” I do actually use a boxing trainer when I train for stand-up.”

– Louis C. K.

Challenge 19: punch stuff

I’m in one of those moods to go out and wreck stuff. The kind of situation where you walk down the street and just fantasize about getting in fights with everyone you see. Rather than getting in a fight and going to jail, I plan on using my energy in a more constructive manner. I plan on honing my boxing skills.

I’ve been hitting the bag and sparing for about a year now. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday see me in the gym throwing punches and doing footwork. On other days I occasionally hit the bag for a round or two after lifting. It’s nothing major, but it is good cardio and I’ve made some huge improvements. When I started out I could barely go a whole round without dropping my arms and getting tired. I’ve made a ton of progress since then.

Being able to fight and hold your own is wonderful. It’s a feeling unlike anything else in the world. There’s nothing more fun than listening to a bunch of dorks at a bar or party who are talking about how they could beat anyone up, and just smiling to yourself. You already know how taxing hand-to-hand combat actually easy. Within about three punches the average man would be out of breath and unable to defend himself.

While I’m definitely nowhere nearing being a pro fighter, I do alright. This month I want to really work on my stamina and footwork so that I can get better at boxing. My movement is severely lacking and I really want to get better at dodging and evading punches. To get better I’m going to jump more rope, do more evasive exercises, spar with greater frequency, and hit the bag every day.

If you have any interest in fighting and hand-to-hand combat I’d suggest checking out what I have in store for this month. I’ll be posting about my progress and sharing everything I do. I think it’s going to be a fun month.