About Cityboxer
Welcome to Cityboxer at the legendary Ring boxing club
“Cityboxer is, in my opinion, one of the very best training systems anywhere in the world”. So says professional boxing coach and celebrity personal trainer Mark Burford (aka The Burf), creator of Cityboxer.com. And it's not a hollow boast. Cityboxer has grown from a single gym into a complete lifestyle brand, it's headquarters being the legendary and historic Ring Boxing club in Southwark.
Burf continues “Cityboxer members are part of our club and are given the kind of support and training the major chains can't compete with, and facilities and expertise smaller clubs can't provide. Our philosophy is one of friendly professionalism, not empty ego nor transient backpacker gym staff. There are two very good reasons why you get to wear a Cityboxer trainer's shirt. The first is that you have to be an exceptional trainer and the second is that you understand that the client is paying for, and expects, a great experience with boxing. “
So what makes a Cityboxer trainer and the Cityboxer experience? Burf cites a number of things. “Firstly it's the club; we like our members to interact with each other and not insulate themselves. I was born and brought up in Blackfriars, I've boxed, trained and coached at the Ring since I was 13 (Burf is 41) and I like people to get from it what I always got; a great sense of belonging and fun. Secondly, and very importantly, simply being able to hold some pads up isn't enough for me. I make sure my trainers have a very good understanding of physiology and training systems. There are far too many 'supposed' coaches who are absolutely winging it when it comes to prescribing progressive and specific training systems” Burf shakes his head “That simply won't fly inside Cityboxer”.
Another very important aspect of Cityboxer is the spectrum of services offered. From completely non-contact boxing training all the way to supervised sparring with a coach or fellow club member. Cityboxer has even developed both a 'non contact' and 'contact' grading system... You could be the pound for pound champ and never lace on a sparring glove. Again it comes down to having a great time boxing and you, our club member, pushing the buttons on how far you take the experience.
Last word goes to Burf who says 'I developed Cityboxer for one reason and one reason only, which is to get more people involved in this sport and training system irrespective of their age, sex or physical condition. I have absolute respect for anyone who walks through that gym door for one very simple reason... you can play football and you can play rugby.... but you can't play boxing!
