In the beginning....

So on Saturday morning I woke early, excited and also very nervous about the first session with Scott at White Collar Boxing London.I had a slight touch of man flu, and a bigger touch of brown trousers at the thought of what lay ahead in SE1!

I was partially nervous due to the concerns of being so fresh to what was about to happen and partially that feeling when you go to meet a bunch of new people, to start a sport that is new to you and not wanting to feel like a complete idiot!

Firstly regarding people shouldnt have worried, everyone is there to push everyone else on and they is no ego's as far as I can see in the room, when you feel like you want to rest and it isnt time people push you on, if your stance or footwork is lacking it gets corrected and all in a tone that is understanding and patient (Cheers Jo Yates!). Its only my first week but if fitting in is part of peoples worries for getting down to boxing taining then forget it, everyone is in it together, and the way Scott works us we will need to be!

Secondly, feeling like an idiot...you do at first because if you are anything like me you watch boxing on the TV and on Youtube and think that it looks pretty straight forward you are wrong, they don't call it the sweet science for nothing. Keeping your feet going, your arms in the right place, your guard up are all things that feel so unnatural. Yet again, Scott lets you know straight away that you will feel like an idiot sometimes, and that with some skills in particular, hooks and skipping, until you learn them you will feel self conscious. However the big thing here is you are not alone, everyone is in the same boat, and no-one will judge, there will be banter but its friendly and good natured and makes the punishment go more easily.

On a personal note, it was my first session, and first time learning the ropes (excuse the pun) and I feel a bit disappointed that I didnt take to every part of it easily and smoothly, but that is my own unrealistic standards for the first day, and has done nothing to put me off, it just means I need to work harder, put more meaningful hours into the gym, practice technique until it is second nature and watch my diet better so I am not blowing by fight night like I was on Saturday morning. It will be hard and I am ready to take it on, you don't get many chances to do something like this and feel the buzz and highs / lows that a fighter does so I am going to do my utmost to be in the form of my life by the time I step into the ring.

Thanks for the support and feel free to add your comments, support, and more than likely abuse!!

Big Love

The Bear