Obviously, some ways are far more effective than others. Maybe even infinitely more effective than those last two options I mentioned. Training 1-on-1 with a coach is usually the fastest way to learn boxing skills, provided of course that the coach is good. It can also be the best scenario for fitness training but not always. Depends a lot on the coach, the student and the program.
I have seen hundreds of people learn in a group environment too. Certainly not as fast as 1-on-1 but still pretty darn fast, if the minds are willing. And there are many different ways group training can go down. I've learned systems where a group of brand new people all start at the exact same time, like a flight of classes where we develop together. I've done classes with different levels like Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, etc. I've also done classes with all different experience and ability levels.
For certain martial arts, the first two examples (which group people by experience) make a little more sense. There are cons to this approach too, especially in terms of availability but most martial arts have a LOT of different, specific techniques that are sometimes stacked on top of each other so it doesn't make sense to learn something like how to defend a certain weapon if you haven't done the unarmed defenses first.
Boxing is a little bit different though. It does not necessarily involve a ton of small, separate techniques. There are the basic punches with some variance, there are combinations, there is footwork, there is defense, there is clinch work/hand control, there is strategy, there is feinting, there are some different styles, but that is mainly it. That doesn't mean you can learn it all super easily- there is literally infinite nuance in each of those categories, but compared to another martial art like say, Tae Kwon Do, just their list of all the different kicks could fill a page.
I have seen people learn boxing efficiently and effectively in an all-levels heavy bag class environment. Sometimes there are more advanced techniques that might be a little much for a brand new person to take in, but exposing them to it is certainly not a detriment, and while they may not be able to execute the technique flawlessly, they can still throw punches, take steps, etc. Whereas if you were taking judo, for example, and you attempted to pull off a shoulder throw your first day, you likely wouldn't be able to get it started (shoulder throws are MUCH harder than they look!).
Then on the flip side, there is no boxer who is just too damn good to be throwing jabs, crosses, hooks, etc. and working basic defenses on the heavy bag with other folks of different levels. No one. And anyone who thinks that way is very undereducated and probably a little scared too. Sure, there are different things to train in boxing you would want to do if you are competing/training to compete but the basic stuff never changes, and you are never good enough. It's not like when you get to a certain level, you are able to learn this special, secret uppercut that we can't teach to the newbies. Instead you just make your basic uppercuts better and once again, there is always more stuff to improve. In fact, the more you learn and practice, the more you realize there is to learn. You learn these things by being taught but also practicing over and over and over and over again.
One thing I have seen is that many people have it in their minds that they can't really learn in a fast-paced, cardio-intensive group environment where they are thrown into the mix. It makes sense too. There are plenty of things you almost definitely can't learn like that. Sewing, for one. Or again, even certain traditional martial arts. Or something like weightlifting, where the potential for injury is much higher. But boxing, at least non-competitive boxing, is different. I know because I have seen it happen with all different types of people. Some in shape, some not. Some athletic, some not. Some relatively young, some not.
The only obstacle, most of the time, is their mindset. People convince themselves that they can't do it, or that it's too hard, or that the environment is not conducive to learning. I've tried on several occasions to create a Beginner type of boxing class and have noticed that nothing really changes for brand new boxers. Those who struggle will struggle in a simpler class too, they just won't learn as quickly.
Changing your mindset isn't always easy though, and it can be very hard to feel uncoordinated and like you don't know what you're doing. The more you accept those things and understand that it is all part of the learning process, the better things will go. Ever watch a baby try to stand up and take their first steps? It ain't pretty. They stumble and fall and stumble and fall until one day, they can stand up and take a few steps. Those aren't very graceful either but it builds a foundation that can eventually take them anywhere they want to go. But the baby has no problem with trying and falling down. Or stumbling and looking silly.
So whether you are learning how to box- or just about anything- I think that last point is pretty key right there. Be okay with getting it wrong, maybe feeling like you look a little silly as you try to put these awkward, foreign movements together. Yes, it might be tougher to do in a group setting but if you can be comfortable being uncomfortable for a while, you're going to learn it quickly!
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