Backyard Boxing and Community
During the 1940s and 1950s, many communities in the United States offered programs in recreational boxing. These communities believed that training in the "manly art" instilled in youngsters many of the qualities prized by society as well as providing a supervised outlet for youthful energy. These programs were widespread and encompassed kids from all segments of society, not just the ghetto where boxing has always been one of the few tickets out.
The picture at the left shows supervised recreational boxing instruction in Detroit, Michigan. A recent Detroit News photo essay explained how extensive recreational and amatuer boxing was and how important it was to the social fabric of that great Midwestern city. The "Motor City" was not unique in sponsorship of these activities. Communities large and small hosted these programs.
I have no desire to live in the past, nor do will I wax nostalgically for a society that had its flaws. I was fortunate to have a neighbor that taught all the kids who wanted to learn to box while he was teaching his own sons. (Thank you Mr. Coloso, wherever you may be.) After my introduction to the basics in the basement of his modest home, the coach at the local "Y" continued my apprenticeship. My first "fight" was at the Northside Y. I was 10 or 11. I was as scared as the kid across the ring from me. The coach kept it safe. Afterward, I felt great.
The good news is that these programs have not entirely disappeared from the American landscape. In fact, they seem to undergoing a rebirth as communities discover that these programs can still provide benefits that society prizes. I see evidence of this trend in my home state. More good news, its not just for boys anymore! The programs may be harder to find since they are no longer as common as they once were. If you are looking to get started in recreational boxing and don't know where to start, try Melanie Ley's amateur boxing website.
These young fighters have pretty good form. Their stance is good, but the aggressor makes the novice's mistake of dropping his right when he throws the left jab. The other fighter needs to keep up his right guard. To learn these lessons, they will need a place to train and someone to teach them. They will develop self discipline and physical fitness. Although the boys may not realize it at the time, their coaches will show them that people in a society give of themselves to make where we live a better place. Are the coaches social workers? In a sense they are, although few would describe themselves as such. Like all youth sports volunteers, they very quietly make a difference in the youngsters lives and in the community.
Over twenty years, I taught the basics of boxing to three boys between 12- and 14-years-of-age. Ted, Robert (don't call him "Bob"), and Jordan had little in common except that they were being raised very well by single mothers. The boys sought me out, as if to satisfy some primitive need for the guidance from and approval of an "alpha male." It was classic "backyard boxing," taking place in the garage, the yard, the park, or wherever happened to be convenient. We had a blast. Over time, each of us moved on. Did our brief friendships make a difference? I like to think, that even if for a short time, I and the sport made a difference in each of their lives. I do know, without a doubt, they made a difference in mine.
Please e-mail any comments you may have to me at oldbxr@mailcity.com