arthursze

I wrestled in high school and had been taking jujitsu classes for the past year, until I moved. Now, I find myself less than half a mile from a boxing gym. I wanted to know what you striking guys think about the transfer of a traditional boxing class to both mma (something I might get into after some boxing experience) and self-defense. What are the primary considerations I need to keep in mind? The biggest concern I have is the transfer of boxing with big, padded gloves versus mma gloves or naked fists.

Halfraq9

Boxing is definately a good thing to learn with your grappling base, especially for street situations. In terms of transferring to MMA it will help there will be alot to adapt to and somewhat unlearn. For example, we have a golden gloves champ at our gym. He hits f'in hard but can't deal with either getting or receiving kicks, not to mention grappling etc.

Ultimately, it depends on what your goal is. IMO, If you want to learn MMA, go to a MMA gym where you will learn everything (including boxing and other standup). Boxing is good to learn on its own and is a blast to learn.

On a side note, my base was grappling also and it took some time to getting used to hitting others and getting hit.

arthursze

Yeah, I still have a tough time getting hit. My brother is a kickboxer, so we spar whenever we're in the same city. He goes easy on me, but I can't help but flinch at anything coming to my face. I guess it's just something you get over with enough practice... I will make it to an MMA gym eventually, but I'm subletting out this place for 4 months while I finish college, and having a boxing gym in walking distance just seems like the universe giving me a gift.

Halfraq9

Like grappling alot of it is just time in the game. I can't hurt going to the boxing gym. Your "core strength" from grappling will really help your game. Also, just like grappling, keep everything "tight" (elbows in).

Have fun and let us know how it goes..