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Although the American Academy of Pediatrics opposes boxing for children due to risk of injury, it is arguable that boxing teaches children self-discipline. It gives them confidence and a self esteem boost, along with providing self-defense techniques. After scouring the Internet and flipping through the phone book it's time to turn to local resources to find boxing classes geared towards children.
Boxing is divided into weight classes. This prevents a lean 105-pound boxer from fighting a large 200-pound boxer. It is a way of evening out the playing field and properly matching boxers. Good matching results in a more challenging boxing match that will be more entertaining to watch. There are nine categories of weight classes in boxing.
Boxers are divided into weight classes to ensure the two fighters are evenly matched physically. Heavyweights are typically slower than smaller fighters, but have more powerful punches. Lightweight fighters may not have as much power but are typically much quicker than larger fighters. The organization that sanctions the fight also sanctions the weight divisions. The names may be different, but the key differences among the various weight divisions relate to whether the boxer is male or female and professional or amateur.
Personal fitness is an important aspect of healthy living, and maintaining a workout regimen will ensure that you stay in shape. Boxing is a high-endurance activity, it teaches self-defense, and it keeps you in tip-top physical condition. Signing up for boxing classes or lessons will enhance your fitness and teach you self-defense. Check with your doctor prior to engaging in any rigorous exercise.
The Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) has members from state commissions throughout the United States and Canada and is a regulatory commission for combative sports, including boxing. ABC's regulatory guidelines lay out the rules for boxing matches, including weight classes. Boxers fight with others within their weight class. Within ABC guidelines, weight classes apply to both male and female boxers.
Finding boxing classes for children is simple. However, it requires several steps to makes sure that your child is safe and in a productive learning environment. It takes a different mentality to teach boxing to children than it does adults, so you want to make sure they will learn the proper techniques. Also, beware of the dangers of boxing (See first reference below). For safety reasons, it is also a good idea to look up a trainer's name on a background check or ask other parents who use him or her.