Boxing training at the Armoury offers sanctuary from the tedium and grind of daily life. For two or three intense minutes at a time the bout or sparring session demands total attention and allows no distraction, ‘ouch’ that first punch on the nose is a wake-up call that says ‘switch-on, focus,’ or you could get hurt. Boxing may be a sport but it isn’t a game and whilst the ring may offer spiritual sanctuary it doesn’t offer physical safety. There’s always the actuality of violence, no matter how controlled, and a slight element of danger, in spite of the safety measures. That’s the point, that’s why boxing is such an exhilarating and liberating experience, its primal, like laughing and making love.

We’re not into the Nanny State here at the Armoury and you won’t see any rules posted on the wall, but boxing, practiced properly, is highly disciplined nevertheless and bound by a strong code of behaviour. We are proud adherents of the venerable tradition of the gentleman boxer but rarely, if ever, do we need to reprimand a boxer because respect comes naturally between sparring partners and opponents. That self discipline and sense of fair play is important because when a boxer enters the ring and answers the summons to fight he, or she, ceases to be bound by societal norms and even the usual law of the land. He cannot be charged with assault; he is now a ‘Fighter’ and is expected to trade blows - and to warmly embrace their opponent at the final bell.

Our boxers are trained by great coaches who help them to become very skilled, but the heart – that we can’t give you, that comes from within. Heart doesn’t equal aggression. The intelligent boxer learns that ‘to lose your temper is to lose the fight’ and he expresses himself through his own individualistic style which is honed over time as he progresses from brawler to boxer. For the white collar boxer, expression is a key characteristic of a Fight Night. The ring is their stage and the boxer expresses him or herself through all facets of the Fight Night ritual – the choice of a fighting name, the pose to strike at the weigh-in, selecting a fight song, how to walk from changing room to ring – head up, head bowed, a swagger or a shuffle – how to act on entering the ring - cocky or calm, with a smile or a scowl, a little warm-up dance or with fixed concentration in a boxers stance.

However the first time or novice boxer expresses themselves, you know there’s an element of front to it, of a confidence trick, because their adrenalin is pumping and their anxiety is huge. When they step into that lonely ring, under the bright lights, all eyes on them, coming up to scratch to meet their opponent face on, the boxer is demonstrating incredible courage and conviction. When the bell calls he’ll fight through adversity, he’ll dig deep, draw on unknown reserves, be stripped down and bare his soul to all – a lion or lamb; who knows till you’ve been there? He has envisioned this fight in his mind over many miles of road work and many sleepless nights. And now it’s for real. He dreamt of glory and the adoration of hundreds of cheering ringside supporters but may be humbled in an instant by a single crushing blow; he knowingly takes that risk.



At the Armoury Boxing Club we have a small stable of Professional boxers, a thriving Amateur boxing club and our staple of White Collar boxing for regular girls and guys that want to see if they’ve got what it takes - and who find out that they’re actually quite extraordinary! At our white collar Fight Nights no winner is declared – as far as we’re concerned they’re all winners – but the professionals and amateurs compete for glory and titles in their respective circuits. To the victors go the spoils, the ecstasy and jubilation. For the losers, it’s how they respond to defeat that shows the mettle of the man. To all of our boxers, White Collar, Amateur and Professional, we pay enormous respect. It’s hard earned and for life.