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Getting Started

Many women and girls come in to boxing for different reasons such as self defence, confidence building, to do something different and learn new skills, to be a World Champion or just simply to be happy and healthy through a physical and dynamic activity.

Getting started in boxing may seem a daunting task and you may be asking questions like "is it just for boys?" or "I won't be any good, will I?" or "where can I go?". Boxing for women and girls in England is on the increase. In 2005 the Amateur Boxing Association of England only had 50 registered female boxers. As of March 2008 we had 508, which goes to show that other women and girls with the same questions as you did manage to start boxing.

The ABAE has produced a guide for women and girls wanting to get started in boxing. You can download it below.

Getting started (MS Word [638.5Kb]. Download time 2 minutes 28 seconds based on a 56k modem. Will open a new browser window.)

Women boxing

Some people start by taking part in fun, recreational boxing in schools or youth settings or through boxing related exercise such as boxercise. This is a great start to see if you like the sport and to gain confidence.

Others go straight into a boxing club and start to box. Boxing gyms are set up to take people from beginners to advanced stage, so don't think you will be the only one there who has never boxed before.

As for the question "Is it just for boys?", well the answer is no. Traditionally boxing has been male dominated, but this is changing. There are many Boxing gyms that provide and cater for women and girls. The National Women's Boxing Development Manager, Rebecca Black is currently establishing a list of female friendly clubs. But in the mean time to get started and join a club ring or e-mail Rebecca directly and she will guide and support you.

Contact: Rebecca Gibson - National Women's Boxing Development Manager
07515333044
Rebecca.gibson@abae.co.uk