Boxer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Boxing (Start-Up Sports series)

The first 2 chapters are an introduction to boxing and what equipment you'll need as you go deeper into training.

Chapter 3 through chapter 10 are the fundamentals - from stance (very important) through sparing.

Each function and mechanic of a technique is described very well and great and useful detail is given.

The section regarding wrapping your hands - don't worry too much if you don't get it here. It takes a while to figure out how to wrap. They have dvd's and videos dedicated to just wrapping your hands so don't stress out.

The writing has personality and the teaching isn't preachy or too butch or too vague. It's a nice and easy introduction to the fundamentals. Again - this is a beginners guide and is really for the beginner - NOT exclusively as I got some good detail regarding throwing a hook punch.

Also the pace of the book builds as your skill builds - the order of chapters and tools taught are exactly where they should be.

Chapter 11 is a brief history of boxing which I enjoyed.

Chapter 12 consists of the author's journal entries(a newcomer to boxing)- they are his first 6 months of lesson's with Alan Lachica - who sounds like one very cool guy and one of the best coaches out there for those interested in practicing the Sweet Science.

Great book for the beginner


Exellent instruction   September 3, 2003
Seppo Vesala (Helsinki, - Finland)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I have previously thought that you simply can not learn a new physical skill by just reading a book. After being introduced to Boxer's start-up my opinion has changed. The book is filled with exellent photography to support the text, and you really can learn the techniques from just reading the book!

The book can be divided into three parts. The first part covers about 100 pages, and it is the actual instructional part of the book. It covers everything from the ground up (boxing gear, stance & footwork, the punches, punching combinations, hitting the bag, defense & counters, sparring, and so on). The second part is really just one chapter, and it covers the essential history of boxing, including the greatest fighters. The third part is shortened version of the author's diary, covering his experiences on learning to box. This part is about 35 pages long, and it's a matter of taste if this is too much. On the other hand, you don't learn much from reading this, but on the other hand it is fun to read other beginner's experiences.

In conclusion, I have to say that I was impressed with this book. It's amazing how good an intruction you can get from reading a book. Compared to the instruction I got from my beginner's boxing class, I think I learned more from this book.


great book on the basics   January 2, 2003
Andrew Baye
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is a great book for anyone interested in learning to box, as well as for martial artists interested in more practical striking and footwork.

If you're serious about learning to do it right though, find a qualified trainer. Books are great supplements to qualified instruction, but even well written ones like this can never replace it.