Got to spar for the first time in a while today. While it’s great albeit tiring as hell to get back in the game, it’s so fucking annoying and potentially dangerous that:
a. some people sparred even though they didn’t have mouthguards (!!! Your teeth are so important and expensive to fix!!!)
b. new people were allowed to do anything during the sparring sessions.
I got hit quite hard by some boys who were stronger and who didn’t know how to control and adapt for that difference in power we have. They were all new and really I thought I should have been more on top of things than I was - I guess 2 out of 4 guys getting the better of me isn’t too bad a start but mannnnn! I got very pissed off at myself for letting some punches through that were so clearly telegraphed, for not being fast enough on my feet, for letting my composure go to shit when I got tired and pissed for letting bad shots through.
I’ve never really appreciated my coaches back in Oxford. Now I understand what Dave means when he said that girls get taken care of the best at OUABC.
Sure when you start out you’re raring to get in the ring and show everyone what you’re made of, but the truth is that no one is a natural boxer, and you’ll flip out and flinch and get bloody and bruised. That’s why Dave starts everyone out on left jabs for ages and ages - it really is for your own development and safety. But more often than not, people’s egos get in the way and they ask and argue and end up biting more than they can chew on the very rare occasions that Dave agrees to what they want to do.
It’s been fun and different (and no where near as strenuous) training in Kuching with guys like Major and Lenny who have had a more varied approach to the sport given their history in other fighting sports like wrestling and MMA and jiu jitsu, and I’ve learned new things for sure.
But mannn did Dave and Greg know how to take care of their girls. <3
