By Sway Moorehead
I’m 13 years old, and I train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and Boxing. It might sound like a lot, but I love every minute of it. Each martial art gives me something different, and boxing has become one of the most crucial parts of my growth as an athlete. Here’s how boxing has helped me improve as a fighter and made me feel even more unstoppable.
1. What initially got you interested in boxing?
I got interested in boxing because I started BJJ at Carlson Gracie & they offered a Boxing Class. I wanted to improve my striking skills & be a well rounded Fighter. Plus, it’s a great way to stay in shape, and it looked like a lot of fun. I also love how empowering it feels to learn how to throw a good punch.
2. Who is your Boxing Coach?
My boxing coach is Coach Marcus Dawson. He dedicated 28 and a half years to the United States Marine Corps, serving his country with honor and retiring as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E9). He is a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, and continues to give back as a representative of the Wedefy Foundation and the Save the Brave Scholarship. When I first met him, he was just a coach. But over the past three years, he has become so much more—he is now family.
Through every training session, every challenge, and every triumph, we’ve built a bond that goes beyond the gym. He knows me better than anyone else in those moments—knowing exactly how far to push me, and when to pull back, offering guidance when I need it most. Likewise, I know when he’s being playful and when he’s serious, telling me it’s time to focus and give it everything I have. There’s an unspoken understanding between us that makes our sessions feel seamless, like a dance where every movement has meaning.
Coach Marcus is not just someone who teaches me how to throw a punch; he’s someone who believes in me, who sees my potential even when I doubt myself, and who has my back no matter what. His unwavering support and the lessons he’s taught me have become a part of who I am, and I can’t imagine my life without his guidance and friendship. He has shown me what true strength is, both in the ring and in life, and for that, I will always be grateful.
3. How does boxing fit into your overall martial arts training?
Boxing is a perfect addition to my training because it teaches me how to control distance and use my hands effectively. It helps me think faster and make better
decisions during a match, especially when I need to transition between striking and grappling. Knowing how to manage that distance makes me a better all- around fighter.
4. What do you enjoy most about boxing compared to other martial arts you train in?
I love the speed and intensity of boxing. It’s all about quick movement and combinations, which is a little different from grappling. It’s also really satisfying when I nail a combo I’ve been working on. There’s nothing like the feeling of hitting the pads perfectly—it makes all the hard work worth it.
5. How does boxing help you in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, or Wrestling?
Boxing helps me set up my takedowns better in Judo and Wrestling because I can use feints to get my opponent to react. It also makes me more comfortable with striking, which is important in situations where I need to control the fight before getting to grappling. It’s all about creating opportunities, and boxing gives me those extra tools to set up the perfect moment.
6. What specific skills from boxing do you find most useful in your other martial arts?
The footwork I learn in boxing is super useful in Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling because it keeps me light on my feet. Also, learning how to create angles in boxing helps me find openings when I’m looking for submissions or a takedown. Staying mobile and making my opponent move where I want them is a huge advantage.
7. Has boxing improved your confidence or mindset, both in and out of the ring?
Definitely. Boxing has taught me to stay calm under pressure and be confident when facing an opponent. Outside of training, it helps me feel more capable of handling tough situations and challenges. When you know how to defend yourself, it changes the way you see the world. I feel stronger and more ready for whatever comes my way.
8. How does boxing training help with your conditioning and fitness for other martial arts?
Boxing is an incredible cardio workout. It helps me stay in top shape for long Jiu Jitsu matches and Wrestling rounds because it builds both my stamina and explosiveness. The constant movement also keeps my reflexes sharp. When I’m tired and still throwing punches, I know that extra conditioning will help me push through those tough moments in a match.
9. Do you find that the discipline and techniques in boxing translate to the way you approach other grappling arts?
Yes, boxing has taught me to always be aware of my opponent’s movements and to stay focused. That awareness helps a lot in grappling too, where I have to anticipate my opponent’s next move and react quickly. The discipline of keeping my guard up and staying ready at all times is something I use in every aspect of martial arts.
10. What are some challenges you face when training in boxing, and how do you overcome them?
One challenge is keeping my guard up because, in grappling, I don’t have to think about punches coming at me. I work on this by constantly reminding myself during sparring and focusing on drills that make it automatic. It’s all about repetition— eventually, it becomes second nature.
11. How do you balance training in boxing with your other martial arts disciplines?
I make sure to plan my week out so I can focus on all the different disciplines without overdoing it. Some days are dedicated to striking, and others are more about grappling. It also helps that a lot of the techniques overlap, so I can work on different aspects in each class. Plus, I love it so much that it doesn’t feel like a chore—I look forward to every training session.
12. Do you think learning to strike is as important as learning grappling for self- defense? Why?
Yes, I think both are super important. Striking helps you defend yourself before someone gets too close, and grappling is important if it goes to the ground. Having both skills means I can protect myself in almost any situation. It’s about being well-rounded and ready for whatever comes my way.
13. How do you feel boxing improves your overall awareness during a match or sparring session?
Boxing makes me very aware of distance and timing. It helps me recognize when my opponent is trying to close the gap or create space, so I can react faster and control the pace of the fight. In sparring, I’m always trying to read my opponent, and boxing has made me much better at that.
14. What advice would you give to other young athletes interested in starting boxing alongside their martial arts training?
Go for it! Boxing will make you a more well-rounded fighter and help with your fitness, speed, and confidence. It’s tough at first, but if you stick with it, you’ll see how it helps everything else you do in martial arts. Plus, it’s a lot of fun, and there’s nothing like the feeling of knowing you’re getting stronger every day.
Boxing has become a key part of my journey as a martial artist. It’s taught me discipline, made me stronger, and given me the tools to be confident both on and off the mats. Whether I’m working on my striking or setting up a takedown, I know that everything I learn in boxing is making me a better, more complete fighter. If you’re thinking about starting boxing, my advice is to jump in and give it a try—you won’t regret it.
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