Foot Work is Underrated

Footwork remains a critically underrated (by novices) aspect of training and this is quite unfortunate. The main reason that it is so underrated by beginners is due to the fact that they do not see footwork as a vital part of boxing. Now, such a sentiment may seem thoroughly absurd to one who has experience and understands the vital importance that footwork represents. However, an individual with limited experience may develop the feeling that footwork is a 'lesser' aspect in regards being able to box or kickbox.

There are a number of reasons for this but, in general, when someone first takes up the art of boxing or kickboxing, they get a blast out of being able to hit or wail on the bag. Hey, pounding a heavy bag or slamming focus mitts burns a number of calories and it helps burn off quite a bit of aggression so it should not come as a surprise that such actions are a blast for someone getting off work at 5pm and looking to shed some pounds and get out some aggression. The notion of 'dancing' around the gym movign forwards, backwards, side to side, etc is not appealing to them. This is where a quality instructor needs to step in.

Probably the greatest joy one can derive from the sport of boxing is the joy of knowing that one is a capable and funtioning boxer. In order to be a top notch boxer, then the person must be able to move and move well. This involves moving to avoid being hit and to move to be able to hit. An instructer needs to implore this into his students so as to make sure they understand the true value in boxing derives from being able to perform in the ring on an acceptable level in a sparring bout.

However, oftentimes the opposite is common. Instructors decide to opt for the easy way out and allow the students to hit the equipment (bags, pads, mitts, etc) without really teachning them footwork or anything else of any note for that matter. The beginner has certain expectations and the instructor casually follows along with what the student wants. If he doesn't, he may end up losing business and the instructor certainly doesn't want any of that.

So, the instructor contributes to the very negative cycle of training people poorly and creating a crop of hobbyists who can't move properly or perform proper footwork. Now, some may ask what the big deal is. They are hobbyists so who cars, right. Wrong attitude, folks!

There should always be certain acceptable levels of standards for performance and instructorship. When you take skiing lessons, the goal is to teach you to ski. You are not just supposed to learn how to take your skis on and off and get on and off the ski lift, folks. So, why would you study boxing and not really learn anything. Again, it is the instructor's duty to be sure he is teaching actual skill and not devising a group class time waster.