[M.D. Holloway]

Vash,
I was a member of a boxing club in Boston for about 3 years - learned about it through a State Trooper I knew. At the time it cost me $75/month. That included ringtime and some work with a trainer. You'll have to buy your hand wraps (which I strongly suggest) and maybe even a pair of sparing gloves and some speed bag gloves - nothing too expensive. Some guys would wear a cup when they spared - I never did. They supplied the head gear but I had my own. If you do spare get a mouth piece as well (normally required). As for shoes - wrestling shoes will do but some guys wore basketball sneakers or cross trainers.

Best workout of my life 4 days a week! When in the ring, its the longest few minutes of your life! The guys were great, some had a chip but I cured that the first week. One time, some southy was given me lip and trying to impress others. I picked up a 25lb weight and throw it at him then walked towards him with a smile on. He thought I was nutz. Never a problem afterwards!

I did get my ribs cracked by a guy from Jamaca Plains - great guy out of the ring but a freak'n animal inside. He lifted me off the mat with an upper cut and I landed on my back. Knocked the wind out of me. I thought I was gonna die but in 15 minutes it was back to jump'n rope and working the bags.

I would strongly suggest anyone to do it. But like anything else, you have to commit to do it everyday or so otherwise it is a waste. It is really a great time and you get to meet people from all walks of life - the very poor minorities to the very bored rich and everything in between. You learn much about yourself and others and it build confidence and gets you into shape real fast.