Comments Thread For: The Beltline: Do you think boxing should be taught in schools?

[SteveM]

This might sound strange coming from a boxing fan but I see a tendency in society, or in the streets if you like, towards more violence. There are wars going on everywhere. I'd like to see kids taught more oral literacy so they can debate issues more effectively and come out to a peaceful resolution/solution.

[rudy]

Pointless to hard for the Single mothers worried about they woke son getting brused

[BustedKnuckles]

No. Have you spoken with kids nowadays? They 100% thrive off ego and "aura".....they should not be throwing punches at one another because it will just carry out into the hallway.

Kids should be focusing on reading skills since they can barely do that.

I get this, but this is opposition to sports in general, not just boxing. It's not like all high school football players are excellent students.

My oldest son is an A student and varsity wrestler. I wouldve loved the chance for him to learn boxing in a safe and constructive environment.

And anyway, a lot of kids who just arent great students, or maybe not academically sharp can still shine in athletics.

[BustedKnuckles]

This might sound strange coming from a boxing fan but I see a tendency in society, or in the streets if you like, towards more violence. There are wars going on everywhere. I'd like to see kids taught more oral literacy so they can debate issues more effectively and come out to a peaceful resolution/solution.

Schools have debate clubs, right? Thats an option. Boxing should be an option too. Character building should be the chief ingredient for any activity, which is why I hate poor sportsmanship (because it shows a lack of character), but that starts at home, which is a whole other issue.

[Boro]

I get this, but this is opposition to sports in general, not just boxing. It's not like all high school football players are excellent students.

My oldest son is an A student and varsity wrestler. I wouldve loved the chance for him to learn boxing in a safe and constructive environment.

And anyway, a lot of kids who just arent great students, or maybe not academically sharp can still shine in athletics.

The reason they're against sports is because they're against any real expression of masculinity and I can't blame them.

The amount of boys who are coming up without fathers and don't know how to regulate their emotions is dangerous.

Boxing could be a great outlet for them.

Get them working out hard, with calisthenics and the bags and roadwork. Plus some sparring. All leading up to an actual fight as part of their school team.

They won’t have time to be gloomy, depressed, suicidal emos.

The issue is as someone else pointed out and truthfully what I was trying to say but clearly didn't articulate it well enough, is their ego spills out of the gym and into the real world.

[Rbs3rd]

I started out playing peewee football in 6th grade (11 years old). Played all the way up to 9th grade which is about the time i stopped growing. I was 5 foot 3 and 95 lbs, soaking wet. Wrestling had weight divisions (like boxing) so i tried that and got good at it. I was district champ, second place at regionals and also was invited to compete at state championships at 103 lb weight div and 112 in later years. Countless wins, trophies and medals which did wonders for my confidence. Learned a discipline and lessons that i still apply to my life today at 48. Never boxed but its very similar to wrestling in some ways. Theres the weight divisions and the discipline that it takes to cut and make weight. Also, its one on one. BUT IF IT CAN HELP EVEN JUST ONE KID, BOXING ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE ADDED AS AN OPTION FOR SCHOOL SPORTS. ✌

[Rbs3rd]

The reason they're against sports is because they're against any real expression of masculinity and I can't blame them.

The amount of boys who are coming up without fathers and don't know how to regulate their emotions is dangerous.



The issue is as someone else pointed out and truthfully what I was trying to say but clearly didn't articulate it well enough, is their ego spills out of the gym and into the real world.

If you played sports then you know that the benefits by far out weigh the “possibilities” of anything negative.

[BustedKnuckles]

I started out playing peewee football in 6th grade (11 years old). Played all the way up to 9th grade which is about the time i stopped growing. I was 5 foot 3 and 95 lbs, soaking wet. Wrestling had weight divisions (like boxing) so i tried that and got good at it. I was district champ, second place at regionals and also was invited to compete at state championships at 103 lb weight div and 112 in later years. Countless wins, trophies and medals which did wonders for my confidence. Learned a discipline and lessons that i still apply to my life today at 48. Never boxed but its very similar to wrestling in some ways. Theres the weight divisions and the discipline that it takes to cut and make weight. Also, its one on one. BUT IF IT CAN HELP EVEN JUST ONE KID, BOXING ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE ADDED AS AN OPTION FOR SCHOOL SPORTS. ✌

Roger that. Not to be contradictory, but I'd say it wouldn't at all be worth it if it only helped one kid. Nonetheless I think it could help a lot of kids.

I think some people have points here too tho. You and I are from the same generation. Back then, it didn't seem like everybody was trying to be, look like, act like a thug yet. Nowadays its a popular culture to try and play the part of a tough guy, that includes loads of adults, gym bros, and even cops that look and behave like the bad guys they're supposed to be locking up. Teaching kids boxing, kids with too much bravado and no sense, could be a bad recipe.

you could say it might allow them to learn hard work and experience the fruits of that labor, and have a sense of purpose, which many kids don't know. But the ones with no sense can just be better bullies. Look at pro boxers... some act like thugs. Some have good character.

I dont know, but I support the idea.

[lilacp]

I'm what some people here would disparage as woke, but I think boxing would be fine in high school, it's a great way of practicing discipline and respect if you have a wise mentor.

On the one hand, the reality is that children are lagging incredibly when it comes to all kinds of literacy nowadays, and they're becoming ever more individualized. On the other hand,0I do believe in a well-rounded education where even the less athletic can be given to understand and be in community around sports without the bullying that's destroying children, with social media especially. Boxing could play a role in supporting the holistic learning, mind and body combined, where people can support each other in being both better beings and better in community.

[AlexChano]

No, how about we work on kids being able to read, write, talk properly and learn the value of working. Look at our current school system in this country , it's a mess. Graduating from high school / college, with no common sense, protesting like clowns, etc. I'm surprise, no one brought up the idea that maybe one of current boxing organizations (WBC,WBO,IBF, WBA) can operate these programs.