Okay, so, I had this wild idea to try boxing in Israel. You know, just for kicks and to see what it’s all about. I mean, I’ve seen the movies, but actually stepping into a ring? That’s a whole different story.
First off, I started looking for a gym. Not just any gym, but one that felt right, you know? I walked into a few places, checked them out. Some were too fancy, some were too… rough. Then I found this one spot, kind of tucked away, not too flashy. It just had this vibe, like, yeah, this is where people come to really learn.
Finding a Coach
Next up, I needed a coach. Someone who wouldn’t just throw me to the wolves, but also someone who wouldn’t baby me. I talked to a couple of trainers, and then I met this guy, Avi. Older dude, seen it all, done it all. He had this way of looking at you, like he could see right through to your potential. I decided, yep, he’s the one.
Getting My Gear
Gear. Oh boy, the gear. I felt like such a newbie. Went to a sports store, got myself some gloves, hand wraps, a mouthguard. I even splurged on some fancy boxing shoes, because why not? Felt like a real boxer just trying them on.
Training
- First day of training, I was all nerves. Avi started me off with the basics. Footwork, jabs, crosses. My arms felt like lead after the first hour.
- But I kept at it. Day after day, I showed up, put in the work. Learned how to move, how to breathe, how to take a hit (yeah, that happened).
- Sparring. That was a whole new level. Stepping into the ring with someone, not just hitting pads. It was scary, it was exciting, it was… real.
Actually Getting in the Ring
After weeks of training, Avi said I was ready for a little amateur match. Just a friendly thing, nothing serious. But man, I was pumped. I trained even harder, visualized every move, every punch.
Fight day. I walked into that ring, heart pounding. The bell rang, and it was on. We danced around, threw punches, blocked, moved. It was a blur, but it was amazing. I didn’t win, but I didn’t care. I had done it. I had stepped into the ring, faced my fear, and given it my all.
Boxing in Israel, it wasn’t just about the sport. It was about the people, the discipline, the respect. It was about pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
