thanks for all the replies. i like both boxing and sambo wrestling. i've never done either/any so ill have to feel them out first. theres also the issue of finding a gym but theres bound to be one in south florida. the sound of getting maimed/hurt does scare me though.

Observe first, if you see people sparring too hard, leave. Just watch the body languages and listen to the tone of voices, if there are any rude cocky *******s in the gym, leave.

Your best bet is going to be an MMA gym, preferably one ran by some actual people that fight in or coach UFC fighter(s) such a gym would combine all the practical elements of boxing, sambo, wrestling and grappling, so you get everything you want in one place.

You can usually get coached for $40 per half hour one on one by some actual competitive MMA fighter, or you could do classes which is cheaper, but we careful because in the classes you’re dealing with novice doofuses who can accidentally hit you, an experienced pro or amateur fighter or coach is much less likely to hurt you.

These days you can learn a lot on YouTube, you could get started doing some shadowboxing, heavy bag, BOB, grappling dummy, and general conditioning, all for free on your own just using youtube. In fact one can argue that you are wasting your money paying someone to teach you how to fight if you can’t do a few deadhang bodyweight pull ups, run and sprint decently, do at least a couple of dozen good form push-ups and so on. These things you can accomplish on your own