Hillari H.

In 2001, I took up boxing and I have trained in it ever since. I am an amateur boxer with four fights to my credit, with one win. I began coaching unofficially when I became a volunteer in the gym where I train. In 2009, I took the exam to become a Level 1 boxing coach with USA Boxing. My focus is on the basics and proper technique.

I won my third fight against an opponent who was taller and bigger than I. Last year, I received an award for ten years of boxing participation with the Chicago Park District.

Always start with the basics because they are the bread-and-butter of what a fighter will do. The beginning of each session would be a review of the jab, right, hooks, uppercuts, stance and footwork. Then I'd move into an area that needed improvement. Every few sessions, we'd switch up so that we would not get stagnant on one spot. Training works better when the routine is mixed up from time to time.