Originally Posted by
tompaynter
I would not be surprised if that is the norm, but even if it is, it doesn't sound like a good way to learn boxing. Your description of top amateur gyms sounds like Rip's description of Div 1 strength training programs: the coaches don't need to be good because the trainees are freak athletes. Maybe the fighters at those gyms started at 12 and have their technique down, and now just need a place to train against top competition. If you didn't start and 12, you're better off at a gym with more coaching and less talent.
"Get 100 hours of sparring under your belt and watch what happens to your technique." Yeah, I am sure if you muddle through for 100 hours of getting punched in the head, you will figure some things out on your own and get a little better. Or, someone knowledgeable could teach you some of the 100+years of accumulated knowledge of what works in the squared circle, and save you some time and brain cells. Would "go roll hard for 100 hours" be a good way to learn--or rather invent--BJJ technique, or would it be better to have someone show you some sweeps and submissions?