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Should Boxing Be Taught In Schools?

Would you tend to agree that boxing should be taught in schools? - Image Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing

NEW YORK, NY — Believe it or not, boxing was previously taught in schools, majorly in the British state, until it fell off gradually throughout the 1960s. Matter of fact, it was one of the participating sports at Harvard University prior to the college’s decision for discontinuation in 1938. Some may agree that boxing results in injuries, and long-term health-related issues, but others would side with it being the catalyst of protecting yourself from bullying. 

Among many others in the industry, I believe boxing would help millions of children, even adults, to be fearless mentally, physically, and emotionally — if it were one of the many sports that students are able to participate in schools, which can also be practiced outside of it.

Xander Zayas took part in leading a boxing training course this past September – Image Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing

The sport builds extreme menstrual, physical and mental toughness in you from the ground up if training were to be followed consistently. 

And just as much as children, adults face a lot of insecurities in today’s society. Boxing can be viewed as an avenue for both in overcoming those daily challenges and struggles. 

“Reading the Fights: Boxing and American Values”

In 1994, at Vassar College, Frank Bergon, a professor who taught several courses in multidisciplinary programs, and Benjamin G. Kohl, a medieval historian and faculty member of the college, teamed up for an American Culture Program called, “Reading the Fights: Boxing and American Values.” Its recognition has been featured in “The Ring Magazine,” and “The New York Times.” 

Vassar’s first boxing class in 1994. Students post with, from left, trainer Brian Burke, Professor Benjamin G. Kohl, world champion Tracy Patterson, two-time heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson, and Professor Frank Bergon – Image Credit: Vassar College

The program informed readers about sexism, racism, violence, corruption, and masculinity, as well as examining the social history of boxing, from the struggles of immigration status and minorities. Throughout all these decades, the sport truly broke the color barriers and continues to do so.

A Male-Only Sport? 

It’s been evident in the past and to this present day that boys would preferably be the gender who would like to learn the fundamentals of the sport rather than girls. But in my opinion, there’s no such thing as viewing it as “a male-only sport.” It’s everyone’s sport — if one is curious enough with the willingness to go step by step or in other words, brick by brick in learning the sport. Boxing is not just violent, but also fun and enjoyable to learn depending on how you view it… 

Students practice their punch combinations – Image Credit: Vassar College

It could become an obsession where as soon as you put the gloves on, the world is turned off, and it’s just you vs. you. To name a few examples of certain workouts beginners start off with: looking at the mirror to shadowbox, jumping rope, or punching a heavy bag and/or speed bag. These exercises are all ones pointing out — you don’t have to spar or actually fight to enhance your skill set. 

Not to mention, as boxing helps with losing weight, and being fit, it teaches grit, determination, motivation, and discipline to become the greatest version of yourself.

Canelo Álvarez, one of the greatest to ever in the ring, began boxing at an early age and never stopped since – Image Credit: X/@Canelo

Like several reporters, and those who include boxing exercises in their daily workout regimes, I don’t agree that if boxing were to be taught in schools, it would cause the negative effects many believe. 

On one last note, I wonder how parents would feel if/when their children go up to them one day and say, “I want to try boxing,” whether it’s in schools or not. If I was their mother, I’d be shocked but more than supportive because that’s a very rare hobby for kids to seek out and try these days. 

Jaime Munguía giving back to the youth – Image Credit: Top Rank Boxing

Of course, there are a lot of controversies about if boxing should be taught in schools or not — opinions have been flying from all angles online — but it sure does give you a different perspective with no right or wrong answers.

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4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Julio

    January 27, 2025 at 1:49 pm

    Very informative article that many parents should read. Besides self defence boxing like any sports taken seriously helps as u state in so many ways, discipline being one of them.

  2. Elijah Vigo

    January 27, 2025 at 2:11 pm

    Great story! Love boxing and definitely think it should be taught more

  3. Aris Sakellaridis

    January 27, 2025 at 3:26 pm

    Hell yeah I’m with you on this . With gloves on they can’t text. Stop texting and begin flexing!

  4. Julian

    January 27, 2025 at 7:42 pm

    Great piece!

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