Iron Girls 2 Episode 8 Recap: Intense Sparring and Water Training

First Full Sparring: A Test of Skill and Stamina

In Episode 8 of Iron Girls 2, the team dives into their first full sparring session, marking a significant milestone in their boxing journey. Sae Rok, Uie, In Ah, and Ju Hyun face the challenge head-on, realizing the need to sharpen their sparring skills after this intense experience. The episode captures their determination to improve, setting the stage for rigorous training and strategic growth.

Sae Rok’s Cross-Counter Training

Sae Rok, the model student, arrives early at the boxing gym to refine her techniques. After a supervised sparring session where her opponent’s aggressive moves caught her off guard, she seeks advice on whether to attack first or counter. Her coach introduces her to the cross-counter, a timing-sensitive hook thrown at the moment of an opponent’s attack. Sae Rok diligently practices this technique, focusing on:

• Jabbing to create openings
• Throwing a right hook with precision
• Mastering footwork to induce attacks

Her training log reflects her commitment to honing the cross-counter, aiming to make it her own through endless practice. “While it’s exhausting, it’ll be nice to make it my own,” she notes, showcasing her dedication.

Uie’s One-Two Precision

Uie focuses on improving her one-two punch, a technique she struggled with in previous sparring sessions. Her coach emphasizes staying calm and refining footwork to enhance accuracy. By the end of her training, Uie’s punches become faster and more precise, earning praise for her progress. Her training log highlights her confidence: “I need to make my killer move. Confidence is number 1!”

Live Sparring: Uie vs. Sae Rok and In Ah

The episode features a thrilling live sparring session between Uie and Sae Rok, showcasing their improved footwork and techniques. Uie’s one-two punches dominate, while Sae Rok attempts her newly learned cross-counter. In another match, In Ah faces Uie, demonstrating her ability to dodge and counterattack with body shots. The coaches commend their progress, noting that the girls are no longer afraid of punches—a significant milestone.

In Ah’s Fierce Sparring and Nosebleed Moment

In Ah’s sparring session against an opponent with seven months of experience is a highlight. Despite her two months of boxing experience, In Ah’s powerful punches lead to a nosebleed, abruptly ending the match. Her opponent acknowledges her strength, saying, “Both of us sparred passionately.” In Ah’s training log details her rigorous routine, including morning boxing, 5km runs, and uphill intervals, underscoring her relentless drive.

Water Training in Gapyeong: A Fun Challenge

The Iron Girls head to an outdoor pool in Gapyeong for a unique training session disguised as fun. Captain Kim introduces water-based exercises to reduce joint strain and boost muscle strength, inspired by athletes like Ronaldo and Kim Min Jae. The games include:

• Underwater Running: 90-second rounds of high-knee running to build stamina.
• Weight Plate Runs: Carrying 2.5kg plates for 10 laps to strengthen forearms.
• Routine Training: Practicing boxing combinations in water for added resistance.
• Underwater Shadowboxing: A 3-minute session to improve cardiorespiratory endurance.

Despite initial resistance, the girls embrace the challenge, with Uie even experiencing a runner’s high. The session ends with laughter and a promise of a banana boat ride, though exhaustion prevails.

Second Full Sparring: Facing New Opponents

With the first competition just 30 days away, the Iron Girls face their second full sparring against opponents with 2 to 11 months of experience. The matchups are:

• Sae Rok vs. Lim Eun Ji: Sae Rok struggles against Eun Ji’s taekwondo-inspired footwork but improves her feints and aggression in Round 2.
• Uie vs. Seol In Hee: Uie’s endless jabs dominate, leveraging her reach advantage to control the match.
• In Ah vs. Lim Sun Woo: A main event clash where In Ah’s powerful punches stun her MMA-trained opponent, though her stamina falters late.
• Ju Hyun vs. Kim Yu Bin: Ju Hyun’s composed jabs and dodges shine, earning her the title of “jazz boxer” for her fluid style.

The coaches praise the girls’ growth, emphasizing the importance of footwork, timing, and stamina management.

Strategic Analysis and Future Challenges

The episode concludes with a detailed review of the sparring sessions, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement:

• Sae Rok: Improved feints but needs better footwork balance.
• Uie: Mastered one-two accuracy but should practice retreating after strikes.
• In Ah: Showcased knockout power but must manage stamina better.
• Ju Hyun: Excelled in composure and jabs but needs varied combinations.

The Iron Girls prepare for their next challenge: a training camp in Phuket with international athletes, setting the stage for an intense showdown just 10 days before their first competition.

Why Watch Iron Girls 2 Episode 8?

This episode is a must-watch for fans of boxing, fitness training, and inspiring stories of growth. The Iron Girls’ journey from novices to confident boxers, combined with their camaraderie and resilience, makes for compelling viewing. Don’t miss their transformation as they gear up for the ultimate challenge!