Boxing is commonly associated with aggressive people, but it is a practise that requires a great deal of responsibility and routine. This is something Sandeep Kuber Shrestha, boxing trainer and founder of Boxmandu, wishes people would understand about the sport. He reveals that nowadays, the sport has become a trend among young fitness enthusiasts, and the number of people who sign up for boxing is increasing gradually.

Shrestha shares the basics of boxing with The Post.

An intro to the sport

Boxing is a contact sport between two opponents, primarily involving fist hits. There are numerous ways to play the sport, but interested individuals should know the basic guidelines of the sport and instructions from a trainer before participating.

Many individuals are under the impression that boxing only utilises hand techniques—which is partly true—but it also requires immense bodily stamina. It also utilises kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, and headbutts, among other movements.

Boxing has various uses, but one comes with self-defence and can benefit health.

Does weight matter?

Yes, weight matters in boxing, but it is possible for most individuals—including those who are on the thinner or thicker side—to box. You get paired up with people who have a similar build to you in classes which makes things easier. However, if you are thinking of taking up the sport seriously, then you will have to face people who are in a different weight group than you. So, you’ll need to step up your practising and follow a diet plan to maintain your body.

Boxing as a form of fitness

Boxing can be a form of fitness. If you are someone who finds going to the gym everyday boring, then you could get your daily dose of workout through a boxing class. Similarly, individuals who want to take up self-defence can also learn that through boxing.

Many individuals who join Boxmandu see our classes as a means for them to release their pent-up stress. You can take out your frustration on the punching bag, hitting it over and over again until you rid yourself of your stress and start feeling calmer and in control of your actions. So, boxing can help your mental health too.

Some basic punches

The most common moves in boxing are the left and right-hand punches. Boxers who prefer the former take a southpaw stance, whereas ones who prefer the latter take an orthodox stance. Left-handed boxers have their right foot at the front and 45 degrees to the left, while right-handed ones have the opposite.

Jabbing is another fundamental move where the boxer’s lead hand comes out from beneath their face and snaps back quickly after throwing out the punch.

Another common punch is called the cross, which is similar to a jab but has more power behind it. In this, boxers place their lead hand next to the opponent’s face from the guard position instead of using their lead hand.