Step Into the Ring With Real Partners

Open sparring sessions are now available in Monroe for boxers ready to test their skills in a controlled environment.

You train with the bag and work on your footwork, but sparring with live partners in Monroe brings your boxing to a different level. Open sparring sessions at Shak's Boxing and Fitness give you the chance to practice timing, distance control, and defensive reflexes against opponents who move unpredictably. You learn to read body language, adjust your rhythm mid-round, and apply what you have drilled in a setting that closely resembles real competition.

These sessions run every Sunday from 10:30am to 12:30pm and are completely free to attend. You bring your own gear, follow basic safety protocols, and work with other boxers who are there to improve. If you are under 18, you must have a signed waiver before stepping onto the mat. The format is open, meaning you rotate partners based on size, skill level, and availability during the two-hour window.

If you want to see what live sparring feels like in Monroe, visit Shak's Boxing and Fitness on a Sunday morning and bring your mouthguard and headgear.

What Happens During a Two-Hour Open Session

You arrive at the gym in Monroe with your gloves, hand wraps, headgear, and mouthguard already packed. The session begins with a brief check-in where participants confirm they have signed waivers if required and review basic sparring etiquette. Rounds are typically three minutes long with one-minute rest periods, and you rotate partners throughout the session based on who is available and matches your approximate skill level.

After your first few rounds, you start to notice how your jab timing changes when someone pressures you or circles away. You adjust your guard when a taller opponent uses reach to keep you at distance. You feel the difference between drilling combinations on a bag and landing them on a moving target who counters.

The session does not include formal coaching or structured drills, but experienced members often share feedback between rounds. You are responsible for your own safety, which means communicating with your partner, controlling your power, and stopping immediately if someone signals. This format works best for boxers who already understand basic sparring rules and want consistent practice in a group setting.

Questions You Might Have Before Your First Session

People new to open sparring often want to know what to bring, how intense the rounds get, and whether they need prior experience before showing up on a Sunday morning.

Black boxing gloves in a crossing stance.
What equipment do I need to bring to open sparring?
You need your own boxing gloves, hand wraps, headgear, and a mouthguard. Shak's Boxing and Fitness does not provide sparring gear for these sessions, so you must come prepared with properly fitted protective equipment.
Two black boxing gloves touching.
How hard do people spar during these sessions?
Intensity varies based on who you pair with, but the expectation is controlled sparring with moderate contact. You communicate with your partner before each round to agree on pace and power level, and you respect that agreement throughout.
Black boxing gloves facing each other.
What happens if I am under 18 and want to participate?
You must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian before you can spar. Shak's Boxing and Fitness will not allow anyone under 18 to participate without proper documentation on file.
Black boxing gloves facing each other, on a white background.
When should I arrive for the Sunday session?
The session starts at 10:30am, so you should arrive at least 10 minutes early to wrap your hands, warm up briefly, and complete any required paperwork. Late arrivals may miss the initial pairing and safety review.
Black boxing gloves, fists nearly touching, ready to spar.
How much sparring experience do I need before attending?
You should already know how to throw basic punches, move defensively, and follow sparring etiquette. Open sparring in Monroe is not the place to learn fundamentals, so prior ring time or supervised sparring experience is expected.

If you have been training consistently and want to test your skills against live opponents in Monroe, open sparring at Shak's Boxing and Fitness gives you a no-cost option every Sunday morning. Bring your gear, respect your partners, and use the time to refine what you have been working on during solo training.