Boxing: how to conquer your fear of getting hit?

Whatever your combat sport, protection is perfect for starting out or reassuring yourself.

 

A mouthguard is a boxing essential. It limits impacts and prevents broken teeth. It is not easy to find a model suited to your size, so we recommend choosing a mouthguard that adapts to your mouth.

 

Shinguards are also recommended for this high-impact sport, particularly for disciplines involving kicks. Made of thick foam, they protect both you and your opponents. Size-wise, there are two criteria: your size (S to XL) and the length of your tibia.

 

Boxing gloves are also an essential piece of protective gear. Unlike with barehanded combat, they protect your opponents from blows and also prevent injuries to your hands.

 

And don't forget to protect your most sensitive areas.

There are specific groin guards created for combat sports. Are you a woman? Nothing is like a chestguard to protect you.

DOMYOS: GIANNI, HAVE YOU EVER BEEN AFRAID OF GETTING BADLY HIT IN COMBAT?

 

GIANNI RANDAZZO: "Of course, that's why I train. Getting in the ring is a crucial moment, and I need to know what to do:  how to react to an attack, misbehaviour, or a strike that hurts.

I learned to manage my attitude and even my look if I get hit. I don't let anything show. This way of managing combat allows you to go up against your opponent, of course while combining technique and fair play, which are essential in this sport.

It is common that after a fight, boxers will greet each other and thank each other, even when they were "at war" a few minutes earlier. It's still a sport above all."

 

 

DOMYOS: HOW DID YOU LEARN TO CONQUER YOUR FEAR?

 

"Training is the essential key that will allow you to enjoy boxing - it is a virtuous circle towards confidence.

If I train, I learn to control the power of my strikes, and I gain experience.

When I master my technique, I can correctly place my strikes, and I can hit without getting hit.

When I am able to control a fight, my confidence grows and I want to improve and go even further.

What is interesting and enriching is that in parallel to these small training victories, each day you develop your confidence and state of mind. You become aware of your abilities to control your strikes and protect yourself from attacks."

DOMYOS: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO BEGINNERS?

"To start off right, you should train regularly, and be aware and patient. Technique doesn't necessarily appear the first time you train. Nothing is like studying your kick/punch technique in order to completely master it. If you want to create habits and react effectively to your opponent, it is better to go "slowly but surely," as the proverb goes.

And finally, trust in your training partners is priceless. Experienced boxers will pass that along to you. They will share their experience with you.