Get Advice from our KnockOuts! 
Email letters to: Sarah@KnockOutsForGirls.org

Dear KO4G,

I love almost all sports and I play a lot of them but one I have never tried is boxing and I am starting boxing classes tomorrow!! I have almost NO idea what to do!!  I know the majority of the KO4G team boxes-could you guys give me a few pointers?  I would really appreciate it. 

Thanks,

Morgan                                   

P.S. I think it’s great what you guys are doing.  Keep up the good work!

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Dear Morgan,

That is very exciting that you will be starting boxing classes tomorrow. Congratulations!  The most important thing to bring with you to the class is a big smile and be ready to have fun.  Follow the boxing instructor’s directions and again HAVE FUN!  Also, as with other sports, wear comfortable clothing and gym shoes.  Your boxing coach will tell you what you need to bring to each class tomorrow.  Sometimes the classes provide protective hand wraps and gloves but if they don’t, you can find this at any sporting equipment store.  Since you play a lot of sports already, you are already one step ahead to becoming a great boxer.  Every KO4G boxer started boxing the same way you are.  After your first class, practice the punches you are taught in front of a mirror.  And, start to watch boxing on television-observing others is a great way to learn.  Good luck!

Love,
KnockOut Sarah

Dear KnockOuts For Girls,

I’m 11 years old and I live in Venice, CA and want to take boxing lessons from you.  Do you have a class I can attend?

Marielle

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Dear Marielle,

Yes!  I teach a free boxing class for girls in Venice, California and our KnockOut Nina teaches one in Lake Forest, California.  Please click on this link for more info: FREE BOXING LESSONS

We hope to see you at a class soon!

Love,
KnockOut Christie

Dear KnockOuts For Girls,

At school the kids tease me about my weight.  What can I do to get skinny?

Rachel

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Dear Rachel,

Kids can be cruel and I’m sorry that other kids at school have made you feel as if you need to be skinnier to be accepted.  First of all, talk to your parents, a teacher, a guidance counselor at school or an adult you can trust about this.  Your teacher should not tolerate children making fun of other children and he/she is probably not aware of the problem.  Secondly, read our Health and Fitness Tips page.  You can find tips on eating right and exercising there.  It is important that young girls feel good about themselves and have a positive self-image.  I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but true beauty is what’s on the inside and once other kids get to know you, I’m sure they’ll see what a wonderful person you are.  And, as much as it must hurt to hear kids saying mean things about you or to you, ignore them.  Eventually they will stop.  If you react or say things back, you are only encouraging them.   I hope your teacher will address this issue and put a stop to it immediately, but in the meantime, walk away and ignore the comments.

Love,
KnockOut Pattianna

Dear KnockOuts For Girls,

I have a friend who can eat whatever she wants and she never gains weight. If I even look at a dessert, I gain ten pounds. HELP! I want to be thin like her.

Sidney

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Dear Sidney,

I know exactly what you mean! I have friends who can eat and eat and eat and they never gain a pound! I, on the other hand, have to be careful what I eat and I need to exercise regularly to stay in shape. The first thing you should do is to see your doctor to be sure you are healthy. For example, you could have a medical condition, such as an under active thyroid, and you may need to take medication to regulate it. 

Most likely though, your friend is just blessed and you (like most other people) have to watch what you eat. If this is the case, first and foremost, realize that we are all different and your friend may not gain weight easily, but there are probably other things she doesn’t like about herself and most likely, there are probably things about you that she’s envious of. Or, she could even wish she were heavier-she may not like being so skinny! Sadly, we spend a large part of our childhoods (and for some of us, our adult lives, as well) wishing we were someone else-wishing we had blonde hair instead of brown, green eyes instead of blue, straight hair instead of curly. 

Funny thing is, everyone always seems to want what they don’t have and those who have what one person want, want something else. Like the girl with curly hair wants straight hair and the girl with straight hair gets a perm because she wants curly hair. My advice would be, learn to be happy with YOU. You may wish you were as good in math as the boy that sits next to you in math class, but he probably wishes he was as good at soccer as you are…you get it? 

Now, as far as eating right and being healthy goes, DON’T diet. Diet is a horrible word. Eat healthy and exercise. Eating healthy means stay away from fast food and processed foods. Eating food in its most natural state is best. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from sodas and foods with a lot of sugar. As far as exercising goes, find sports that you enjoy so that exercising is fun and something you look forward to. There are numerous sports out there: soccer, softball, baseball, hockey, track, volleyball, swimming, biking and, of course, boxing! Even just walking is exercise. Being active in anyway will burn calories and keep you fit.  Finally, check out our Health and Fitness page for monthly tips. 

Love,
KnockOut Amanda