James's blog

Alright so. I don't normally write a blog or update a journal or anything. So this is gonna be new to me. Let's see if I can update this periodically.

I recently decided to bite the bullet and start training at a boxing gym. This is something I've been wanting to do for years and years now, so this is pretty exciting. I found a place within walking distance that's cheap and effective, so it all pretty much works out solid. I'm ecstatic!

My coach's name is Vinnie, but he's leaving in a week for another gym closer to his home, so we'll be getting a new one in a few weeks time. He's really, really cool, and I'm kind of nervous that the new one (head coach at a more well-known gym) might not be as easy on beginners? Not that I want people to go easy on me! Just want to make sure his expectations are where they need to be. I'm sure I shouldn't be worried.

My classmates are awesome. I can hardly remember their names, partly because we met when I was sweating buckets, but also partly because my memory is shit for names and faces. Still, the more experienced ones said I'm doing really well for a beginner. They said I move fast and hit hard, which I'm actually kind of proud of.

We worked on parries today, which is kind of difficult when all of my sparring partners (sans one who's like 6'5") are shorter than me. I can just step out of their range. But I need to actually parry to practice for a real bout. I feel like I anticipate more than I react. I have better reaction speed than most, so I think I just need more experience so I don't guess wrong and eat a hook.

I'm loving every bit of this. I had to drop late into some ab exercises, but only because I worked myself to exhaustion. I'm proud of being able to keep up with the folks that have had 2+ years of experience for almost the whole hour. Hopefully I'll be up in fighting shape by March, I'm heading out to Toronto and hope to see some men there.

Gloves up, men. I'm out for blood.