Dozens of sailors from the local area participated in the All-Navy Boxing Mini-camp over the weekend at the Admiral Prout Field House aboard Naval Base San Diego, reports Navy Compass. The camp was open to all active duty male and female boxers, with the top boxers getting invited to the All-Navy Boxing Training Camp at Point Hueneme, Calif.
The camp emphasizes team camaraderie, encouraging participants to give their all, while teaching them good sportsmanship. Coach Steve Carbajal, a 30-year boxing veteran, tells Navy Compass that not everyone is cut out to be a boxer: "Being a boxer teaches discipline, commitment and dedication. It takes a different breed of person to step into that ring and take a beating; you have to be tough."
Coaches are looking for sailors to be able to pace themselves and follow directions. "Not everyone knows what it takes to become a long-term boxer," said Ludwig. "Having the discipline to maintain your weight class and to continuously train is hard, and it takes a lot of direction and self motivation."
The camp gave the boxers an opportunity to see how they matched with other fighters, as well as the chance to gain valuable training with positive feedback from the coaches. For some, it was their first step toward being part of the All-Navy Boxing Team.
