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Summary

The fundamentals of English boxing to be found in Paris

📖 Reading time: 5 min

Summary

What is boxing?

A combat sport, English boxing involves fighting an opponent using your fists and defensive techniques. Boxing has been part of our daily lives since ancient times. It was originally a means of self-defence, then a demonstration of virility practised by gladiators, and finally a recognised sporting activity.

English boxing has a long and varied history. Through its long history, boxing has evolved over time, transformed itself and developed many different forms: English boxing, French boxing, Thai boxing and kickboxing.

From its origin…

Fighting has been around for a very long time.boxing history is very long. In 5000 BC, men were already challenging each other to duels. Whether in Mesopotamia, North Africa, Egypt or Greece, the whole of humanity was using fists in the 2nd millennium BC. 

Beyond fighting, there's sport! Boxing was a popular combat sport in Ancient Greece. At that time, boxing was known as "pugilism", or "pancraticism". These terms are, in a way, the ancestors of boxing.

 

More than 1,000 years later, pugilism appeared in England, under the name of "English boxing". It is said that it was James Figg, considered to be the father of French boxing, who introduced the discipline between 1719 and 1730.

…Until now

English boxing first appeared in France in the 20th century. In the United States and Great Britain, boxing was more than just a sport. It very quickly became a means of expression and a way of fighting for one's opinions. One of the figures who gave impetus to this movement was Jack Johnson, world heavyweight champion from 1908 to 1915.

Today, boxing is a fashionable sport. Between 2015 and 2016, the number of licenses purchased increased by 17%, which reflects the popularity enjoyed by boxing in France. 

The rules of English boxing 

The rules 

Like all combat sports, English boxing is practised with strict respect for the opponent and the rules. These rules cover the fighting area, the fight itself and the equipment.

The ring you step into is a highly regulated place. Firstly, to ensure fairness for all the participants, to control the fights. But also, and above all, for the safety of the boxers.

The most important rule is that of permitted movements. In boxing, you can forget about kicks. Only punches and dodges will allow you to overcome your opponent.

The categories

THE categories in boxing are based on weight. To ensure the safety of the fighters and the fairness of the fights, the categories are essential.

When the men face off in the ring, they are divided into eight categories:

  • Flyweight (52kg)
  • Featherweight (57kg)
  • Lightweight (63kg)
  • Welterweight (69kg)
  • Average Weight (75kg)
  • Mid-Heavyweight (81kg)
  • Heavy Weights (91kg)
  • Super-Heavyweight (+91kg)

For women, the categories are different. They have the choice between five weight categories:

  • Flyweight (51kg)
  • Featherweight (57kg)
  • Lightweight (60kg)
  • Welterweight (69kg)
  • Average Weight (75kg)

Equipment

Boxer or boxer, put on your best outfit and get into the ring. But be careful, there are rules to follow regarding the equipment you need.

Boxers are well protected today, unlike in the days of bare-knuckle pugilism. Visit equipments were designed for the safety of the boxer and his opponent.

The equipment required for combat is as follows: 

  • Bandages and undergloves;
  • Quilted protective gloves;
  • Boxing shoes or shoes adapted to the sport;
  • The mouth guard;
  • The head protection helmet;
  • The shell for men.  

Your equipment is very important to promote the quality of your movements. Even if we know that you are a fiery boxer, a good mouth guard and good boxing gloves will awaken the Tiger in you!

Of course, boxing is good, but boxing in a quality environment is better. That's why we advise you to opt for a place that has all the essential equipment: punching bag, well-maintained ring, etc.

English boxing techniques 

Attack techniques 

Combat sports are all about attacking, of course. In English boxing, attacking techniques consist of several punches.

Let us introduce you to the basic punches of English boxing: the jab, the jab, the hook, the uppercut and the combinations of all these punches.

Each of these moves allows you to hit different parts of your opponent's body. For a successful attack, don't hesitate to link up the moves in a variety of ways, using both your arms.

Defense techniques

In English boxing, attack is important, but be careful to also avoid your opponent's blows, thanks to your defense techniques.

In other words, a boxer must know how to master both attack and defense techniques to hope to emerge victorious from the fight. 

  • The basis: travel 
  • The dodge: The lateral dodge, The rotational dodge, The shift, The step back, The chest withdrawal 
  • Blocking or parrying 
  • The slide 
  • The clinch 

English boxing sequences 

Before you get in the ring and fight against a Tiger opponent, you need to know how to throw punches together.

Amateur or pro boxing is a very cardio sport. It is absolutely necessary that your heart is in good shape so that your practice is as effective as possible.

The speed and precision of your movements are the two factors that will win you the fight.

The most effective way is to know how to use combinations of movements to tire out your opponent, increase your punching power and use the element of surprise. As you will have realised, combinations are essential, but they require perfect speed and precision.

As you'll have realised, the English boxing combination is a great ally for your technique. It has plenty of advantages, and you'll probably find yourself using it more often than you think. But of course there are also a few disadvantages.  

The benefits of English boxing 

Boxing, a complete sport, has many benefits for your body and your mind. This physical activity increases your cardio capacity and builds muscle throughout your body. The combination of cardio and muscle strengthening is the perfect combo for feeling good about your body. On top of that, boxing is so intense that you'll come away feeling like you've really outdone yourself.

That's why English boxing has so many mental benefits. It allows you to let off steam, clear your head and leave feeling more relaxed. A very complete sport, you'll be proud to have done your session, whatever your objectives. So what are you waiting for to become a Tiger?

I want to take up boxing, how do I make my choice?

Difference between English boxing and French boxing 

As you can see, there are similarities and differences between differences ebetween English boxing and French boxing.  

Similarities 

The principle is the same in both English and French boxing: fight by alternating attack and defence, using movements and blows against an opponent. The equipment used in English and French boxing is virtually the same, as is the venue: the boxing ring.

The differences 

The biggest difference is the parts of the body that are allowed to deliver blows. While English boxing is limited to the use of the fists, French boxing also uses the feet. 

 

The Boxing Circle: an innovative alternative (Paris English boxing club) 

New concepts are appearing all the time, offering more and more boxing styles. At Le Cercle, for example, you can practise English boxing, combined with muscle strengthening, in a darkened room with an energetic soundtrack. 

Join the Tigers community and let off steam in the most immersive sporting experience in Paris. Le Cercle is :

Circle coaches pose while waiting for the session
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