Blog: Why I Joined UoB Boxing

I’m Alex, a third year English and Creative Writing Student. When I started at UoB, I knew I wanted to stay active, meet new people, and continue boxing. Joining the University of Birmingham’s Boxing club seemed like the obvious choice, but I’m shocked time and time again at how good of a decision it turned out to be.

What started as a way to keep fit became something much bigger to me—giving connections to a whole new group of people, an opportunity for competition, and a structured way to improve both physically and mentally

Making friends

One of the biggest challenges of university is making friends outside of your course. While lectures and seminars offer some opportunities, as someone with a quieter temperament I found that I rarely had conversations that were more than “how are you enjoying your course?”

Sports societies and clubs, and really any societies, throw you straight into a group of people who already share a common interest. This might sound intimidating, but honestly, it’s not – especially as a fresher (new student), as most of the people you meet will be other freshers.

At first, I was just showing up to UoB Boxing Club for the sessions, trying to get a feel for things. I’d been boxing for a decent amount of time before, so at first I felt I was too advanced for the basic drills and technique they were teaching. But as time went on, the shared experience of training ended up creating relationships in a way I hadn’t expected. The friendships formed through boxing aren’t just surface level; they’re built on mutual respect and trust. This definitely translates into spaces outside of boxing – socials, sports nights, even just chancing across another boxer on campus are all times I’ve been glad I joined up.

Competition

I’ve always believed that competition is one of the best ways to grow. It forces you to step outside your comfort zone, test your limits, and develop resilience. There’s something about the mental and physical challenge of stepping into a ring that teaches you about yourself – if you want to grow and learn bravery, competing is the way to do it.

Just recently, I fought in BUCS, the university championships this year. Three days of weighing in, preparing, fighting and then recovering were tough, but so rewarding in the end.

Preparing for competition adds an extra layer of discipline. Training isn’t just about getting a good workout anymore—it’s about refining technique, sharpening reactions, and building endurance – you don’t want to find out your cardio is poor when you’re fighting. Every session has a purpose, and that sense of progression is what keeps me coming back time and time again.

There’s also a unique mental game to boxing. It’s not just about who’s stronger or faster; it’s about composure, reading your opponent, and making split-second decisions. The first time I sparred, I realized how much more there was to the sport than just throwing punches. It’s a game of strategy more than anything.

Fitness and Discipline

Even if I had never stepped into the ring for competition, the fitness benefits alone would’ve been worth it. Boxing is one of the most intense full-body workouts you can do. The mix of cardio, strength, and endurance training means you’re constantly pushing your limits. I’ve never felt fitter, faster, or stronger than I have since I’ve joined UoB Boxing.

Beyond the physical benefits, boxing has given a huge boost to my mental health. It gives you confidence, improves your mental clarity, and teaches you to face fear – It’s an environment that teaches you to be brave. And yes, there’s something therapeutic about hitting things!

Boxing demands discipline. It’s not just about showing up to sessions; it’s about being tired and still managing one more rep, it’s about not quitting when things get hard. It gently builds in you a foundation of mental toughness that you can draw upon when you need it. That mindset has bled into other areas of my life, helping me stay on top of my studies, manage my time better, and develop a stronger work ethic overall, something I struggled with for a long time throughout my A Levels.

In a word

Joining UoB Boxing Club has been more than just an athletic decision—it’s been a transformative experience. It’s given me a new pool of hundreds of people, the thrill of competition, and a way to stay physically and mentally strong. Whether you’re looking to get fit, test yourself in the ring, or just meet new people, I can’t recommend it enough. And just to reiterate, you do NOT have to have any previous boxing knowledge or experience – most people who join have never been in a ring before.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the University of Birmingham Boxing Club, follow their Instagram page for the latest news.