Boxing Gym Etiquette Basics

Everyone wants to be part of a tribe and be accepted, but we’ve all seen people at the gym that either look like they’re trying too hard or act like standoffish assholes. We all need good training partners. In this guide, I aim to cover boxing gym etiquette so you’ll make sure you’re one of the good ones.

Don’t Walk in and Think You Know Everything

Nobody likes an arrogant prick walking through the door thinking they’re the shit. Boxing gyms have a very unique ecosystem. Unlike other places like work, the average fitness gym or the nightclub, fighting in a boxing gym is allowed (and encouraged!). This means that if you come off as a total asshole, people are probably going to say something about it and you’ll be challenged.

In a boxing gym, you’re 100% responsible for your actions, attitude and words. Don’t forget, there could be violent consequences for acting a fool. Remember you signed a waiver to join! 😉

Be Respectful

This means a lot of different things. Take care of your environment and clean up after yourself. You’re not at home, so don’t leave your shit everywhere. This includes leaving food wrappers lying around, spilling drinks, or leaving your dirty laundry in a pile for everyone to walk by.

Additionally, don’t come in smelling like complete garbage because you didn’t shower, put deodorant on or didn’t wash your handwraps. Have some respect for the people around you. Hygiene is taken very seriously in any sort of fight gym and no one wants to train with the smelly kid.

When training with partners, don’t try to prove anything. You’re there to learn and train, not to show off. Don’t hit your partners excessively hard. Make sure you show respect for your partners as well as your coaches. This is true for everyone, but especially applies if you’re new.

As a new guy, you’re going to want to keep your mouth shut and your head down. I really urge you to be extra polite. No one knows who you are and respect must be earned in a fight gym. If you’re told to pick up equipment or move out of the way, you better hustle and do what you’re told.

Don’t Fuck Where You Fight

This is a HUGE part of boxing gym etiquette, and also hard for me to say. If you’re in a general population style gym, you might occasionally be surrounded by hot women. Don’t try to go after them. Your motivation should be to get better at fighting, not to meet your future wife or to get involved and cause drama. Most chicks at fight gyms don’t want to be bothered by men either. Don’t be the creepy gym guy – I promise they’ll like you more if you ignore them. 

I hope you joined the gym for the right reasons, not just to meet women. If you do happen to get involved with a woman, keep your drama out of the gym.

Make Sure You’re Working Hard

If you’re going to go to the gym, make sure you’re working. Don’t walk around and be a distraction to other people or just come to hang out. Come to train with a purpose, and put 100% of your effort in to each training session. No one said learning to box was going to be easy so when you’re training, do the work.

It doesn’t matter how shit you feel that day, if you’re told to do something, you do it. If you have an injury, be a man about it and tell the coach but otherwise there’s no excuse.

Don’t Complain and Don’t Whine

No one cares. Seriously. Everyone’s going through the same struggles as you and no one likes a whiny bitch. Also, there are girls there. Are you really going to whine in front of girls? The men won’t respect you and the women definitely won’t either.

This includes complaining about the type of work you’re doing, the suffering you’re feeling, and any types of noises that may result. No grunting, over-exhaling when punching or being over-dramatic.

Show Up and Be On Time

Gyms function based on body count. If you’re late or missing, you usually throw off the head coach’s count and someone won’t have a partner. Don’t be the annoying guy that everyone has to wait around for and cater to.

Also, a lot of respect is earned by simply showing up consistently and being on time. Show people that you’re dependable and hard-working.

If you are running late, be considerate and don’t make a noisy entrance.

Don’t Ask For Individual Attention

Never ask a head coach for special attention just because you’re a member. Coaches are always keeping a watchful eye out and looking to see who might need or deserve some additional pointers. Don’t think that just because you pay tuition, you’re entitled to individual attention or special treatment from the coaches.

The number one currency in a fight gym is sweat equity. If you’re working hard, coaches will always notice. 

Chip in Everywhere You Can

That means volunteering, chipping in on cleaning, and if you are able, donating money. Fight gyms usually have very minimal profit margins. Never ask for freebies and always try to support the gym however you can.

Sometimes gyms will run fund-raising events. Always participate as much as your schedule allows.

Keep Your Clothes On

Most gyms have a “clothes on” policy. Don’t walk around flaunting your body, even though you might be in shape. Not only can it be distracting, but it can turn into a hygiene issue as well when people start sweating.

If you happen to be a woman reading this, I urge you not to wear skimpy clothing to the gym. Think about it – you’re walking into the lion’s den of testosterone. You don’t need to be a distraction for people trying to train, work out and learn. Don’t be that girl begging for attention.

Boxing Gym Etiquette While Sparring/Making Contact

When you’re at a boxing gym, there will be times during your training when you have to make contact with another person. The two common exercises involving a partner are drilling and sparring.

Drilling

I’ll keep this as plain as I can possibly put it – don’t be an asshole. Don’t be a bully, don’t hit people super hard on purpose, don’t try to catch your opponent when they’re off-guard.

The goal of drilling is to work with your partner, not fight your partner. Communication is key here. If you want to increase intensity, make sure both parties are aware of what’s happening.

Sparring

The statement “don’t be an asshole” applies even more to sparring. Remember to have respect for your partner and communicate regarding intensity.

I’ll warn you though, if it’s your first time sparring at a particular gym, you might need to go through some form of initiation. What I mean by this is the only way you join the gang is by being jumped in. In this situation, winning means you must lose. If you beat the guy up, no one likes you. If you take your beating like a man, you gain respect and acceptance. The point of this exercise is to lose your ego.

Respect and Value

Boxing ultimately revolves around respect, hard work and bringing value. It’s very difficult to dislike anyone who consistently brings those three things to the gym in every training session. Everything I’ve mentioned above really just boils down to these points.

Budo Boxing is a Great Resource For New Boxers

Budo Boxing – The Way of Boxing is a great resource for new and experienced boxers alike. Check it out if you’re looking to improve your boxing game.

I Want to Learn More

If you enjoy this blog, have any questions or suggestions for future posts, please don’t hesitate to contact me at budoboxing@gmail.com.