MurphysLawyer
Orange Belt
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For those of you in the know, how fundamentally do the training methods of the big former Soviet boxing countries (Russia, Ukraine, the assorted 'Stan countries, and to a lesser extent Cuba) differ from the Western/American pedagogy?
I understand there were several factors at work determining their success outside of simple training methodologies- early selection for aptitude, being a professional amateur- but nonetheless the training style of the for Eastern bloc seems to have produced a high number of sound technicians.
The differences I've been able to find are-
1. A far more standardized training schedule for teaching the basics- there was a very certain order in which a novice would be taught certain things. I didn't get my base in a traditional boxing gym, but from what I've seen the American method seems more haphazard.
2. A MUCH higher emphasis on shadowboxing and sparring drills as primary training methods as opposed to the Western emphasis on (my experience) heavy bag, mitt work, and free sparring. Also, shadowboxing is looked at as a time to refine technique and practice certain skills, whereas many american boxers seem to relegate it to use as a warm-up exercise
3. A more thorough scientific dissection of the physical qualities that create successful boxers, and a resulting progress in the choice of conditioning exercises. The traditional prescription for conditioning in the West seems to be endless situps, pushups, and roadwork, with a little neck work and some pullups thrown in and maybe a medicine ball every now and then if the coach is feeling froggy.
Have I missed anything, or does anyone have anything to add to this? I hope so
I understand there were several factors at work determining their success outside of simple training methodologies- early selection for aptitude, being a professional amateur- but nonetheless the training style of the for Eastern bloc seems to have produced a high number of sound technicians.
The differences I've been able to find are-
1. A far more standardized training schedule for teaching the basics- there was a very certain order in which a novice would be taught certain things. I didn't get my base in a traditional boxing gym, but from what I've seen the American method seems more haphazard.
2. A MUCH higher emphasis on shadowboxing and sparring drills as primary training methods as opposed to the Western emphasis on (my experience) heavy bag, mitt work, and free sparring. Also, shadowboxing is looked at as a time to refine technique and practice certain skills, whereas many american boxers seem to relegate it to use as a warm-up exercise
3. A more thorough scientific dissection of the physical qualities that create successful boxers, and a resulting progress in the choice of conditioning exercises. The traditional prescription for conditioning in the West seems to be endless situps, pushups, and roadwork, with a little neck work and some pullups thrown in and maybe a medicine ball every now and then if the coach is feeling froggy.
Have I missed anything, or does anyone have anything to add to this? I hope so
