Comradery and Boxing Class

I walked excitedly into the UFC gym, ready to take on my second boxing class. I knew what to expect, well for the most part, so my fear from the first time was replaced with a sense of anticipation.

I purchased my first pair of UFC GYM pink gloves and was rather excited about the statement that they were making. Yes, some may think that purchasing pink gloves is over the top, or pointing out the obvious – it’s a girl! – but for me, that’s okay. I don’t mind standing out or even looking a bit silly. I’d rather own gloves that I like then worry about what pink gloves might “say” about my approach to the class or the sport.

As a woman in a male dominated gym, participating in a male dominated sport (hey, at least historically), one stands out. Might as well be fashionable while doing so.

Also, as a woman, one notices other women and they notice you. As I sat down to ponder how to use my hand wraps, a woman from the prior class offered to help me and so I handed her one of my wraps to demonstrate. I plopped down next to her and, in tandem, we each wrapped one of our hands. I followed her lead, first you loop the wrap through your thumb, then around your wrist a few times, then through each finger, one by one, then around and around until the wrap is at the end.

Wrapping your hands is really kind of a special moment by the way. It is almost intimate because you are forced to take a few moments to focus, center, and protect what’s yours (aka your hands).

After the demonstration, she quickly wrapped my other hand so that I could take the class. It is these moments, strung together over time, that I’m willing to bet form the basis of long term friendships between MMA students, sparring partners, and professional fighters. Perhaps it is this support that keeps students coming back to their gym.

MMA isn’t a “team” sport at first glance. Unlike soccer, volleyball, and other sports, you are out there all by yourself! It is you + your opponent + the octagon (or ring). When push comes to shove, it is up to you to perform. You have to move the right way, strategize on the spot, and take the blows that come your way. You are the one that is sore and maybe even hurt at the end of the day. The fight at hand is yours to overcome.

But you probably have a strong team supporting you, whether it is your sparring partner, your classmates, or representatives from your gym. You may not be able to high five them during a fight (and they can’t get into the octagon to help you out) but perhaps you can hear them shouting for you during the fight. Perhaps something that they said to you weeks ago stuck with you and you remember it at just the right moment. They will likely be there to console you after a loss and to support you if you win. Perhaps they even wrapped your hands before the fight.

As it turns out, I was the only woman in the boxing class – but you know what? That didn’t bother me. I was focused on improving my form, learning the combinations, and stopping the bag from swinging back and forth. The pieces were starting to fall into place. Looks like my well – wrapped hands and pink gloves would fit right in.