transcended the sport in more ways than one are:

• Muhammad Ali
• Laila Ali
• Oscar de la Hoya
• Claressa Shields
• Mike Tyson
• Manny Pacquiao
• Holly Holm

Each of these boxers has found success outside of the ring in different ways whether it be business, politics, or philanthropy. Boxing has a way of connecting with the general public by appealing to both boxing purists and people who support athletics. Now that you’re a little more familiar with boxing, let’s cover the history of karate and its roots.

The history of karate

Karateka (practitioners of karate) can trace their roots back to the Ryuku Kingdom in Okinawa. Karate is heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts. Older karate styles and some modern karate styles teach grappling techniques like throws and joint locks along with punches, kicks, elbow strikes, knees, and other striking techniques. Karate made its way to Japan after Japan annexed Okinawa in 1879. This martial art began to spread quickly in Japan as karate clubs started to form in the early 1920s and 1930s. Now an Olympic sport, karate continues to be popular around the world thanks to the spread of karate schools and the inclusion of karate in pop culture (i.e. Karate Kid).

Below is a list of famous karateka who have achieved global success:

• Roberta Dominici
• Yoshizo Machida
• Chuck Norris
• Joe Lewis
• Bill Wallace
• Gabriela Navarrete
• Sakura Kokumai
• Lyoto Machida

Have you heard of any of the individuals listed above? Some of the karateka listed above are current practitioners while others are retired and pursuing other interests like Chuck Norris. Other karate fighters have had success in other combat sports such as Lyoto Machida competing in MMA.

Key differences between boxing and karate

There are several key differences between karate and boxing that go beyond their names and origins. These differences affect how fighters score and train for competition. As you read on, we will cover equipment used in boxing and karate. We will even go into detail regarding the categories of gloves one might encounter when it comes to boxing gloves.

What type of equipment is used in boxing?

All boxers will use boxing gloves, a mouth guard, groin protectors, and boxing shoes. Professional boxers will often use headgear for training but not in organized matches whereas amateur fighters use headgear for both amateur bouts and sparring. Immediately below, we cover the 4 main types of boxing gloves you may or may not be aware of.

4 main types of boxing gloves

Boxers will often have preferences for glove styles and glove brands since there are different types of boxing gloves available in the market. These main categories are:

1. Training gloves: Training gloves tend to be all-around gloves that can be used in different ways. These uses include partner drills in class, mitt/pad work, heavy bag sessions.
2. Bag gloves: Bag gloves are designed with heavy bag work in mind. Since they’re optimized for speed and help improve technique, heavy bag gloves have less padding. This helps boxers feel the impact and power of their punches. The feedback they receive helps them adjust their technique accordingly.
3. Sparring gloves: Since the goal of these gloves is to improve sparring sessions, sparring gloves have more padding. The increase in padding helps absorb the impact. Sparring gloves need to be 16oz and higher to be used in sparring in many gyms.
4. Competition gloves: Depending on the sanctioning body and weight class, boxing gloves used in competition tend to be lighter. Weighing around 6-10oz, competition gloves have less padding. This results in more significant damage in boxing matches.

Hobbyists will most likely opt for lower to mid-tier quality gloves. On the other hand, amateur boxers and professional boxers tend to have their preferred brands and glove styles. Highly experienced boxers will be opinionated in their glove choices due to factors like glove fit, padding distribution, and even glove stitching.

What type of equipment is used in karate?

Traditional karate utilizes the gi which is a uniform that has different variations in martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and judo. Competition rulesets in karate will often call for gloves, headgear, footgear, and mouth guards when point-fighting is involved.

For full-contact karate like Karate Combat, fighters will wear pants, belts, gloves, and mouth guards. Competitors will most likely wear cups or some type of groin protection as well. The design of groin protection used in karate won’t be as bulky as boxing groin protectors since they can’t inhibit a fighter’s ability to throw kicks.

Is kicking allowed in boxing?

Kicks are not allowed in boxing unless it is a form of kickboxing like Muay Thai and Dutch kickboxing. Ground fighting (i.e. armbars, triangles, mounted armbars etc.) is not allowed in boxing as well. All of the action in boxing happens on the feet and in the ring.

Go train!

Hopefully, we were able to answer your questions about the differences between boxing and karate! If you have any other questions we can answer for you, let us know in the comments below and we’ll quickly get back to you.

In the meantime, go train and level up!

The post Boxing vs. Karate: What’s the difference? appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.

Key differences between judo and boxing

• Boxing ruleset does not allow any throws or takedowns
• Judo ruleset does not allow punches
• Judo players wear a gi with a belt
• Boxers wear boxing shorts, boxing shoes, gloves, mouthguard, cup, and headgear

The history of boxing

Boxing is one of the oldest sports in the world and some say it’s been around earlier than 688 BC. While there are different variations of boxing today (i.e. bareknuckle boxing), we’re focusing on Western boxing where an emphasis is placed on punching with no kicks, head butts, knees, or elbows.

Striking as an expression of aggression has been around for humans from the beginning. Boxing is today’s continuation of this but with clear rules and objectives. There’s proof of different forms of boxing all around the world from India to ancient Greece. Today, boxing is one of the most popular combat sports in the world with fighters of international fame such as:

• Tyson Fury
• Laila Ali
• Anthony Joshua
• Claressa Shields
• Muhammad Ali
• Floyd Mayweather
• Manny Pacquiao
• Holly Holm
• Mike Tyson

While not all of the boxers above are still active, their impact on the sport and the world is still being felt today thanks to the global reach of boxing.

The history of judo

Judo‘s roots go back to Japan, the land of the rising sun, and Kano Jigoro. Judo is a grappling system that can be applied in both in sport situations such as MMA , judo, and BJJ while being highly effective in self-defense scenarios.

Kano Jigoro is someone many credit with the creation of judo. Jigoro’s background started off in jujutsu. After studying jujutsu, he took the aspects of jujutsu he thought were most effective and combined them which led to the development of judo as we know it in 1882. Jigoro worked for many years to spread judo around the world. Although he didn’t live long enough to see it happen, his hard work eventually paid off in getting judo into the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.

Judo has since grown to becoming a martial art practiced around the world with judokas coming from countries like France, Russia, Brazil, and Cameroon.

Like boxing, judo has it’s own set of notable fighters like:

• Ronda Rousey
• Teddy Riner
• Kayla Harrison
• Satoshi Ishii
• Ryoko Tani
• Wim Ruska

Some of the judoka listed above have also found success in other combat sports such as MMA like Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison. Their abilities to pursue takedowns and defend takedowns have helped them have a strong foundation to build on for their fighting careers.

Key differences between judo and boxing

As you’ll learn, there are many key differences between the boxing and judo. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most important details that set the sports apart from each other such as gear/equipment used.

What happens when a fighter goes to the ground in judo or boxing?

Although both judo and boxing start the fight on the feet, the fight can continue on the ground for judo matches. A boxing match either pauses or ends when a fighter hits the canvas.

Do judokas and boxers use the same equipment?

The short answer is no. Judo practitioners wear gis and their appropriate belt rank. They can wear a mouthguard if they want to but are not required to use one. Boxers wear shorts (and a tank top for women), boxing shoes, headgear for amateurs, groin protection, gloves, and a mouthguard.

Strikes are not allowed in judo competition

Unlike boxing, strikes are not allowed in judo competition. Judo competitors are allow to throw each other and have opportunities to pursue submissions on the ground but can’t throw punches.

Boxers can’t grab the clothing of their opponents

While judokas fight for grips to gain an advantage over their opponent, boxers cannot grab each other’s clothing. They can clinch but cannot hold their opponent in the same way a judo fighter would.

Go train!

Now that you have a better idea of the main differences between judo and boxing, it’s time to start training! You can find martial arts gyms near you with a quick search on Google Maps. We recommend trying out at least 2-3 different gyms to get a feel for their teaching style and environment. Every gym has a different focus and training style so it’s in your interest to find one that works best for you!

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