From 2011 to 2014, I trained more than 100 people in Chicago and the suburbs, about 35% women and 65% men. Some of my best technical students were women.
The most common difference between men and women is the response to technique corrections. Where many men ask several questions and challenge well-known best practices before reluctantly following along, women would simply say ok, then correct their form. After about six weeks, on average, their technique was better than their counterparts. Here is why.
1. Most men have prior experience or training
Many men arrive with preconceived notions about how to punch and fight from watching fights, and assume they can mimic what they have seen. Most women arrive without those notions, which makes them easier to teach correctly from the start.
2. Men established bad habits years ago
Practice makes permanent. I trained gentlemen with three or more years of experience whose punches were flawed, and who could not fix the habits no matter what. Women rarely carry those bad habits, so when they’re shown a move, they can usually execute it well without much micromanagement.
3. Coachability is key
Most women are more coachable than most men in boxing, they genuinely try to listen and execute to the best of their ability. The record on one of my shoulder-rocking heavy bag drills was 157 power punches in 30 seconds, set by a man, but second place was a woman at 155, and the whole gym would stop to watch her train. Women can be excellent boxers, outstanding athletes and fantastic students when they are willing and coachable.