Iron Girls Season 2 Episode 5, aired on August 8, 2025, showcases the intense journey of the Iron Girls—Uie, Geum Sae Rok, Park Ju Hyun, and Seol In Ah—as they face their first real sparring session with a skilled boxer, Kwon Sung Min. With only six weeks until the community sports boxing competition, this episode highlights their progress, challenges, and the critical need to build stamina. Below is a detailed breakdown of their sparring and upcoming training, optimized for mobile readability.
First Sparring Session: Facing a Skilled Opponent
The Iron Girls step into the ring with Kwon Sung Min, a third-year student at Seoul Physical Education Middle School and a national amateur boxing champion. This supervised sparring tests their ability to apply techniques learned over the past month while exposing stamina limitations.
Key Moments from the Sparring
- Uie’s Resilience: Uie overcomes her fear of one-on-one combat, applying hooks and uppercuts. She struggles in the second round, feeling drained by headgear and mouthpiece, but her determination shines.
- Geum Sae Rok’s Growth: Battling rhinitis, Sae Rok shows improved footwork and calmness. Her stamina falters, limiting attack patterns, but her precision earns praise.
- Park Ju Hyun’s Aggression: Ju Hyun’s “mad boxer” style flusters Kwon with close-quarter attacks. However, dropping her head and losing balance makes her vulnerable.
- Seol In Ah’s Comeback: After knee therapy, In Ah impresses with footwork and combinations. Her lowered guard and high head position expose weaknesses, but her fighting spirit stands out.
Sparring Challenges
- Stamina Issues: All members tire in the second round, unable to sustain energy for three-minute rounds.
- Technical Flaws: Ju Hyun’s head-dropping, In Ah’s lowered guard, and Sae Rok’s predictable patterns need correction.
- Emotional Strain: Uie’s fear and Ju Hyun’s tears (“Boxing is scary”) highlight the psychological challenge.
Coach Kim Dong Hyun notes that none completed the second round effectively, warning that their current stamina won’t suffice for six-minute matches.
Stamina Training: Preparing for the Competition
With six weeks left, the Iron Girls undertake special stamina-building exercises to meet boxing’s physical and mental demands. The episode highlights the following activities:
1. Trail Running on Jeju Island
The girls prepare for a trail run on Jeju Island, navigating muddy terrains and rain to test endurance and mental toughness, crucial for sustaining energy in the ring.
2. Wood-Chopping Workout
Earlier, the girls chopped 80 logs on Jeju Island to strengthen upper body, core, and coordination, mimicking boxing motions. They celebrated with a barbecue, grilling Jeju Island black pork over their chopped firewood.
3. Interval Training and Jump Rope Drills
Interval training with high-intensity efforts (sprints, jump rope) and short recovery periods boosts cardiovascular endurance. Sae Rok’s 100-jump rope sets are intensified for footwork speed.
4. High-Intensity Drills
Coach Kim’s “hell training” includes climbing ski jump stands and flipping large tires to build foundational strength for boxing’s explosive movements.
5. Mental Conditioning
Visualization and controlled breathing exercises help combat sparring fatigue and fear, maintaining focus during intense rounds.
Team Dynamics and Emotional Growth
The episode showcases the Iron Girls’ growing camaraderie:
- Sae Rok’s Integration: Initially unfamiliar, Sae Rok now feels at ease, sharing olive kimchi and playful nicknames (CARRYNA, WINTEL, CHISELLE, KNOCKKNOCK).
- Emotional Support: Ju Hyun’s tears during Uie’s sparring and the group’s encouragement reflect their bond. Uie’s leadership and In Ah’s recovery inspire the team.
- Motivation: The girls aim to “win and cry together,” targeting at least one round in the competition.
What’s Next for the Iron Girls?
The girls face a second sparring session against a skilled female opponent, testing their improved skills and stamina. The trail run and high-intensity drills will be pivotal. Key improvements include:
- Stamina: Increase endurance through trail running and intervals.
- Technique: Refine footwork, guard positioning, and attack diversity.
- Mental Toughness: Build confidence to handle match intensity.
- Injury Management: Ensure In Ah’s knee recovery and monitor Sae Rok’s rhinitis.
Conclusion
Iron Girls Season 2 Episode 5 delivers a gripping look at the Iron Girls’ first sparring session, revealing progress and stamina challenges. With trail running, wood-chopping, and high-intensity drills, they’re pushing their limits for the community sports boxing competition. Their journey, filled with “blood, sweat, and tears,” inspires viewers as they transform into aspiring boxers under Coach Kim Dong Hyun’s guidance.