Local amateur boxers say they learnt a lot from a training session run by visiting German coaches at the Joza Indoor Sports Centre recently.
Local amateur boxers say they learnt a lot from a training session run by visiting German coaches at the Joza Indoor Sports Centre recently.
Makana Boxing Organisation secretary Mfuzo Dyira said they learnt some 'solid' defence techiques from the training, as they were taught to use the shoulder to protect the chin when they attack. "Local boxers use old methods of fighting. We don't protect our chins when we throw punches," he added.
The Germans are on a two-week visit in the Eastern Cape where they are giving free training sessions to boxing clubs. They have held sessions in the Transkei, East London and Grahamstown.
After leaving Grahamstown, they planned to train boxing clubs in Port Elizabeth. Grahamstown professional boxer Mtwekhaya Makhomba said South African boxers spend three to four hours training while German boxers train for only one hour.
"We should consider the fact that learning from other boxers is the best way to get to championships," he said.
German boxer Elena Walendzik said they give the local boxers and coaches technical training. "We can see that South African boxers are always going towards their opponents during matches, so we try to teach them side-steps and flexibility to keep their energy in their fists and balance with their feet," she added.
German coach David Hoppstock said they also learnt a few things from the Eastern Cape boxers, who he says have confidence in themselves. "We didn't suffer when training with them," Hoppstock said. "We just trained them on movements, how to throw punches and calculate the weakness of your opponent."
However, Thabang Hlaleli from the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture said there is no need for amateurs to continue fighting using the styles of professional boxers. "We have to keep amateurs as amateurs," he added.
