At CityBoxer.com we take pride in ensuring that the highest standards of training, equipment and observation are maintained. We have a great appreciation of the service we provide. We also appreciate that prospective clients will have a variety of questions they may wish to ask before commencing with training. Here are a few regularly asked questions:

Q. Do I have to fight to become a member?
A. No. We appreciate that some clients will purely want to gain the skill sets and attain the massive physical benefits that 'boxing training' can provide. You will NEVER be pressured into sparring. The decision as to how far you want to take your boxing is completely up to you.

Q. What happens if I do want to spar?
A. If you decide you would like to spar, your trainer will assess your present technique and level of fitness. If he feels that you are ready, he will notify the head coach and arrange a time with you. You will always spar an Elite level trainer on your first spar. This will ensure that you are in with a boxer who will be in total control of the situation.

Q. What do I do on my first spar?
A. A first spar is always a thrilling and exhilerating experience. Before you commence, your trainer will check that you are comfortable with your protective equipment and that you are aware of the protocols. He will then give you some instruction on what he wants to see you attempt during the spar. When you are both satisfied, sparring will commence.

Q. If I spar, can I get hurt?
A. Injuries of a serious nature or otherwise are very rare in boxing (much less than rugby, soccer etc). However, it would be ridiculous to suggest that it is impossible to pick up an injury. At CityBoxer.com we take great care to ensure that our clients are brought along slowly and safely, so that their fitness, confidence and ability will grow in tandem.

Q. During the spar, what will my trainer do?
A. Knock your block off! Only joking. Your trainer will fundamentally 'move around' you, making sure you are keeping your body shapes tight and ad hearing to the fundamentals. Your Elite level trainer will know what's going through your mind before you do. It is your trainers job to make you the best boxer you can be, not prove to you how good he is.

Q. I've never been in a boxing gym, what's the difference from a regular gym?
A. Boxing gyms are electric and vibrant spaces. Bags are being punched, ropes are spinning, speedballs clattering, bells ringing, music pumping, people sparring etc. all in all an exciting vibe. New members are always welcomed to our gym in Southwark, The Ring Boxing Gym (1 minute walk from Southwark tube on the Jubilee line). No one in our gym is ever isolated, you're not allowed to be. The minute you walk through the door, we make sure that your training experience is both fun and rewarding.

If you have any queries, no matter how small, please feel free to mail them to info@cityboxer.com

Don't forget 'Boxing is Athletics for the City, 'Cause We ain 't got much space'.

Mark Burford
Head Trainer