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Female boxing in Russia is a relatively new phenomenon. The first boxing clubs catering to the fairer sex began to appear just five years ago.
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
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To allow women to train at his boxing club, Igor Yeskin had to adjust his teaching methods. The trainer believes that anyone can learn how to throw a boxing punch, since all the movements are entirely natural
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
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Four years ago 3-4 women came to the club; now the number is 15.
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
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They attend for various reasons: some want to know self-defense, some want to learn how to control their body, others just want to keep their muscles toned.
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
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Classes are individual or in groups. A standard training session lasts 90 minutes. First, the women warm up by jump-roping or throwing a ball.
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
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Next, the female pugilists study punches and defense moves with the trainer in front of a mirror, before putting on the gloves and pairing off.
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
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It does not take long to learn the basic strikes, but it requires 3-4 months to execute them well. Incidentally, the trainer believes that women learn how to punch in less time than men.
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
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Women's main fear is climbing into the ring. Only one in a hundred women will ever compete at a tournament.
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
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The vogue for women's boxing competitions came from the West. In Moscow, such tournaments are held about once every six months. The trainer believes that, if properly trained and motivated, any of the women could fight in the ring.
Ksenia Sidorova / RIA Novosti
