Nestled in the heart of Kings Cross, the Bil Sha Boxing Club is rewriting the rules of boxing training, offering aspiring boxers a blend of modern techniques and old-school grit.
Let’s start at the beginning with the Founder of Bil Sha Boxing Club – Bilat Shaista’s journey into the world of boxing is more about strategies, and less about those brutal punches. Like many of us, Bilat’s love for the sport was sparked at a young age, fueled by the electrifying performances of boxing legends like Mike Tyson. “Tyson was my hero,” recalls Bilat with a grin. “I remember watching his fights, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins with every punch he threw. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a boxer.”
There’s something about boxing, isn’t there? A sense of strategy, attention, and dignity that sets it apart from other combat sports. In the ring, it’s just you and your opponent – no teammates to rely on, no one to pass the ball to. It’s a solitary journey, both physically and mentally.
And you know what? That’s what makes boxing so unique. It’s not just about throwing punches and dodging blows; it’s about confronting your inner threats, pushing past your limits, and emerging stronger on the other side.
So yeah, while boxing may be a physical sport on the surface, it’s also a deeply personal journey. And for Bilat, that’s what makes it so special. It’s not just about winning fights; it’s about winning battles within ourselves.
When someone’s training with Bilat, they often learn the lesson beyond footwork and techniques; they are more about resilience, determination, and the power of self-belief – and here’s what we learned!
Lesson 1: You gotta start!
So, let’s get real for a moment. In boxing, just like in life, half the battle is showing up. It’s about dragging yourself out of bed when the alarm goes off at the crack of dawn, lacing up your gloves even when you’d rather be anywhere else. But you know what? That’s where the magic happens.
Bilat’s journey started with him showing up to watch his hero, Mike Tyson, in action. And that simple act set the stage for everything that followed. Sure, there were times when he felt like throwing in the towel when the road ahead seemed too steep to climb. But Bilat knew that showing up wasn’t just about being there physically – it was about bringing your A-game, every single time.
If you want to make things happen in life, you gotta show up, put in the work, and then do it all over again. Trying to get fit? Show up to the gym. Working towards your dream job? Show up to work every day ready to give it your all.
But here’s the kicker that Bilat always talks about– showing up isn’t just about physically being there. It’s about being all in, both mentally and physically. Don’t half-heartedly go through the motions. If you’re gonna show up, show up with gusto. Otherwise, what’s the point, right?
Lesson 2: Be brave enough to fail 100 times.
“So I was fresh out of college, eager to make my mark in the world of business. But let me tell you, I was about as clueless as they come. I stumbled through meetings, fumbled over presentations, and made more mistakes than I care to admit.
But here’s the thing – those early failures were some of the best things that ever happened to me. They forced me to step out of my comfort zone, to learn from my mistakes, and to grow as a professional. Sure, it wasn’t always easy, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
For Bilat, it was bad before he started taking over the boxing world. It’s the starting point for growth, improvement, and ultimately, success.
He says, “See, being bad at something forces you to step out of your comfort zone and push yourself to improve. It teaches you humility, resilience, and the value of hard work. And let me tell you, those are some pretty valuable lessons to learn, both in and out of the ring.”
Lesson 3: There’s no perfect punch, it’s all about strategy
Punching seems pretty simple, right? Make a fist, throw a punch, and bam – you hit your target. But here’s the thing – there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
When Bilat first stepped into the ring, he quickly realized just how crucial it is to master the art of the jab. He explains, “Now, for most boxers, the jab is like the underdog of punches – it’s not as flashy or powerful as the cross, but let me tell you, it’s just as important. And boy, was my jab weak when I first started out. I’ll admit, it was frustrating as heck. I felt like I was just flailing my arm around with no purpose.”
But here’s what brought him close to an eternal hack: it’s not just about throwing a punch – it’s about closing the distance, setting up your opponent, and creating openings for those knockout blows. And suddenly, it all clicked!
Jabs aren’t about landing that knockout blow right off the bat – they’re about taking those small, measured steps toward your target. They’re about closing the distance, one jab at a time, until you’re in the perfect position to land that killer punch.
We often hear Bilat talking about those small steps, even while he is training his coachees, “Maybe those small steps aren’t so bad after all. Maybe, they’re the key to reaching our goals in the long run. Because here’s the thing – every little action you take, no matter how small, is bringing you one step closer to where you want to be. It might not feel like much at the time, but trust me – those small steps add up.”
