I’ve been wanting to write about this subject forever, why I haven’t is beyond me.  One of the biggest problems my coach (and husband) has with me, any many other boxers he trains is their “it’s all about me” mentality.  I can see where he’s coming from. He’s running a gym, he’s coaching a team.  His time is spread out between everyone in the gym and he makes most of his decisions based on what’s best for the team, not necessarily the individual boxer.  And although he trains us all differently and recognizes our individuality he is constantly pushing the “team” aspect.  There is no “I” in team, right?

Well there is an “I” in the ring! (I’ve been waiting forever to say that to Dave – I’ll have to make a point of it.)

Boxing is funny, because it often starts out as a team sport.  You train with a team and a number of coaches, you spar with your team mates, you go on team trips and you cheer on your team.  But when it comes to fight time it all of a sudden becomes all about you, the boxer.  It’s only you in the ring, your dreams, your goals, your movement and training, your fitness, etc… You can’t afford to think about the team when you’re battling for a championship, you have to be selfish.

I always had a bit of trouble with this thinking.  I’ve been taught that being selfish is bad – as have most people, that’s why there are so many passive aggressive folk in the world – but at the same time felt that in order to succeed I needed to think of myself, put myself first.  I was really torn with this whole boxing is a selfish sport, and it’s okay idea.  But I think I get it now.

Being selfish when you train doesn’t mean telling your coach “screw the team, I’m doing this on my own cause I’m aloud to be selfish” – tried it, I just got yelled at.  You do need to train with your team and listen to your coach because you need them to make yourself improve.

When you train with your teammates, you have to always put yourself first, but in a matter of thinking, not doing.  You need to train with the team in a way that will benefit the team, but will also benefit you the most, by thinking of yourself.   What I’m saying is that you should always have YOU as your interest in the front of your mind.  You’re doing this for YOU.  When you’re working with someone who’s green what can you do to help improve YOUR game?  Is your footwork right? Are you hands always up?  If you focus on yourself in a team environment it will have very positive effects…  And of course but letting the other person work you’ll be helping them too… As oppose to thinking how much better you are then the person who you’re working with and beating them up, which will only make you a self doubting, arrogant, showboating jerk who doesn’t really understand teammanship or sportsmanship.

Leave a Comment