A common question for beginners in boxing is whether they need to spend a lot of money on gear before stepping into the gym. The simple answer is: no. You don’t need expensive equipment to get started. As a beginner, keeping things simple and affordable is usually the best approach. Must-Have Items: Hand wraps (4-meter length): Essential from day one. They help you learn how to properly protect and support your hands and wrists — one of the most important habits to build early. Boxing boots / gym shoes: Focus on good ankle support and a flat sole for smooth movement and stability. Go for a decent mid-range pair — not the cheapest (which often lack proper support), but nothing overly expensive either. Boxing gloves: Bag gloves — for hitting pads and the heavy bag. Sparring gloves — I highly recommend 16-ounce gloves to better protect both you and your training partner. Important Sparring Protection (Worth Investing In): Once you start sparring, safety becomes a priority: Mouthguard (gum shield): Invest a bit more here. A good, well-fitting mouthguard is really important for protecting your teeth and jaw from the very first sparring sessions. Headguard: Spend a little extra on a quality one that offers good visibility and solid protection against bruises and cuts. Clear sightlines and proper fit make a big difference in both safety and confidence. Final Advice: Don’t overthink or rush into buying top-tier gear right away. Focus first on learning proper technique, building consistency, and getting comfortable in the gym. Once you’ve trained for a few months and begin sparring, add the mouthguard and headguard. Start smart, train hard, and stay safe! 🥊

Working on body shots with Flynn today. Bag work is all about learning to control the bag, not letting the bag control you. Throwing body shots in combination is one of the most underrated skills in boxing and something we're putting a lot of focus on. Flynn has been with me for the last few months and has shown great consistency, a strong work ethic, and a real willingness to learn. After his first interclub, where he faced a much more experienced opponent, he's come back even more determined to develop his skills. Learning at a young age and correcting mistakes early is something I preach all the time. The fundamentals are what will carry you through your entire boxing journey, regardless of your skill level. Master the basics, and everything else becomes easier to build upon.

All that repetition paid off—he’s been drilling the same technique over and over, refining his timing, power, and form. In the fight, it came together perfectly. He landed the shot clean, and it ended up breaking his opponent’s jaw, forcing the stoppage.

Philly Shell (Shoulder Roll Defense): A boxing defensive stance where one shoulder is raised to protect the chin, the lead arm rests low across the torso, and the rear hand guards the face. It is designed to deflect punches, create counterattacking opportunities, and minimize the target area for opponents. If you'd like to learn more and develop this technique, DM me for coaching and training programs.