Beginner Boxing - Are You Too Old to Box? 4 Reasons to Get Started 

I was 29 when I decided to enter the ring, everyone told me "too old." 8-0 as an amateur and 3-0 later as a professional, I still believe I could start today at 38. I tell others the same, age is irrelevant. We tend to set these false barrier milestones as we hit different ages. "I'm 30 now, I can't do that....I'm in my 40's that a young mans game.....I just turned 50, are you crazy!" Great words JT Van V, I wish more coaches expressed the same.

I didn't walk into a boxing gym until my early 30s and turned 51 two days ago yet I still train hard three times a week. I would encourage anyone, any age to go along and take up boxing as it's a great sport with great people.. Even at my age I'm still in far better shape than anyone I know outside the boxing gym and I would say that even at 51, there are very few young lads fitter than me. Faster yes.. but fitter, very few. It's also great for the physique., BUT I cant deny that you do get slower with age, and at my age I have noticed that my reactions are a lot slower that the younger guys so heavy sparring is out the window for this grandad. So as long as your body/joints will allow.. I say go for it.

Remember This Rocky Marciano started 23 Larry Holmes and Anthony Joshua started 19 Deontay Wilder Started 20's Don't lose hope. Just keep pushing. Go beyond your limits. 🔥🥊

Well I'm 32 and tomorrow it's my first boxing lesson 💪

Just started today... I am 39 years young... ;-)

I'm 56 and love the training required for boxing. I train for fitness and defence in the streets.

All my life I've only "casually" was into boxing, I've seen a few live events owner a few video games and just dipped into it once in a while. I do not like MMA...in 2011 I watched Tyson's Greatest Hits and it has changed my life....and only recently I finally put the leather on. People at my gym watch me hit the bag and I draw a lot of eyes. It just became a natural to me. I've studied a lot of classic boxing and dissected all 61 of Muhammad Ali bouts and all 58 of Mike Tyson...even dipped into Foreman, Shavers, Frazier and even Holmes. I fell in love with Boxing just recently. Thanks for your videos man

1:40 kind of made my spine tingle, I'm 23 years old and have been thinking about getting into boxing but wasn't sure if i was to old or not. Thanks for the motivation.

I am 46 and last year got into boxing for the first time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, as I am quite disappointed sometimes from being the oldest fella in a gym and from sceptical coaches who doesn't want to waste time on guys like me. This is awesome sport and I am glad being part of it.

i started at 42..i have 26 fights 6 years later...there are numerous events in America for Masters Boxers..thank you JT Van V..i will keep fighting until the doc wont sign my book.. dale belcher

Manny Pacquiao: If you train hard the fight is easy

Really good video! I'm 56 years old and has been boxing now for about one year. You gave some good reasons for the sport here and you understand the "older men" like me who saw Ali / Foremann. Very inspiring!

I started last year, at 34. I'd recommend it to anyone, regardless of age. Great videos, by the way. Very helpful.

I did my first white collar boxing even as a result of watching this video. I am 43 and have my second fight in November. Thank you.

I'm 45 and train 6 days a week, I feel fitter than when I trained in my 20's! great video from the Legend JT VAN V!

I just turned 31 and I am not wasting any more time! Thank you for this!

Im gonna do it. Im 25, but im going for it! THANK YOU

Well said, boss. I started boxing at 36. I was fat with man boob, and big butt. I don't have any confident in myself. Nobody take me seriously in the beginning. After a year I dropped 30 lbs. I changed to a well build guy with six packs, beautiful body and I have self confident. I change the way I dress as well. I look sharp in my outfit. Face also changed. Now my coach wants me to do a competition. He really likes the way I fight. Boxing is the best thing that happened to me. It changed my body and mind. I meet a lot of great people. A lot of stories to tell. I feel like my life started when I start my boxing. By the way, I love your technic I use it in my sparing it does work. I'm lucky to know your channel boss.

I'm 53 years old and you said everything I wanted hear, I'm deployed overseas and I'm hitting gym, doing some boxing training at my own pace, and it feels great. I like your style of teaching.

Thanks for the video. I completely agree. I'm 46 and I started six months ago- the itch, not to beat guys up but to learn how to box. I had some apprehension when I started sparring, and the biggest problem was not the advanced guys as they knew my level and we worked appropriately. The other beginners thought it was time to load up and knock me into tomorrow. A good coach will catch this and stop it. After this it has been rewarding and a lot of fun.

At 52, I decided to take up boxing and I never followed it all that much but always wanted to learn. About 4 months ago I started and I absolutely love it. I've always been in decent shape, with no serious use injuries, before I started and it really has been a great experience so far. The training is brutal, yes, but I'm always happy afterwards at what I've accomplished. It's never too late to start.

I'm 43 and did my 1st session last week. Amazing fun and ached in places I didn't even know I had.

I'm 63 and just started. Had my second lesson yesterday and I love it. I feel sore ;) but very invigorated. what a great stress reliever and way to help me get back in shape. Also the people at my boxing club are so sweet.. they really made me feel included regardless of my age.

Fuck that shit I'm 71 and I'm going for it

32 years of age!! I found a personal coach and im hooked!! I want to have my first amature fight late next year. Never even watched a boxing match prior to my first training! XD Im just looking for any common pitfalls for anyone starting my age.

Good gyms wont throw you into the ring until you are ready as well, if you go somewhere and they throw you in from the off, run away. Youll enjoy first lots of pad work, bag work etc and if your trainer feels you can defend yourself then youll go against someone of the same skill level

I'm 39 and just started. I took 4 lessons up to this point. Every lesson is 2 hours long. The first hour is athletic preparation, the second hour is technical lesson. I take 3 lessons a week. It's physically demanding, but I'm doing well. I used to go jogging 2 times a week in the last 2 years and I quit smoking 6 years ago. Of course I didn't spar yet and I don't know when the trainer is gonna ask me to do it, but I see the other guys sparring and it seems safe after all. They all are good guys with no intentions of hurting each other. To me it's like a dream came true... I always wanted to practice boxing, I wish I had started earlier.

Wao!! You just described me. Thats exactly how I feel and always felt. Im 46 and started a week ago (December 2023) to learn boxing. Wishing to participate in the Masters Tournament in 2024. Thanks for this video ❤💪🏼🥊

He speaks the truth, I am 30, just started. Finding it really enjoyable and so much satisfaction from how far I have pushed myself. This sport does wonders for you if you put the time and effort in to it. Anybody who's undecided should find a local amateur boxing club, head down for a session and have a go.

You are never too old. Even old guys with training can knock someone out. I remember the Atlanta boxing trainer, Asa Gordon (a real Southern gentleman) telling me a story years ago how he was in a bar and had to knock someone out who kept hassling him. And he was in his late 60s at the time. So much of what we used to associate with age is just a state of mind.

boxing training is the biggest physical and mental challenge for me but it has the greatest rewards. love it.

Yo i appreciate the video. Im 27 yrs old n bcuz of my personal life i never had time, chance or opportunity to get into boxing. This video has motivated me to just go for it and see what happens

I am 45, 187cm tall and 120kg and have been a bodybuilder for over 10 years -- I started boxing/sparring with a friend in my neighborhood 3 months ago -- he is 65 and has been boxing 50 years and is teaching me (often kicking my ass ) -- we have a great time a lot of fun and many laughs and the fitness workout is much harder than any cardio workout I have done -- I enjoy it immensely

Mid fifties guy here; scarily accurate description of me! Intelligent, helpful and generous instruction, like having a good coach talking directly to you. Thanks for the effort and thought you put into these videos.

I’m almost 52, and glad that I started few months ago. I do it to feel better and learn something new. I will never fight, of course, but I don’t care. Ciao from Italy!

I am over 50,and learning the peek a boo style from my teacher,I love it,and I am in much better shape for learning to box at my age now.

I'm 42 started boxing last summer and loved it.Just like others who have posted boxing Inspired me like only bouldering did in my 20's. I still have lifting goals but boxing got me into decent shape, 40 lbs lost since last winter. When i started sparring I told myself I'd give myself 3 times to spar. I knew the first time I wouldn't be scared but I'd probably get shaken (there's something about getting punched in the eye the very fist time-ha). Second time I knew I'd be scared and would have to push through it. The third time I could tell if this was something I wanted to do... Simple fact is only way to improve your fighting is by fighting others. I now have sparred a dozen time up to 4 full rounds. My coach takes real good care of me and knows that I'm no pro nor want to be an amateur. Not sparring too much now and will start getting back into it in the spring and perhaps to expand my list of sparring-partners. I know I'm never going to be great and probably never going to be good but I will try to improve. I've learned so much from your channel and Other You-tubers (I.E. Ummah Fight Camp). So thank you for the inspiration and the sharing of your knowledge.

At 56 I recently started to include the speed bag in my fitness regimen just to add a little variety. Today I'm going to work the heavy bag for the first time. Your videos are helpful and motivating. Who knows where this might lead. Thanks again, Camo

Joined a boxing gym just under a year ago at 55...And I'm now 10 kg lighter than when I was into triathlon...I won't lie the technical side I struggle with but it's a very rewarding struggle..Thanks for sharing your views 👍

27 getting back in shape, Losing weight. Gana do it, another thing off my bucket list. No regrets! Great channel !!!

Dear Jason: I am 54 and just started my boxing about 4 months ago. I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, high cholesterol and marginal blood pressure. I happened to choose UFC Gym simply because it was close to where I live, and I was desperate. I spent last 3 months in the gym, focusing on aerobic nature of the exercise, while losing about 10 pounds at the same time. Upon rechecking with my doctor, all the numbers were going down in half, such as diabetic markers and cholesterols. I am no way quitting this and even thinking about learning it more professionally. Your videos are certainly helpful and I am going through everyone of them many, many times. I strongly recommend boxing to anyone with potential health problems and believe you should add this as one of the great reasons to start boxing.

I'm 20 and just recently had the urge to pick up boxing thanks for all the quality content!

Boxing keeps me in shape its, good conditioning. And self-defense.

i feel better now after your video... ;-) I am now 46 and I started 1 year ago with boxing...and yes....I lost weight...condition is much better...and I love the combat..was not easy for me when I stopped Rugby and Football...because I missed the combat....and now I feel much better...nice vid...!!!

great vid. I walked in my first gym at 35, now 41. No aspirations to be world champ or anything, but I have learned a ton, and still going:)

Gotta respect this guys philosophy on learning a combative skill. I'm mainly into Thai Boxing and JJ but I like this guys outlook on combat and life in general. Great vid man.

I make my living teaching that the college level. This guy is very good at teaching. He's very specific, very concrete but accessible. You get the sense he's good at making a connection with people regardless of the level they train at. Great series. At 53 I recently started boxing. Have some muay thai and karate experience, loving this.

I’m that guy you described in the beginning. 52yrs old. Loved watching boxing as a kid. My father and one of my uncles boxed. They always gave me pointers, but I never seriously boxed. I feel I had an aptitude for it but never pursued it. Lately my interest has resurged.

I think people worry a lot about injuries and brain damage in boxing. I know a guy who has two little kids, he likes cycling and the other day he had an accident on a competition, almost broke his neck. What I mean is life is tough, shit happens, you can't put yourself inside a bubble because there is certain risk in things you do.

Great video and also great channel. I'm 35 and started boxing 3 months ago with no former training in any combat sport and basically no sports at all for the last 15 years. My only goal was to get in shape and have fun doing so. And that's exactly what I found with boxing. I can second every point you made from my personal experience of the last 3 months. And although I'm feeling stiff and slow compared to the younger guys and my ribs still hurt 4 days after the latest sparring, I'm still motivated like I've never been before for any sport. Keep up the good work, your channel is absolutely fabulous for a beginner who trains in a group and doesn't get 100% coach attention all the time :-)

You have inspired me,i'm 52,listened to all the big fights as a kid with my Dad,loved the game all my life,i've ordered my gloves and intend to start sparring,it is never too late,thank you so much in advance of a new exciting chapter in my life,a small dream fulfilled

I'm 34 and just started getting into boxing this year , I try and get onto the heavy bag at my local gym whenever its available, I'm glad I found your channel as I have been making the beginner mistake of hitting the bag too sideways on , thanks to you I will try and chop the front off the bag with my hooks , your videos are brilliant and very motivational 👍

4:05 "Boxing almost comes natural to a lot of people." That's because it's the purest form of competition in humans. That's how we use the animal abilities we have with our brain to smooth a brawl into boxing. I like your videos. I've never trained but take cardio boxing classes for fun. Wish I could box!

I got the itch man I WANNA COMPETE!!!! lol

I was a great athlete in my younger days, and have won a lot of prices in different kinds of sports. Somehow i lost my drive and started drinking and smoking in my later teens and continuied to do so for over 10 years. In my early 30's i developed a chronicle disease which made me had to change my life around, otherwise i would be fucked for the rest of my life. I dropped 50 pounds with fitness, stopped my old habbits and i'm starting to box in August, because i believe i still got something left in the tank. I always loved the sport, so i can't wait. Thanks for all the great video's, they mean a lot to me, and i'm sure to many other people!

I started kickboxing aged 41. Fitness has improved a lot because of it. Age is nothing! Just do your best

I think this video was very important J! U didn't put people down like o these are the reasons u shouldn't. Anyone can box but to be good is a different story. I started at 22 and people said including the coach I started with said I was too old. I'm 25 now with 26 amateur fights and 4 losses and 7 KOs. I first started I had something to prove because again I was told I was too old, showed I could take a massive hit and smile, showed I was willing to work and dedicate myself everyday to it for a couple years, sparred the best around accomplished fighters younger with more experience with titles and what not and I became what I would say a good amateur. If u have that will to work in the gym and show up everyday and not let a hurt nose or whatever stop u than u can do it. A 50 year old that wants to learn can do it. I was not put in with people going at my level I was beat up but no lie have never been off my feet and my coach took the time to really start to work with me. Most coaches see so many guys come and go with the same dream but maybe 1 out of 10 are their to stay no matter what. I didn't want to be good I wanted to be great! I have a good job and make good money out of college but I had the itch and that's exactly what it is. Thanks JT you've shown me a lot through the years and have helped, me personally a lot.

Im 23 and I needed to see this today, thank you. Subscribed.

I will be 67 in a few weeks and recently got back to working out boxing I boxed when I was in my early 20’s. The movie Rocky got me into it. I do it because it’s fun great exercise and never boring like at least to me running or serious weight lifting is. I use to do an hour on the speed bag 10 3 minute rounds with a minute break on the heavy bag. Some double end work calisthenics and then run about 4 miles. I know I probably won’t be at that level again but it will definitely keep me well in shape at my age. I’m saying all these for you seniors who say you can’t do it. Yes you can!!! Love your videos and thank you!

I'm 51 and boxed in Primary school in the 70's during the hey day you spoke about. Even Karate was relatively new on the scene in Australia at the time. Boxing and Wrestling were it. Never got to progress because we moved around a lot and then life happened. Thanks for this video, I'm glad I found it. Feels like you were talking directly to me through the time capsule of You Tube. Got the itch, need to scratch it.

He truly seems to know his stuff. Boxing will get your legs in very good shape

I just turned 50. I started a boxing regiment. no fights just the workouts. I feel like a beast. love ur vids.

I'm still boxing in my 56th year. My dad and some friends thought me the fundamentals when I was 11 years old. Unfortunately i lost my eyesight in my right eye and 80% of my earing due to injuries. I still hit the bags, the pads and spar lightly with partners (usually people I coach) that are aware they cannot hit my in the head (as the impacts might cause to loose my eyesight completely). I train every day and is still the best thing ever. It is a great press release valve and is awesome for fitness. So even if you just train like a boxer without boxing, you will get yourself in the best shape of your life.

I agree with you. I am 67 years old. I did boxing at 18 for two years but was trained in a pro gym when I should have been trained in an amateur ring. I am coming back to get in shape and see what I can do.

I really appreciate this video upload man! I'm 28 years old still wishing I can train to compete in boxing. I'm 100% confident that if I had a gym to train at for boxing I can see myself turning pro at the age 31! Iv'e trained in Martial arts for 11 years but boxing is something I'll like to compete in as well as Muay Thai but for now boxing is something I'm wanting to train in. Much respect to you bro!

Im jus starting and im 30 i been hearing im too old but im passionate and i been havin that itch i needed to hear this

Great video. I'm one of those "heyday" guys (46) who started working out w/ a heavybag in my house a couple of years ago. It's the first workout I've ever really ENJOYED (I can TOLERATE running, but I seldom ENJOY it.) I don't work in the ring, but I've developed upper body strength that I never had even in my 20s. I highly recommend it.

I’m 35 & a disabled Veteran and I just started boxing and I’m having a lot of fun!

Got back into boxing at age 48 to 50 did a bit when I was 13 years old. It was great, I am 51 now and it will be a year in March since i have been in the gym. (My schedule has changed.) That said I was able to spar against some guys in their 30's and 40's who were either at my level or slightly above my level. They had the maturity to understand that sparring is about learning and practicing. I had sparred against some younger guys, and I do not have the same Vo2 as they do, so had to counter punch, unfortunately younger guys do not like to get hit by old men and often then play for keeps. At that point no one is learning. As an older person if you can find a few friends to work with that want to learn and help you learn you are wise and possibly lucky.

I'm a 38, almost 39 year old mom. I've been wanting to learn to box for a while, and this has been no secret in my household. I call myself a "hillbilly homemaker", because I live in the foothills of the Appalachians. My husband and I have 6 children. I've been working hard to get in shape and just be more healthy overall. We do not have a lot of money. I'm buying my punching bag, hopefully within the next week. I've been wanting to learn for a long time. I've watched your videos about what kind of gloves to use, and the two videos on common beginner mistakes. I'm not sure yet if I want to spar with anyone, I guess I need to watch the video on fear of getting hit. I do want to learn, I want to learn proper technique, proper foot work. I will continue to watch your videos.Thank you for posting them. I've searched for boxing classes in my area, closest I can find are about 50 miles away and that's just too far for me to drive. Wish me luck. I was curious though, ..does it matter if a person is right or left handed, I'm right handed, does this mean I will always start with my right hand?

I'm 34, started boxing last year, and got into the best shape of my life. It's been life-changing. I'd recommend it to anyone. And as someone else pointed out here, you don't have to spar - you can get plenty of health benefits just from training. Btw, thank you JT Van V for your excellent videos.

I’m 64 and I train in boxing, not like a 20 year old but I train. I Am also a martial arts instructor. I will live until I die.

I’m 14 years old. I know I’m young and I’m at a ripe age to box but I come back to the video for motivation. Motivation by people triple my age that walk into that gym and feel good about themselves when they walk out the door. I started 3 weeks ago and I didn’t know how to punch correctly. I was so intimidated by the pros in that gym i just wanted to quit and never go back there again. But two days later I went. And fast forward up to present day I’m confident in my beginning skills but also all other aspects in my life. So take it from a 14 year old kid that is still now not even very good at boxing. walk through those doors, and don’t ever walk out. Well only when your class ends 😂. I was never too good at any other sports but I think I’ve found my sport and I’ve been in there for every day of the week.

JT Van V Im 23; I just bought my first pair of boxing gloves today and my first heavy bag. I just wanted you to know that. Thank you so much for your dedication, honesty, and your sincere hope that we learn with every video. -Rodney

I'm 57 boxed when i was a kid fought for FDNY got back into it about 7 years ago and man you are never too old to have a little fun. Thanks for your videos their great.

brilliant video, joined my local boxing club and had my first session yesterday. Just doing it for fitness, I'm 36 years old :)

36 years old and started 4 months ago. You hit it right on the nail, gotta satisfy that itch to fight someone lol!

This channel and fight tips are my fav, this guy u Can tell is a good dude at heart

This video is spot on. I am 56 and started 3 years. I have sparred under the wise tutelage of a young professional in Bristol. Simply the best sport I have ever participated in for physical and mental sharpness. It is mental chess under physical stress. It is the sweet science. I wished I had done it years ago.

69yrs old, 'eternal' boxingsparrer since 17. Since 4 years widower, depressed. Then I restarted boxing after a 25 years' pause. That worked miracles: I enjoy life again! I just LOVE boxing. You are right: box with a sparring partner willing to adapt! Great video, Jason, thanks a lot!

Thanks for this video brotha. I have boxing in my blood my father, grandfather boxed. I was just afraid I was being selfish having kids and all. I was thinking I was taking a unnecessary risk, but I love sparring.

Thank you. Seems like good sound advice to me. I'm 40 and thinking about jumping in.

it's never too late, i'm 43 and started 6 weeks ago..love it!

I'm 34 and just started a month ago. I'm feeling great, definitely learning how to breathe better and getting so much faster. I've been following your videos and they have been very helpful. I would like to meet you in person one day and learn more and you can call out my mistakes.

this guy rocks, knows his stuff, i watch many of his videos even though I kickbox i still pick up great tips, P.S I took it up at the age of 38, age is just a number

i started at 27, loving it. Competing soon. Your videos are great

This was a great video thanks for this, I still train at 57, been boxing since 1994

I have always wanted to get into boxing, that "itch" idea is so accurate... I know if I had stayed in Puerto Rico I would have gotten into it. Right now I am doing Fencing, the footwork is similar to boxing, and I honestly am considering getting into it. I love watching it.. actually wanted to go big when I was a kid. Great video, thank you!

I remember when I was 15 and I was thinking I was abit old but wtf was I thinking I'm 19 now and tbh I'm still young it's never too late it's about dedication and how fast you put your body to fight mode

im 25,started last monday, loved every second of it!

I am 30 yrs old from Dubai & I started to learn boxing one yr ago with an old school boxer from UK. In spite of that I was watching your videos & I can tell you man you teach boxing really good! I became a good amateur boxer after just one year thanks to my coach & to you as well. We all appreciate your videos Jason. I wish I can meet you one day bro. Thank you

Outstanding I am 53 years old and have always admired boxing but as a kid it was not available.You answered a lot of questions. Thanks keep up the good work.

Yeah man I can't lie gotta scratch that itch! This video just confirmed my thoughts about gettin back in it. Thank you sir.

Currently 17, once I get a job I definitely want to start boxing ASAP. I don't want to go pro but just wanna get real good at it and maybe do a couple fights. I plan on joining the Air Force so I hope they have a boxing gym at the bases.

Well said. Im 49, been at it for 3.5 yrs. i get called out by the young guys that don't know me. There is not a better feeling than my jab landing and seeing the look in their eye of " oh sh--" . Love your vids, wish i could train with you.

I had a stroke, it was crazy only 35 and things have changed but it seems the sport I can do. Heavy bag and free weights is keeping me sane due to not being allowed in the gym or pools, I won't take any hits but it's my only hope to stay fit. God blessed I will save my last fight for when it's needed, god bless you fella.

I don't know how I ran into your videos but I love them! Happy I subscribed!

I will be 16 in November and Ive wanted to box since I was 10 years old but I've never tried to do anything with it, but seeing this video and your video on beginner mistakes have made me want to try something with it. Thanks for the "push" I needed haha

i turned 34 last february,been a boxign fan all my life, called a boxing gym today and im going to my first session Monday.they stressed that its zero contact to begin with and for as long as i feel comfortable with.im nervous,but the coach i spoke to told me that the hardest part is walking through the doors.cant wait

Started training in my 30s after years of working out doing other things. Only in my early 40s did I start any light sparring. It's so interesting to learn the techniques and balance, to lose the weight and gain conditioning... to be able to work hard for 45 min and still be doing 30-60 seconds of burpees without quitting at the end of a workout. Freestyling the bag is so much more work than just standing there, as some do, slapping it with repetition for "exercise". Even the first time I slipped a jab sparring and landed a right to the body, or the first time I pulled off a pivot and let my opponent throw past me, creating an awkward angle, it felt so cool. Learning where my guard should be the hard way is interesting too. There's so much technique that I didn't appreciate before training in boxing for the last few years. Now, when I watch a fight on TV, I see it differently. I'm still a beginner while in my 40s and I have no delusions about fighting a guy with 10x my experience or half my age... but when I see people walk in off the street, it feels good to be able to easily see their weaknesses. Some of them are strong, semi-in-shape guys who are or were athletes, but still don't have any technique or punching stamina when they come in. It was humbling to me as well, and it's interesting to try to figure out "where you are" in terms of your own potential and compared to other human beings. I'll never be the best, even if I'd started at 10, I don't know that I have those genetics (and I can't go back anyway)... but I can be a pretty dangerous version of myself if need be. It feels good to work with a newer guy in the gym who might be younger, taller, heavier, stronger, but see what they're doing and feel confident that I could spar them and likely do just fine (without getting careless or cocky). The fitness level I've gained from training for fighting is more than I've ever had, and my health numbers and heartrate are impressive... but you always see guys, like those who are training for amateur fights seriously, who humble you. There's always someone better, but there will be many who are far worse if you put in the work.