Training tips for old farts....

[Citizen Koba]

Hey Citizen Koba, what is your health like today? Your body will quickly surpass any preconceived notions of what it can do once that bell rings and the ref commands you to box.

To succeed in your quest you must work hard in there. Is your body prepared for the strenuous work that is/could be in front of you?

I had a stroke at 37. I had fallen away from working out and just picked it up again. As usual, I got home from work and went outside to throw some punches. I work hard shadow boxing, lots of punches and dips/slips, push-ups, skipping the rope. Woke up the next morning and tried to kick my leg over to roll out of bed and it never moved.

All that I am saying is this is the real thing. Sure, it's at a different level but you guys are going to answer the bell with punches. You will quickly see why conditioning is so important in this sport.

Be careful. (and maybe bust this guy in his nose once for me).

If this does go down... just remember to breathe.


Have Boxing Scene sponser me and I'll come out and train you. We'll post up the bout for the forum.........................Rockin'

Thanks for the words of support and for the offer Rob, much appreciated. It's looking like I got the trainer situation sorted probably so I don't think I'll need to fly you over from the US but I will try to maybe keep some kinda diary - maybe even a video diary -and take some pics and keep posting about my experience if it's gonna be of interest to anyone.

Kind regards

Theo

[War Room]

Thanks man, appreciate the input. I will be meeting up with my (potential) trainer today or tomorrow and will take his advice, but bear in mind any potential opponent will be facing most of the same challenges that I will, lack of training time, lack of skill etc. I've had a look at the potential opposition and most of em are in no better shape than me, even the ones who are 10 or 20 years younger.

I am going to do this but if necessary - and if that's what I'm advised - I will postpone it to get a few more months training in. There's no reason it has to be the February event, but I do want a target to work towards and equally time ain't on my side with regards to my age so I ain't gonna spend two years training before I get in the ring, not at this level at least.

And I'm not a smoker any more, packed in 5 years ago when my youngest was born although obvs 30 years smoking ain't left my breathing in tip top shape. Sorry to hear about your friend, man, but it's unlikely I'll be suffering the same fate, I lived a pretty rough kinda life, had the shit kicked outta me a good few times over the years, hadda dust myself off, pick myself up. I already been a heroin addict (16 years - came out the other side in 2015) and a homeless alcoholic... kinda dude you'll see in a shop doorway with a polystyrene cup. Shoulda died a buncha times over. I know what rock bottom is and I also know what it is to be hurt - really hurt - physically. I also know my strengths and my vulnerabilities pretty well by now. That ain't my fear... I'm acceptant of the possibility I could lose, maybe even badly but I ain't gonna let that stand in my way.

Running hard ain't a good idea anyway since I got a dicey knee (had it stomped in a fight in about '98). Had an ACL op plus some cartlilege trimmed 20 years ago but it's never gonna be like new... in fact I'm considering swapping my morning run with cycling to reduce the load bearing impact although I'm a bit wary if the roads start icing.

Will heed your advice on the glutamine probably, you ain't the first to mention it, and I can get access to a squat rack if needed, no problem, will look into that too.

Once again, thanks for the pointers.

T

Just so you know, I trained 4 people rather seriously after I stopped competing. 3 guys and a girl, none of them competed in boxing though. Two were mma fighters with fights in mma under their belts, one was undefeated amateur.

I was under the impression the Feb event was the only one. If you can postpone, postpone to the next. Enjoy the holidays with your family instead and inch toward your goal. You don't need 2 years, enjoy the lifestyle change while you do it. A year blows by fast at your age. It can be extremely rewarding mentally. Never training, never fighting, and training for 8 weeks to fight just isn't smart, no matter what your "trainer" says.

Don't do squats then, don't do runs, don't play with that knee at all. Juan Diaz never ran and did swimming instead. You've got some clean time, but that's not a lot so getting the knee hurt could put you in a potentially bad place with pain and "pain management" if you catch my drift. Don't fall into this trap.

Another way to build stamina is a bag routine called 30 second drills and that's ok on the knee's.

• Lite 1-2's for 30 seconds, non-stop. (static)
• 1-2's with a lite 1 and a hard 2 for 30 seconds, non-stop. (static)
• Hard hooks to the body for 30 seconds, non-stop. (static)
• Repeat in a 3 minute round.

A youngn' with good knee's I would have them moving left/right doing the 1-2's in a 30 second drill, but you're neither of those. 30 second drills are for advanced boxers, most gyms don't know about them and/or don't do them. When I did these drills, I would do 3 regular rounds on the bag and do 3 rounds after just 30 second drills.

[Citizen Koba]

Just so you know, I trained 4 people rather seriously after I stopped competing. 3 guys and a girl, none of them competed in boxing though. Two were mma fighters with fights in mma under their belts, one was undefeated amateur.

I was under the impression the Feb event was the only one. If you can postpone, postpone to the next. Enjoy the holidays with your family instead and inch toward your goal. You don't need 2 years, enjoy the lifestyle change while you do it. A year blows by fast at your age. It can be extremely rewarding mentally. Never training, never fighting, and training for 8 weeks to fight just isn't smart, no matter what your "trainer" says.

Don't do squats then, don't do runs, don't play with that knee at all. Juan Diaz never ran and did swimming instead. You've got some clean time, but that's not a lot so getting the knee hurt could put you in a potentially bad place with pain and "pain management" if you catch my drift. Don't fall into this trap.

Another way to build stamina is a bag routine called 30 second drills and that's ok on the knee's.

• Lite 1-2's for 30 seconds, non-stop. (static)
• 1-2's with a lite 1 and a hard 2 for 30 seconds, non-stop. (static)
• Hard hooks to the body for 30 seconds, non-stop. (static)
• Repeat in a 3 minute round.

A youngn' with good knee's I would have them moving left/right doing the 1-2's in a 30 second drill, but you're neither of those. 30 second drills are for advanced boxers, most gyms don't know about them and/or don't do them. When I did these drills, I would do 3 regular rounds on the bag and do 3 rounds after just 30 second drills.

Once again thanks for the advice, I ain't gonna necessarily say I will postpone but I'll definitely give it due consideration. They run em 4 or 5 times a year I think, although cos I'm signed up for this one already they might but less willing to have me back if I drop out... ain't gonna put that before my health though.

Honestly I'm beginning to suspect my biggest issue is gonna be my knee rather than the stamina... been drilling my one two and I'm definitely feeling it pretty hard in the knee after a few minutes, although I did give it a little twist this a m running on the towpath. Probably have to wear a support for training this eve. It's throwing the harder right that's causing me the problems, putting that slight twist on the knee as I drive off the back foot

And I'm not entirely starting from scratch, I cycle some, train BJJ - although that's really slowed down this last coupla years since COVID hit - and got a regular weights routine. Also got work that can be fairly physically demanding at times, depending.

And fair point about the possibility of pain meds - I'm honestly no longer in doubt about my ability to overcome addiction, but I'd be a fool to take the possibility lightly too.

Bag drills will definitely come in useful though - that's one thing I can do any time. This whole thing mainly came about after we were donated a heavy bag for the youth club, and then I went down the local boxing gym for pointers on safe use for kids, also getting the head trainer there to come along and give our kids a taster session. Means the bags up 24/7 now in the club and I got access any time I want. I'd have one at home but I ain't got space.

[Dubblechin]

OK so I'm 50 and signed up to do a charity White Collar Event in early February and want to give it my very best shot. The training sessions we're offered for free are 2 x 1hr a week (Mon, Weds evening). I got some experience competitve sparring at a low level and basic punching technique - but that was from about 30 years ago. Have sparred casually many times since on the mats with guys from different martial arts for fun and get some standing practice in but it ain't the same at all.

Fitness wise my weight ain't an issue (I'm 5'11" currently 176 but expect to be around 170 come fight night) and strength is pretty good but stamina probably needs quite a bit of work (30 years of smoking until 2017 and lung damage from pneumonia 15 odd years ago).

So far I started running each morning about 2 miles on the flat (I'm by a canal), which has hurt a bit since I ain't used to it, but getting easier day by day, doing alternate days strength and circuit / cardio) about 30 minutes a time.

What I'm mainly looking for is whether any of the older dudes on here got any advice about

a) potential pitfalls
b) whether I should be prioritising skill development or stamina given both the limited time I got to prepare (about 8 or 9 weeks) and the fact that I only got so many hours in the day.
c) hints for training as an older man.. I'm used to going all in, but I know from experience with jujitsu that I'm more prone to injury than I was when I was younger and that I don't recover as fast... but is there any specific advice, hints, tips or hacks from your personal experience) on how that should impact or shape my boxing training?

Should I be concentrating on form and fundamentals, bag work, sparring to get some ring experience or fitness and stamina? it's only 3 x 2 mins but as a 50 y/o novice that'll be more than enough to wipe me out at any reasonable pace I'm sure. Even as a young man 3 x 3 competitve sparring would leave me a gasping, sweaty mess.

Thanks in advance gents, much appreciated. Of course I'm gonna be googling and watching videos and stuff myself, so what I'm looking for here is more about input from personal experience, although any links to particularly relevant channels or websites would be gratefully appreciated too.

Kind regards

Theo

Hi Theo,

Here is my advice. If you're boxing three, two-minute rounds and you don't know who your opponent is ... just train to move and throw a lot of punches for two straight minutes over three rounds.

You just need a heavy bag and you need to work on your legs and arms.

Your opponent will likely be right handed, so spend more time moving to your RIGHT. (It feels more natural when you're a righty to move left while jabbing. But move to the right. It allows you to turn your opponent. And he has to constantly reset.)

You said you know how to throw basic punches so that's good. You don't need to cut a lot of weight, so that's good. Weight lifting is pointless. It's a boxing match against another novice. If the running is hurting you, don't bother with it.

It's a six-minute fight. You don't need legs for an hour. Just six minutes.


The first day, just practice jabbing for two minutes on a heavy bag WHILE MOVING to your RIGHT the whole time. Take a minute break and do it again for two minutes. Take a minute break and do it again for two minutes. You'll probably be exhausted doing just that. But keep doing it.

Next day, practice throwing a 1-2, jab and straight right (and move RIGHT) for two minutes. Keep punching. Over and over while moving. Take a minute break and keep going.

Next day, practice throwing 2 jabs and a straight right )and move RIGHT) for two minutes. Keep punching. Over and over. Take a minute break and keep going.

Next day, throw 2 jabs, a right, and finish with a left hook (and MOVE right) for two minutes. Just keep repeating it over and over.

If you keep punching and keep moving, and your punching pattern becomes second-hand to you ... you will do fine.

The fight is too short for your opponent to really pick up on what you're doing. He'll be getting hit too much and trying to hit you that he'll lose track. But just keep that rhythm and keep moving and punching. He'll be befuddled.

After six minutes of boxing, you'll win easy. He'll be exhausted.



If it gets boring, switch it up and practice throwing the same punches WHILE you're moving to your LEFT (in case your opponent is southpaw).

If you don't have a heavy bag at your disposal every day, practice these moves while shadow boxing. But punch at a specific target. It will help you maintain the proper punching distance. The key is moving and punching.

By moving, your opponent has to keep resetting. So keep turning him by moving to your right or left. If you stand right in front of him, he can hit you. If you keep turning, you take something off his punches.

Punch while moving until it feels comfortable and natural and six minutes is easy to do.

The only other thing I'd say is do situps. If the gym has a medicine ball, ask someone to help you work your body with the medicine ball. You don't want a couple body shots to ruin everything.


Just remember. You're training to WIN three, two-minute rounds.

You're not training to win a race. Don't run for miles and hurt your knee. Don't worry about al the other stuff.

Just focus on staying busing with your punches and moving for two-minutes at a time, six minutes total.

The style of the opponent won't really matter other than whether he's right-handed or left-handed. So just use you feet and move (to the Left or Right) accordingly.

Best of luck.

[Citizen Koba]

Okay so that was cool. Did my first session with the dude who offered to train me yesterday.. Nice guy and seems to know his stuff... certainly knows his way around the local boxing fraternity. Mainly trains kids but he's trained two other guys for white collar fights - and they both won.

Worked on the pads and movement out on his driveway in the frost for about 45 mins - more for him to get a look at what I'm bringing to the table and work out a plan than anything I think. Cos of my knee he's looking at building a strategy around holding center ring and just working on the 1 - 2 and double jab. Bit of close in nastiness in case they're inclined to get physical and try to push me back.

Given up on the running altogether - knee just won't take it, but I'm doing longer walks instead - about an hour in the freezing cold before first light, stopping half way at a little car park for 15 min drills and shadow boxing

[Omegamanic]

OK so I'm 50 and signed up to do a charity White Collar Event in early February and want to give it my very best shot. The training sessions we're offered for free are 2 x 1hr a week (Mon, Weds evening). I got some experience competitve sparring at a low level and basic punching technique - but that was from about 30 years ago. Have sparred casually many times since on the mats with guys from different martial arts for fun and get some standing practice in but it ain't the same at all.

Fitness wise my weight ain't an issue (I'm 5'11" currently 176 but expect to be around 170 come fight night) and strength is pretty good but stamina probably needs quite a bit of work (30 years of smoking until 2017 and lung damage from pneumonia 15 odd years ago).

So far I started running each morning about 2 miles on the flat (I'm by a canal), which has hurt a bit since I ain't used to it, but getting easier day by day, doing alternate days strength and circuit / cardio) about 30 minutes a time.

What I'm mainly looking for is whether any of the older dudes on here got any advice about

a) potential pitfalls
b) whether I should be prioritising skill development or stamina given both the limited time I got to prepare (about 8 or 9 weeks) and the fact that I only got so many hours in the day.
c) hints for training as an older man.. I'm used to going all in, but I know from experience with jujitsu that I'm more prone to injury than I was when I was younger and that I don't recover as fast... but is there any specific advice, hints, tips or hacks from your personal experience) on how that should impact or shape my boxing training?

Should I be concentrating on form and fundamentals, bag work, sparring to get some ring experience or fitness and stamina? it's only 3 x 2 mins but as a 50 y/o novice that'll be more than enough to wipe me out at any reasonable pace I'm sure . Even as a young man 3 x 3 competitve sparring would leave me a gasping, sweaty mess.

Thanks in advance gents, much appreciated. Of course I'm gonna be googling and watching videos and stuff myself, so what I'm looking for here is more about input from personal experience, although any links to particularly relevant channels or websites would be gratefully appreciated too.

Kind regards

Theo

It's great to see your enthusiasm and dedication to preparing for the charity White Collar Event! Here are some suggestions and considerations based on your situation:

a) Potential Pitfalls:

• Overtraining: Given your limited time frame and the fact that you're an older athlete, it's crucial to find the right balance between training and recovery. Pushing too hard without adequate rest can increase the risk of injuries and hinder progress.
• Injury prevention: As an older athlete, you may be more prone to certain injuries. Make sure to warm up properly before each training session, focus on maintaining proper form and technique, and listen to your body. Don't hesitate to take rest days or modify exercises if needed.

b) Prioritizing Skill Development vs Stamina:

• Given the limited time you have, it's important to strike a balance between skill development and stamina training. Prioritize skill development in the initial stages to ensure you have proper technique and form. As the event approaches, gradually increase the focus on stamina training to build up your endurance for the actual fight.

c) Training as an Older Athlete:

• Focus on recovery: Adequate rest, proper nutrition, and quality sleep are essential for recovery. Incorporate stretching, foam rolling, and other recovery techniques into your routine to minimize the risk of injuries and promote faster recovery.
• Gradual progression: Avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon. Progress gradually with your training intensity and duration to allow your body to adapt and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain during training. If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to consult a trainer or healthcare professional for guidance.

In terms of training focus, here's a suggested progression leading up to the event:

• Early stages: Focus on skill development, including proper punching technique, footwork, and defensive maneuvers. Work on building your foundational skills with shadowboxing, bag work, and mitt drills.
• Mid-stage: Begin incorporating more stamina training, such as interval running, skipping rope, and high-intensity circuit workouts. This will help improve your endurance for the fight.
• Final stage: Increase the intensity of your stamina training and gradually introduce controlled sparring sessions to simulate the actual fight scenario. This will help you gain ring experience and get accustomed to the pace and timing.

Remember, it's always advisable to consult with a qualified boxing coach or trainer who can provide personalized guidance and tailor your training program based on your specific goals and abilities. They can offer valuable feedback, monitor your progress, and help fine-tune your technique.

Best of luck with your training and the charity event!