Thursday Sparring Was (Almost) A Knockout!

NEXT BOUT: September 27 @ George Bell Arena  [Opponent TBA]

• Almost A Knockout
• More Mississauga Madness
• Getting in some 'Eye Of the Tiger'
• Looking for another boxing gym

Almost A Knockout

I was finally able to get some sparring on Thursday.
I sparred a "new" guy, whose name has escaped me. I'm sorry.
Myself and Richard both thought he was new to Stockyards, but not new to boxing.

Well, he is a nice guy, he came in for sparring when nobody else would, so Richard threw him into the ring. 

I did two rounds, and everything seemed fine. Although, I began to feel that he was more of a beginner than we all thought.
I was not hitting him very hard at first, but at the start of round three, he started to hit harder.  Although, he didn't land many, I could tell he was getting more aggressive. Naturally, I started to hit harder. All the time, he had a pretty good defense.
At about half-way through the third round, I said "screw it", and decided to let go.
I threw a right-cross, and at that same moment, he decided to drop his defense, and I landed a beauty right, square on his jaw!
If it wasn't for the fact I was wearing sparring gloves, it would likely have been "lights out" for him.
He could not continue the round, and my sparring session came to an abrupt end.

I found out later, the guy boxed 15 years ago...
...well...fuck.

You have to speak up. This is a contact sport. Don't pretend to "know it all". You are going to get hurt.

I actually started to feel a bit bad about it. 
Six months ago I would not have cared. 
I am getting soft. Soon, I will be having my dink and balls surgically removed, and replaced with a vagina. 

The problem is, I have been spending too much time in Mississauga. 
I fucking hate that fucking city. If I did not work there, I would not step foot into that piss-pot.


More Mississauga Madness

While on the topic of Mississauga:

I find it really odd, that I have not had to complain about late buses in Mississauga lately, and I have not run into any smart-ass drivers, either

That's actually kind of scary. You know that won't last, and after almost a month of nothing, and...well...I won't say anything.

You may be wondering why I am still using Mississauga Transhit when I keep talking about divorcing them for Brampton Transit?
Well, it is a long story, but has to do with Communist Brampton forcing people to use the Presto Fare system, which is a useless piece of crap, and should be called the PITA fare system.








Anyway, away from the buses now, and on to the Pizza Pizza.

On Friday night, I ordered from Pizza Pizza as I always do on Friday.
They actually delivered on time, but I paid cash instead of using debit card. 
I gave the delivery guy $25 on a $19 order. What is that? 25%? He did not give me change. He took off, and before I had a chance to say something, he was already half way out the door.
He took a $6 tip on a $19 order, and left me no cash for the rest of the shift. 
Thank you for that.
I can't just fuck off in the middle of my shift to get cash. I have to stay within radio range in case of an emergency.

I used to always give a flat $2 to all delivery guys from Pizza Pizza. Although it is a bit less than 15%, they charge $3.50 for delivery, so, obviously the driver is not going to get as much.
Anyway, after this happened, now they are not going to get anything, ever.
Take it out of the $3.50 delivery fee.

That is the same Pizza Pizza that delivered my order 24 hours late...twice.

Fucking Mississauga. 
That crap wouldn't happen in Toronto.

You know, this is when a giant meteor needs to fall out of the sky and land right onto the city of Mississauga, and obliterate it.

Really...would anyone miss it? 
Name one good thing to come out of Mississauga...........

Yeah, I thought not.

Okay, maybe the meteor should land on the Mississauga City Centre. 
I should not blame all of Mississauga for my problems there, as most of them are either pizza related or bus related.

A lot has to do with the idiots at Mississauga City Hall.

Toronto is no prize either, but I can fix Toronto. 
In October, I am really going to do my best to fix Toronto.
For one thing, that councillor of mine, Gord Perks, needs a good swift kick out of office. The man is an idiot.

I can't do anything about Mississauga, but by putting pressure on the residents, I am hoping they will make a change.

I am a visitor to their city. They should be kissing my ass, not being a pain in it.
As it stands now, I don't do any business with anyone in Mississauga. 
Only Auctionmaxx until last month, when they moved to Toronto. 
Smart of them.

Speaking of, I have not won any auctions in a long time, because, as usual, idiots are bidding 'way too high for stuff.


Getting My 'Eye-Of-The-Tiger' In

In an interesting footnote to today's column: How ironic is it that I was riding the 71A bus to Stockyards Boxing on Thursday, and there was a Yellow Pages ad on the side of the bus:
""Toronto has nine boxing gyms...To get your eye-of-the-tiger in."" ?

That is funny at all levels.

The only thing, Toronto has five boxing gyms, not nine.

Of course, they are going by the number of gyms advertising in the Pages, which means nothing. 
Any 'gym' that has a punching bag, now calls themselves a boxing gym. 
Look at Bloor Fitness.
They have not had a boxing program since Richard left over three years ago. Yet, they are still listed in the Yellow Pages under "Boxing".

The only boxing they do, involves cardboard and tape.


Moving On, But Not Out

I have been looking a other places to train.
Not that I plan on leaving Stockyards anytime soon. Stockyards was the first gym to take me seriously, and is giving me the opportunity to compete.

I am looking for a place to train in Hamilton.
Starting next month, I will be spending quite a few weekends there, and will need a place to practice pugilism.

There are only four boxing gyms in Hamilton, unlike the **nine** we have in Toronto.

The Hamilton Boxing Club (Upper Centennial Pkwy and Rymal Road), is really expensive. Although it would be ideal, as it is an OBA member, and I would not have to go through the Boxing Ontario crap of having to explain why I am a Member of two different gyms.
Hamilton Boxing Gym works out to $130 a month.
Get this one: For some really strange reason, you need to join 5-Star Fitness in order to maintain membership with the Hamilton Boxing Club.
It is $70 for the boxing and from what I was able to find out, $60 for the fitness.
I have never heard of this before.
Also, 5-Star Fitness appears to be some kind of a 'Snobatorium'.
In their "rules", it specifies that 'all members must have a towel on their possession while on the gym floor. If you do not have a towel, we will rent you one'.

Who the hell rents towels?

Oh, yeah. That place is not at all snobby.
Also, they expect me to go through a fitness assessment, and a boxing assessment. 
Yeah, um, I have already been boxing for five years. I have something right here you can assess.

That awful place is out, and McGrory`s is out, because they have odd hours, and have no Master`s boxers.

That leaves Steeltown or Old School. Both of which are Boxing Ontario gyms.

Boxing Ontario, as you know, is the Saddam Hussein of the sports world.

They do not like the idea of someone belonging to two boxing gyms at the same time. They will want to know why.
Well, let me explain this the best I can, but it is very complicated:
*I want to*.

To be continued...

-----------------------------------------------

"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team

Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto

STATS

Record: 0 / 1  / 1 

Weigh-in on July 25 / 2014 @ 86 kg / 189 lbs. {no change}

Last bout: June 14 / 2014 [Loss by Decision]

Next scheduled bout: September 27 @ George Bell Arena
Training schedule: Monday to Sunday, sparring 3 times weekly

Coach: Richard Soucé
Trainer: Junmar Emon

Resting HR: 64 - 66

Stance: Orthodox 

Status:  ACTIVE
--------------------------------------------------

Boxing: Its Not A Science Project

 NEXT BOUT: SEPTEMBER 27 @ GEORGE BELL ARENA

•  No sparring week
• Getting ready, again
• A Q & A Period

NO SPARRING WEEK :(

On Saturday, there was no sparring because Richard wanted the day off with is family. Then on Monday, for some reason there was no sparring as well. Richard did pad-work with his boxers instead.

I hope there will be sparring on Wednesday evening. I need it.


GETTING READY FOR: "FIGHT II"

Rick informed me on Monday, that the next Stockyards' hosted boxing will be on September 27, and to "be ready".

Well, I would, but not being able to spar does not really help. Also, being sick didn't help, either.

I have over two months to prepare, and my opponent has not yet been announced.
I am still accepting suggestions through the survey, above right, until the end of July.
My coach is suggesting a rematch against "The Cobra", which is an idea I like, but nothing has been made official yet.



BOXING: ITS NOT A SCIENCE PROJECT, ITS A SWEET SCIENCE PROJECT

I have had people come up to me to ask about boxing. Even a complete "stranger" on the Number 40 bus the other day. He started asking me questions about boxing. 

I had written articles before about the sport, and even a bit here, but have never gone into a lot of detail.

In this entry, I would like to cover some of the common questions I get about boxing.

Note: I am not paid to promote any products or services or any business of any kind. I also do not accept payment for advertising of any kind. I want to maintain the 'purity' of this column. To be sure that what is posted here is only my opinion.
Anything you see ever on this blog, are my suggestions only.  

Now, the Q & A part of this entry:

Q: I want to try boxing. How do I get started?

A: Talk to other boxers and coaches first. Find out if you will even like it. If you decide you want to try it, see about a trial class. Most boxing gyms will offer at least one free trial class. Keep in mind that not all boxing gyms are the same, and that you don't always get what you pay for, so don't be afraid to try more than one. Boxing gym fees will cost anywhere from $40 to $150 per month. Shop around first, and also ask the members of each gym how they feel about their experience at that facility. Also note, that not all boxing gyms offer a competitive program. If you want to compete, participate in exhibitions, or even just do contact sparring, the gym and yourself will need to be registered with a boxing regulator. Ontario has two, Boxing Ontario and the Ontario Boxing Association. Check to see if the gym you want to join is registered with either of these first, as you will have to register for the same organization as the gym you choose. Current registration fees are $55 for OBA and $110 for Boxing Ontario, per year for each athlete. You will also need "permission" from your family physician to participate in any boxing activities. A doctor's note is required before you can join either organization, and in most cases the medical exam required is not covered by the Ontario Health Plan (OHIP).

For more information:  Boxing Ontario      Ontario Boxing Association

If you want to try my gym, Stockyards Boxing    150 Ryding Ave, Toronto  [Near Runnymede Road and St. Clair Ave. W.]


Q: Where can I get boxing gear, and what will I need?

A: Good question, but the question should be "Where can I get GOOD boxing gear?" Your gear is important. It is for your safety, and it will also take a lot of punishment. In this case, you want to make sure your gear is of good quality, to keep you safe, and last a decent about of time. 
If you just want to do recreational boxing (no contact), you will need only wraps and bag gloves. 
Hand wraps are intended to protect your wrists, not knuckles, as commonly thought. Wraps come in different lengths, and materials. You will need to experiment with different types to find out which ones you like. My preference are a medium-length wrap (150 inches). They generally come in three lengths, 120, 150, 180. Although, I have seen shorter ones on occasion.
They also come in different colors. I usually wear green ones, "The Brick's" official color, but I also use other colors as well. Currently, I wear orange ones for training.
They come in two different fabrics. A "stretchy" one, and cotton. I find the stretchy ones get too tight, and cut off circulation, so I stick with the all-cotton ones. 
Hand wraps should be washed in cold water, and hang-dried after every use. They should also be kept rolled-up, to avoid tangling and wrinkling.
Also. ask your coach how to properly wear your wraps.
If you choose to compete, you will have to wear your wraps properly, to avoid disqualification.
Decent wraps are about $10 a pair, and are the least expensive gear.

Bag gloves are easy. Any gloves that are not approved for sparring can be used as bag gloves. Even MMA gloves. They should be comfortable for you, and protect your hands. Bag gloves start at about $25 a pair, but I recommend not getting the least expensive ones.

If you want to do contact sparring, in addition to the above, you will need additional gear. Sparring gloves, mouthguard, foul protection, helmet, and uniform.

Sparring gloves are 16 oz. for guys and 14 oz. for girls, and can be purchased from any martial arts supply store. I prefer to order directly from the manufacturer. Rival makes excellent gear, and it is a Canadian company.
Gloves are one of the most expensive pieces of gear, but if cared-for correctly, will give you years of service. Good sparring gloves will cost at least $120 a pair.

Mouthguard can be purchased from practically any sporting goods store. However, it is a good idea to get one specifically made for combat sports. They are a bit more expensive, but offer better protection. Mouthguards come in different colors, but note that under Canadian boxing rules for competitive boxing, a mouthguard can only be black, white, or clear when used during competition. Using any other color of guard may lead to disqualification. You may use any color of mouthguard for sparring. However, in all cases it should be formed properly. It should fit tightly against the teeth, and not be too long to cause choking. A good mouthguard will cost about $20.

Foul protection is required for all male athletes who are participating in contact events. Although "Hitting below the belt" is illegal, accidents do happen, and the last thing you need are cracked nuts.
There are different types of protectors for different sports, but the one intended for boxing is very specifically designed. When shopping for one, it is important to go to a place that sells gear for combat sports, and specify that you need a protector for boxing. Boxing protection will cost about $75.

A helmet, or headgear, is required for all amateur boxers for all contact events. You are required to supply your own for sparring, but headgear for competition will be (must be) supplied by the host club. You are not allowed to use your own.
Like the foul protection, go to a place that specializes in combat sports, and specify a boxing headgear. Headgear take a lot of beating, and are protecting something very important, so don't go too cheap on this. There are also some ridiculously expensive ones. I suggest to stick in the $100 - $200 range.

Also recommended for sparring, and required for competition are boxing shoes.
For these you should go to a store that sells shoes for combat sports. Find a pair you like, and try them on.
Boxing shoes have soles that are specially designed to allow you to pivot and move properly and safely on the ring surface. Boxing shoes that are good quality can often be found on sale for about $80. Rival Boxing makes a very good shoe.

A uniform is required for competition. It consists of a tank top and boxing trunks. The uniform is usually in the colors representing your gym. For example, Stockyards' boxers wear red, white, and black. I am an exception, as my uniform is green, to represent the color of "The Brick". Boxing trunks are designed to have a large waistband. This is intentional, to mark the foul line. Trunks can be purchased any where boxing gear is sold, and cost about $50 - $60. 
Boxing trucks should be washed in cold water, and not put in the dryer.

At one time, it was required in Ontario for all competing boxers to wear a specific "boxing shirt". Now, any tank top can generally be worn as a uniform top. Although, it should look like a top, and not an undershirt, and should match your trunks.


Q: What sized gloves are used for boxing?

A: For sparring and exhibitions, 16 oz. are the only size allowed for the guys. For competition, 10 oz. are now used for all male athletes (formerly 12 oz.), and are always supplied by the host gym. You are not allowed to use your own gloves for competition.


Q: Have you ever been knocked out?

A: This is a very common question for some reason. The answer is "no".


Q: Have you ever bled?

A: You know, I am not a bleeder. I have had two nosebleeds from boxing in five years. So, yes, I have, but rarely. For a boxer, that is a good thing.


Q: Have you ever received a black eye from boxing?

A: No. I don't bruise easy, either. Although, as odd as this may sound, I would like to have a black eye from boxing. I will finally look like a boxer!


Q: Can you teach me boxing/coach me?

A: I am not a certified coach, nor do I give lessons any more. However, if I am free, I do give out the occasional "pointer".  Contact me for availability.


Q: I want to spar you. When can we spar?

A: If you are a registered boxer, and would like to spar, you can arrange a "sparring partner exchange" through your coach, and my coach has to agree. I am available to travel to other gyms in the GTA or Hamilton. 
I am not allowed, and will not, participate in full-contact sparring outside a registered boxing facility.


Q: Wow. You are a boxer. Will you hit me if I piss you off?

A: Yes. Don't piss me off. *

* I use boxing for defense only, so if "Piss me off" means that you are trying to attack me, then I will do what I need to do to stop the attack. Keep in mind that boxers are legally restricted to what we can do, and that "defense" has a very specific meaning under the law as it applies to boxers.
I will discuss this more in a future column.


What Happened To "Videos From the Blue Corner"?

The video blog did not perform as well as I expected, and therefore has been put on hiatus.
"Auction Finds", a popular segment, may be moved to this blog.


Moving Sale

Items going up for sale:

• New Blackberry smartphone protective gel skins (x5)
• New HP keyboard, French layout
• Used Quest active subwoofer, 60 watts
• Used Pioneer center-channel speaker, 40 watts
• Used unbranded set-top DVD recorder
• Various cables and A/V, computer accessories

More, soon.

-----------------------------------------------

"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team

Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto

STATS

Record: 0 / 1  / 1 

Weigh-in on July 18 / 2014 @ 86 kg / 189 lbs. {no change}

Last bout: June 14 / 2014 [Loss by Decision]

Next scheduled bout: September 27 @ George Bell Arena
Training schedule: Monday to Sunday, sparring 3 times weekly

Coach: Richard Soucé
Trainer: Junmar Emon

Resting HR: 64 - 66

Stance: Orthodox 

Status:  ACTIVE
--------------------------------------------------

TRAINING 

Thursday July 17    OFF (Sick)
Friday July 18    OFF (Sick)
Saturday July 19   OFF (Sick)

Sunday July 20  Bloor  FLR, CARDI, RESIST   90 mins

Monday July 21 Stockyards PADS, BAG, SHDBX  90 mins

Tuesday July 22   Bloor  CARDI, BAG, 60 mins

Wednesday July 23  Stockyards SPAR(?)

----------------------------------------------------

SPARRING

None.

--------------------------------------

Mister Kladnick's Turn

In this entry:

Sparring Kladnick, but not Oliver...










Mister Kladnick's Turn 

Sparring is getting weird lately.
I guess because it is summer, the regulars are not coming to spar.

Saturday morning sparring with Dharius again.
Richard likes it when I spar him.
I did 4 rounds.

Monday, I sparred 5 rounds with everyone.
The first two with Leo "The Cobra", one with Tom, and two others.

Richard was not in, so Junmar was conducting the sparring sessions.
He kept on telling me to hit harder. To " gain respect".
Well, the way I look at it is this: These are my teammates, so I should already have their respect.
However, if I was in a competitive match, then yes, I would need to strike my opponent very hard. 
I guess that is the point he was trying to make.

The problem was, I was worried about my nose getting hit too hard. My nose was still a bit sore, so I have been very careful to protect it.
I think that is a good thing, because it helps me improve defense. 

It looks like it is working, as nobody has hit my nose yet. I would certainly know if someone did.

Wednesday was really different.
Junmar had gone away on a vacation, so only Richard was in.
I went in for 6 PM, and there was nobody there for sparring, but Mr. Kladnick was there. Yes, I'm talking about Oliver's father.

Richard told him he should wait until Monday, because he was ready to leave, but Kladnick wanted to spar so badly, that he changed back into his gym clothes.

Rick said that Kladnick is "A bit of a heavy hitter". 
Oh, boy. That is like when the doctor says, "This will be a bit uncomfortable."

Well, he was right. He does hit hard, but couldn't hit the targets.
I was able to block everything the threw, because he was as slow as molasses in January. I could see his attacks coming around the corner.
He landed...zero...punches on me.


He also could not complete two rounds. He got tired half-way through round two, and Richards pulled him from the ring.

I'm not sure of his boxing history. I don't know for how long he has been boxing.

However, I have a new rule about commenting on other boxers: Except for the odd joke or sarcastic comment (You know that won't stop, but is all in good fun.), I will not comment on a guy's ability in the ring, unless I have trained with him (sparring). 
Also, any comments I make after sparring a man, is purely intended to be constructive.
Anybody, regardless of age or skill, who steps into the ring, and is willing to take a pounding, and give one, has balls, and for that, deserves respect.

In this case, although Oliver's dad is slow, I respect him for wanting to spar, and is not afraid to give or take a beating.
Thank you for the sparring session.


'The Brick' Is Sick :(

My physician has advised me to take some time off, due to a viral infection that is causing a painful swelling of my lymph nodes.
He wants me to rest.
Therefore, I will be away from the gyms for the next three days, to avoid spreading the virus to my colleagues. 


Stuff For Sale

I have unsold (new) auction items, and used household items for sale.
They will be posted here and on kijiji, soon.

• Clothing, electronics, computer accessories, household goods and small appliances.

-----------------------------------------------

"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team

Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto

STATS

Record: 0 / 1  / 1 

Weigh-in on July 11 / 2014 @ 86 kg / 189 lbs. {down}

Last bout: June 14 / 2014 [Loss by Decision]

Next scheduled bout: N/A

Training schedule: Monday to Sunday, sparring 3 times weekly

Coach: Richard Soucé
Trainer: Junmar Emon

Resting HR: 64 - 68

Stance: Orthodox 

Status: OFF (Sick), 3 days

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------

TRAINING SCHEDULE

Thursday July 10    Bloor  FLR, CARDI  60 mins
Friday July 11    Bloor   CARDI, SHDBX, BAG  90 mins

Saturday July 12   Stockyards   TECH, SPAR  60 mins

Sunday July 13  Bloor  FLR, CARDI, RESIST   90 mins

Monday July 14    Stockyards   TECH, SPAR   60 mins

Tuesday July 15   Bloor   CARDI, BAG, SHDBX  90 mins

Wednesday July 16  Stockyards TECH, SPAR 60 mins  

----------------------------------------------------

SPARRING

SAT. 4 rounds, focus defense

MON. 5 rounds, focus defense

WED. 2 rounds, focus defense

--------------------------------------

'The Brick' Takes A [short] Leave Of Absence From Boxing

In this entry:

-The Brick takes a mini-vacation from boxing.
-Oh where, oh where, can Bartor Road be ?
-Countdown to the big move.






Time Out

If you remember from my last post, I suffered a nasal trauma from sparring on Saturday.
It did not hurt, so I decided to spar again on Monday.
Well, it seems that guys like to punch my nose. Although, I was trying to protect it, I was nailed on the nose.
Since then, there has been a constant throbbing pain from the bottom of my nose to my upper jaw, and sometimes gives me a headache.

There is obviously some damage there, so in order to keep from irritating it, and possibly causing more damage, I am voluntarily extracting myself from contact boxing activities for five days.
That means no sparring until the Saturday morning session.

I will return to the Wednesday session next week, but at the earlier 6 PM session.
I will not be going to the 8 PM session any more for two reasons. One is that hardly anyone goes, and also that it is too late for when I am on night shift.

For the rest of this week, I will be training at Bloor Fitness only.


Looking For A Bartor

How long does it take to find a street in Toronto?
Exactly 83 minutes.
That is how long I walked yesterday to find the new location of the Auctionmaxx pickup location.
It used to be on Dixie Road near Courtneypark Drive, but they recently moved to 200 Bartor Road in Toronto.
This road is almost impossible to find, since it does not show up on the GPS.
The problem is that it is a service road for Highway 401, so the GPS will just show it as "Highway 401", and not as Bartor Road.
At least that is what Blackberry Maps shows, and I should have realized by now how "accurate" Blackberry Maps is.

To make a long story short, I found it after wandering around for almost an hour and a half, and was rewarded with a nice gift from the great people at Auctionmaxx.

www.auctionmaxx.com


Bye Bye Ontario, You Will Not Be Missed

It is just over 14 months to my big move to Montreal.

I have already started pricing apartments in the Westmount area.
I have seen some really nice two bedroom units for around $750.

The cost of living is much lower, and it is a much more fun place to live.

I will likely work in Cornwall, and live in Montreal. That way, I don't have to worry about improving my French. Although, I will be learning a lot of French up to that point.

I am hoping, if I am still with the company I am now, to transfer to their Cornwall facility.

I will be moving very little, as I will be starting a new life in Montreal.
I am starting to sell stuff now.

Look here in future posts for items up for sale.

-----------------------------------------------

"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team

Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto

STATS

Record: 0 / 1  / 1 

Weigh-in on July 4 / 2014 @ 86 kg / 190 lbs. {no change}

Last bout: June 14 / 2014 [Loss by Decision]

Next scheduled bout: N/A

Training schedule: Monday to Sunday, sparring 3 times weekly

Coaches: R. Soucé, J, Emon

Resting HR: 64 - 68

Stance: Orthodox 

Status: VOLUNTARY SUSPENSION, 5 Days

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------

TRAINING SCHEDULE

Thursday July 3    Bloor   FLR, SHDBX, CARDI  90 mins

Friday July 4         Bloor   CARDI, BAG  60 mins

Saturday July 5     Stockyards   TECH, SPAR  60 mins

Sunday July 6      Bloor    FLR, CARDI   60 mins

Monday July 7     Stockyards   TECH, SPAR   60 mins

Tuesday July 8     Bloor   CARDI, BAG, SHDBX  90 mins

Wednesday July 9  Bloor BAG, SHDBX, CARDI  60 mins

----------------------------------------------------








Cheers.

   

"NOBODY BEATS THE BRICK"

Canada Is Closed

In this entry:

Saturday Sparring Report, The Brick Bleeds!
and
Canada Is Closed





The Bleeding Brick

Saturday morning sparring, five rounds. 

Tough sparring, especially with it being so hot. 
Temperatures in the 30's, and higher in the gym.

Adam sparred a couple before I, and ended up with a bleeding nose from an uppercut.

I sparred next, and during the last 30 seconds of the last round, I was nailed on the nose with an uppercut!
I too, stared to bleed. Something I never do.

It was a rough day for noses, and a lot of lost blood.

Even Coach Richard said, "I have never seen you bleed".

Well, such is this sport. 

My biggest problem is when guys strike too hard to the side of the head. I don't need to have a concussion. Since the helmets we wear are good for making us look stupid, and nothing else.
If a concussion happens, one will be suspended, and therefor will not be able to compete. 
As I mentioned in a previous post, if one is to be hurt and then suspended, it should not be from sparring.    


RCMP: Canada Is Closed

This section has nothing to do with my boxing, but sometimes it is nice to write about something interesting, other than my crappy life.

I don't know how many of you have heard of the town of Stanstead.
It is a small town about 150 km south-east of Montréal. 
It sits directly on the U.S. -- Canada border.
Many streets within the town cross between the two countries with just a white line marking the crossover.
There is actually only one crossing that has a customs-immigration checkpoint. It is where U.S Route 5 and Québec Highway 143 connect.

Stanstead`s only border office.

Up until just about two years ago, one could cross freely between the two countries at points not guarded by customs or immigration officers.

However, the RCMP has quickly put a stop to this, since as many as four, yes, four, "illegals" entered Canada without proper papers.

The RCMP, in true Canadian fashion, blocked off all non-manned border crossings with...flowers.

Canada's attempt to keep illegal immigrants out of the country.

We make fun of this, but I think this was more of a customs issue rather than an immigration problem.
As you can see, you can still walk through. 
This looks like an attempt to control vehicular traffic.
After all, even though this is in the middle of the town, it is still a border crossing, and needs some kind of control.

The Stanstead library sits directly on the border, and is marked with a black line through the entire building.


Pull out a chair, and you are in another country!

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"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team

Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto

STATS

Record: 0 / 1  / 1 

Weigh-in on July 4 / 2014 @ 86 kg / 190 lbs. {no change}

Last bout: June 14 / 2014 [Loss by Decision]

Next scheduled bout: N/A

Training schedule: Monday to Sunday, sparring 3 times weekly

Coaches: R. Soucé, J, Emon

Resting HR: 64 - 68

Stance: Orthodox 

Status: ACTIVE

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Cheers.

'NOBODY BEATS THE BRICK'