Customer Reviews

Boxer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Boxing (Start-Up Sports series)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I really liked this book.

The first 2 chapters are an introduction to boxing and what equipment you'll need as you go deeper into training.

Chapter 3 through chapter 10 are the fundamentals - from stance (very important) through sparing.

Each function and mechanic of a technique is described very well and great and useful detail is given.

The section regarding wrapping your hands - don't worry too much if you don't get it here. It takes a while to figure out how to wrap. They have dvd's and videos dedicated to just wrapping your hands so don't stress out.

The writing has personality and the teaching isn't preachy or too butch or too vague. It's a nice and easy introduction to the fundamentals. Again - this is a beginners guide and is really for the beginner - NOT exclusively as I got some good detail regarding throwing a hook punch.

Also the pace of the book builds as your skill builds - the order of chapters and tools taught are exactly where they should be.

Chapter 11 is a brief history of boxing which I enjoyed.

Chapter 12 consists of the author's journal entries(a newcomer to boxing)- they are his first 6 months of lesson's with Alan Lachica - who sounds like one very cool guy and one of the best coaches out there for those interested in practicing the Sweet Science.

Great book for the beginner

Great beginner's guide to boxing! The author goes through the basic movements, punches, evasions, counters and working on the heavy bag. There are lots of pictures to show the technique that the author is trying to explain. Great camera angles from the side, top and front views for some of the techniques. There is also a short history of boxing included, as well as brief descriptions of those who made the sport great. As someone who wanted to learn the "basics" of boxing, this was a welcome book to add to my library!

I have previously thought that you simply can not learn a new physical skill by just reading a book. After being introduced to Boxer's start-up my opinion has changed. The book is filled with exellent photography to support the text, and you really can learn the techniques from just reading the book!

The book can be divided into three parts. The first part covers about 100 pages, and it is the actual instructional part of the book. It covers everything from the ground up (boxing gear, stance & footwork, the punches, punching combinations, hitting the bag, defense & counters, sparring, and so on). The second part is really just one chapter, and it covers the essential history of boxing, including the greatest fighters. The third part is shortened version of the author's diary, covering his experiences on learning to box. This part is about 35 pages long, and it's a matter of taste if this is too much. On the other hand, you don't learn much from reading this, but on the other hand it is fun to read other beginner's experiences.

In conclusion, I have to say that I was impressed with this book. It's amazing how good an intruction you can get from reading a book. Compared to the instruction I got from my beginner's boxing class, I think I learned more from this book.

I liked this book for a number of reasons. Firstly its written a casual everyday english and so the author comes accross like he is talking to us rather than preaching at us. This plain straight talking allows the book to concentrate on what it is supposed to i.e. boxing. The book goes through the various aspects of boxing in a clear and simple manner. The photographs are very clear and offer many diffrent and helpful angles. In a way the book is exactly what it claims to be "a start up guide". It keeps things clear and simple which I found refreshing. So if you're expecting a book that is going to teach you all you need to know about boxing then look elsewhere. I thought that the training diary at the end wasn't really needed and was very repetitive. It details his training progress as he trains on a one to one level with his own private boxing coach in a classy L.A. gym/health club. To be honest with you I thought this was a bit irrevelant and misleading as the majority of people taking up this sport are going to be doing so in the local club where they'll be lucky to get 5 minutes of one to one coaching from the coach. I got the feeling that the author Doug Werner really want's to write his autobiography and mabey in the middle of a sports guide isn't the best place. All in all though is a good little book and I would definately reccommend it it those about to or considering entering the sport of boxing.

Definately a good start up book. I came at the book after doing about 12 sessions of boxing. With that in mind, the book was a little basic although still giving some good hints and tips to remember. I would have like more on actual training programs. The journal at the back regarding 6 months of boxing training was really good.

This is a great book for anyone interested in learning to box, as well as for martial artists interested in more practical striking and footwork.

If you're serious about learning to do it right though, find a qualified trainer. Books are great supplements to qualified instruction, but even well written ones like this can never replace it.

Boxer's start up is what it says--a beginners guide to boxing. The author is a weekend warrior who goes through the regimen of boxing training, and recounts it in great detail in his book. He doesnt go too deeply into competition boxing, but he does give the reader a good starting point to begin training.

I've been involved in the sweet science for about 10 years. As a youngstser I competed as an amateur. Later, as an adult a boxing instructor. I use this book as a prerequisite for my beginning students

This is hands down the best boxing book i've ever read! not to vague like most boxing instuction books. i recommend it to all my students as a guide. if you like this book i strongly encourage you to consider fighting fit. it's the sequel to boxer's start-up. both books don't take anything for granted. it's easy to follow, filled with practical advise and in perfect sequence. buy this book!!

This was a really easy read and enjoyable book. The points and presentation are first class and explained very well.

On the whole a really good introduction to Boxing and its nuances.