>>76386959 (OP)>What are some things I should know? Distance is the most important thing. If you can't reliably tell how far you are from the opponent, you're fucked. For example, I'm extremely shortsighted (though it's getting better - kungfu eye training actually works lol), and while I'm a great fighter with glasses on, I suck without them. Always misjudge distance by ~10cm.
Second big thing is technique. in the beginning, you should follow what you're taught, even if they have you exagerate movements, but if advanced people need any prepatory movements before moving the hand forward, the coach is most likely not that skilled. Also, relaxation is extremely important. Usually, you're taught to make a fist first, but what many people won't tell you, is that the fist only closes for the last ~5cm of the punch. Closing it immediately reduces risk of injury to the fingers, but dramatically lowers your speed and thus power.
>My objective is to compete as an amateur at least once, how long will that take?Depends on your talent and build. Among the people I've taught (not boxing, but similar - not gonna shill here thoug), the best was ready for full-contact competition within six weeks, and the worst still couldn't throw a proper punch after three years. Most average people got good enough between half a year and a year, with the biggest brake being muscles. Especially people who'd done strength training with machines often ahd trouble relaxing their muscles enough, which makes punches extremely slow.
