My journey into boxing was a bit of a struggle. I didn’t know where to look for a good boxing gym, let alone a good trainer and coach who would be willing to take a pure novice under their wing. I settled for a popular boxing gym in Seattle hoping to gain skills and technique to understand the sweet science of boxing. Unfortunately, my experience there was unsatisfying as I came out learning nothing – nada, no footwork, no defense skills, no technique -- but being a punching bag for their up and coming competitive boxers. After leaving that particular gym discouraged and disappointed, I thought that every boxing gym was going to be just like that and so I gave up looking.
One day I bumped into Troy, with whom I was acquainted with through friends back in the day. I had no idea that he had been a competitive boxer and now was a coach and trainer at a local MMA gym. As curious as I was, he knew I would be interested and offered me a free boxing class which I gladly took. I was little apprehensive about taking my first class with Troy because of my experience, but I went in with the hopes that it would be different this time.
After taking my first class with Troy, it changed it for me as I learned things that I wouldn’t have learned at the previous boxing gym. I found a coach who was passionate, dedicated and motivated to teach me what boxing was all about. I was determined to learn and put in the time and effort that he has put in to teach me. I followed Troy wherever he went to try to setup his own boxing gym and assured him that I was always going to be his student no matter the circumstances.
As we settled into our new gym, I reflected on how far I had come along. I went from having no skills whatsoever to having the technique, footwork and defense skills to compete. Boxing has taught me something about myself and what I’m made of. It’s instilled me a level of confidence to stand up for myself, to be resilient and courageous. It takes a high amount of fearlessness to step into a ring and face an aggressive opponent just as much as it takes to face your very own fears and maybe even demons. If I didn’t bump into Troy that one day, I know I wouldn’t be where I’m at in boxing. His knowledge, patience, and constant encouragement has contributed to the foundation of me becoming a boxer. Last but not least, I can’t forget the entire team of Reign City Athletics as well as my sisters of Gabriela Seattle for their profound support.
Isulong!