Happy Holidays, Last Entry For 2019

    ENTRY 472


HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM 'THE BRICK'

We are closely approaching the end of 2019.

This past year went by fairly smoothly for me. Although,there were a couple of mild hiccups, they were nothing major.

Although, I did not officially compete at all in 2019, I did get in two exhibition bouts.
The next one is scheduled for February. 
I do want get at least one competitive bout in for Cabbagetown in 2020, as I want to add to my trophy case, but there is no hurry. I like the exhibitions. They are fun and less stressful.

This will be that last entry for this blog for 2019, and on that note, I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season.

The next 'Blue Corner' entry will be in mid-January.


═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
--Paul 'The Brick' Brec

LINKS:

MASTERS BOXING ON REDDIT

ANOTHER 'BRICK' IN THE SPRAWL 

Cabbagetown Fundraiser

    ENTRY 471



Cabbagetown FUNdraiser

This past Saturday, the Cabbagetown Youth Centre held it's annual fundraiser at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club, and I have been told that it is going to be semi-annually starting in 2020.
I was asked to participate in an exhibition match for this event back in October, and I had worked very hard. I had been told back then who my opponent was, and had a lot of time to get prepared.
I just wish I could always have that much notice.
My opponent was Ryan Taylor, and he likes to use the Southpaw stance. Although, he did switch on me a few times, but I was surprised at myself for having absolutely no problem handling it. It just seemed that I knew exactly what to do when he switched. 
I have to say that a year ago, that would have confused the crap out of me.
It is all thanks to the great coaches at Cabbagetown.

Ryan Taylor and Paul 'The Brick' after a friendly battle on December 14.

Heather was helping in the corner between rounds. She gave some really great advice.

I like this photo. It was the way I was standing. It was an almost-perfect boxing stance. My right foot was planted, but that could have been because I was in the middle of resetting. 

My jab, that all my coaches think is great, but I don't use enough. How's this?













I am not sure what I was doing here. I think it was an odd defensive move. Although, the coach will probably correct me on it. I definitely look off-balance.

It was fun. 

As I have mentioned previously, I enjoy doing fundraisers. 

I am not sure how much they raised, but if you would also like to help save the Cabbagetown youth programs, visit the gofundme.

One thing I would like to say to end off.

I really find it rude when people are talking while the boxing is going on. If you are there to watch the boxing, then watch the boxing, otherwise talk outside. 

That is extremely disrespectful to the athletes who train really hard. 

That is all for this post.

There will be one more "Blue Corner" entry later in the week as the last entry of the year.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
--Paul 'The Brick' Brec

LINKS:

MASTERS BOXING ON REDDIT

ANOTHER 'BRICK' IN THE SPRAWL 

If All Else Fails...Use Brut Force

    ENTRY 470



If All Else Fails...Use Brut Force

A couple of weeks ago, we changed our clocks back, because in this area we use Daylight Savings Time. 
I have a lot of clocks because I like clocks. Yes, the computer and smartphone, and even my watch will automatically adjust for DST, but my other clocks don't.
I have one on the counter in the bathroom that I bought from Ikea a couple of years ago. It looks like this, but it is green:

When I turned it back, it stopped.
Just like that, it stopped. I tried a couple of new batteries, but I still couldn't get it to work.
I thought it had died, so I tried one last resort. I punched it. Right in the face. It started working again, and has been ever since.

If all else fails...A punch in the face works.




Update On Training For December

I am still training hard for my exhibition in December.
As far as I know, by opponent is still the same person. His name is Ryan. He is about my age, but he is southpaw. I'm not sure how much boxing experience he has, but I do know that he used to use orthodox stance, but switched to southpaw recently. That means that he can also switch back at any time.

My coach has changed my training a bit. 
Instead of training as a southpaw, I will be returning to training orthodox with focus on offense and defense against a southpaw. It is easier, but still different. You can't use the exact same techniques as you would if your opponent is using the same stance as you.

I will provide more information on this event as it gets closer.


A Different Kind of Training

Exercise is boring, isn't it?
As an athlete and avid about keeping a a fit body, I am always looking for new and interesting ways to do so. However, recently I found one quite by accident. I was looking for something else, and I found something very interesting.
It is called Pursuit OCR. It is an indoor obstacle course. One of the largest in North America.

It has a giant ball bit with over 100,000 balls. There are also tunnels to crawl through, climbing walls, a punching-bag maze, nets, and a room full of ropes strung at all angles to navigate. 
You can also race giant tricycles through a hilly track.

The one I really want to try are the rings. Yes, they have the suspended rings! I have always wanted to try those and imagine being chased by a Gladiator. Remember that show?

You get all that and more for $20 for an all-day pass.

How far do you have to go to experience this?
Not far.
It's in Toronto.

More information here:

BlogTO article
Pursuit OCR official site

Just Listen To the Radio

This is not boxing related, but it is part of my life and interesting.

I work in a condominium building near St. Clair West and Yonge Street. 

I see many people come and go, but recently someone moved into one of the units who plays for the Toronto Raptors.

For privacy reasons, I am not allowed to say who, but for $3600 a month, who else could afford it?

He is very tall, and has to duck every time he enters the lobby to avoid smashing his face on the EXIT sign. That building just isn't built for basketball players.

Every time he comes back from a game that they won, I ask him who won, even though I always hear about it on the radio first. He will tell me, and then I would say, "I know because I heard it on the radio, but I wanted to hear it from you". 

He's a cool guy, but after a while he stopped telling me who won and would just say with a smile, 'listen to the radio'.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
--Paul 'The Brick' Brec

LINKS:

MASTERS BOXING ON REDDIT

ANOTHER 'BRICK' IN THE SPRAWL 

Boo!

    ENTRY 469  SPECIAL HALLOWEEN EDITION

BOO!

Welcome to the yearly Halloween edition of the Creepy Orange Corner.
This year I would like to share with you a creepypasta based on boxing.
This is not my story. It was written by someone else and posted to the Creepypasta website.

Although, it isn't all that creepy, it is a good story for this day.

Enjoy.



"Faustian Boxing"

“I could feel his muscle tissues collapse under my force. It’s ludicrous these mortals even attempt to enter my realm.” – Mike Tyson

ROUND 0

The singular incandescent light bulb isn’t nearly large enough to illuminate this dingy locker room. Darkness surrounds both me and my trainer, it seems like nothing in this universe exists other than us. He finishes taping up my hands and starts lacing up my gloves. With a grave expression on his face, he looks directly into my eyes and reminds me of what I’m supposed to do.

“Okay kid, make it respectable for the first two rounds. Don’t get too cute with this guy, he doesn’t know the fight is fixed. Go easy on him and he is likely to bash your face in.”

“I know, we already went over this.”

Ignoring me, he continues, “In the third round you go down and you stay down. Your contract will be fulfilled then, and this demon will be out of your life for good.”

We exit the locker room and walk down a short tunnel. Bright blue lights are scattered all over the smoke filled arena and I feel disoriented. To make matters worse, the crowd boos me as they throw rubbish in my general direction. I desperately scan the crowd for my wife, but I can’t find her. I know she is in here somewhere, I really want to see her face one more time before the fight begins.

Once I step up into the ring, I can see my wife from the higher perspective. She is five rows back and looks terrified. Sitting next to her is a middle aged man with slicked back grey hair who is wearing a black suit and tie. He looks like a stereotypical Mafioso. If only that were the case, everything would be so much simpler.

“Get your head out of your ass!” my trainer yells at me. “You can’t be worried about her now. If you want to help her you need to concentrate on the fight.”

ROUND 1

My mind isn’t on the fight at all. I’m worried about my wife and that thing sitting next to her. The ringing of the bell nearly sends me into a panic as my opponent comes straight towards me.

I’m taller and have a reach advantage, but he is more compact, outweighing my by a few pounds. My plan for the fight is simple; I’ll dance around him for a couple rounds, keeping him at bay with my longer reach. If he gets too close, I’ll clinch and not let go until the ref forces us apart.

Thirty seconds into the fight, my plan literally goes straight to hell. My opponent is much stronger than I assumed and preternaturally fast. His left hook catches me on the chin and I go down. Everything went red.

1……2……3……

A brief vision of intense burning and pain, not for me but for my wife. Flames engulf her as she screams in agony. I want to help her but I can’t. An overwhelming feeling of helplessness looms over me so terribly that I feel like I’m having a heart attack.

4……5……6……

I’m back in the ring and I gasp for air. My trainer is screaming at the top of his lungs for me to get up. I oblige him with a Pavlovian response as I jolt back onto my feet.

The referee grabs both of my wrists. “Can you continue?”

I nod my head and he signals for combat to resume.

Somehow I survive to the end of the round. I actually get a few good combinations in, which is the only thing that saves me. My opponent definitely won the round though. My left ribs hurt every time I breathe. My head still feels fuzzy from his love tap on my chin.

ROUND 2

“Damnit kid, weren’t you listening to me? I told you not to get cute with this guy. No more dancing around and clinching,” my trainer yells.

I respond by spitting blood into a bucket.

He continues, “Okay, you just need to last one more round then you are home free. You can do it, I know you can!”

I resist the urge to look over at my wife and her captor. Not looking makes me feel even worse. I sense an evil presence in that general direction. Intense feelings of sadness, despair, fear, loneliness and hopelessness suddenly overcome me. I know it’s some trick the grey haired man is playing on me. I need to fight these feelings, I must go on and finish this round.

The bell rings and my opponent makes a beeline for me, I can sense murder in his heart. No, it’s not murder, murder is a human emotion. He looks more like a crocodile heading straight for its prey, sheer predatory instinct trying to kill me. This fear keeps my adrenaline up and I get a few good punches in.

My left hook connects squarely to his temple, but somehow he is unfazed. Before I can follow up with a combo, he dishes out multiple body shots and a glancing uppercut to me. The crowd roars its approval.

I desperately tie him up in a clinch. My ribs hurts worse than any pain I’ve ever felt before, and that’s saying something because I’ve been lots of fights. I’m lucky his uppercut didn’t fully connect or I’d be dead. The referee pries us apart and we trade several more punches.

Right as the bell rings, he hits me in the ribs again. I’m blinded with pain as I double over. I stagger back to my corner and collapse onto the stool.

ROUND 3

“Okay, you did it, you are home free,” my trainer says as he massages my shoulders. “At the next reasonable punch he throws, you hit the mat and you stay down.”

Paying no attention to my pain, I consider the grey haired man sitting next to my wife. Even though I still feel his malicious presence, he doesn’t scare me anymore. I’m about to live up to our end of the bargain and soon he will be out of our lives once and for all.

The bell rings, and I’m practically smiling under my mouth guard. All I have to do is let this guy punch me, I’ll take a dive, and it will all be over.

Eight seconds into the round he catches me off guard with his deadly uppercut. Before I know what’s happening, I’m lying on the mat. Perhaps it’s my endorphins kicking in, or perhaps it’s a result of my brain rattling around inside my skull, but for whatever reason time seems to slow down to a crawl.

1………………2……………

A distant voice is screaming “stay down, stay down.” I wonder who is yelling at me. Where the hell am I?

3………………4……………

I remember a nice grey haired gentlemen coming to me my wife several weeks ago. He had a ridiculously strange offer for us. Something involving a whole lot of money. We signed some meaningless contract, and I am supposed to do something during this fight to fulfill the contract.

5………………6……………

There was something in the contract about her soul as collateral. My wife thought it was a joke or a prank. We figured there was no harm though, perhaps it was just some kooky old man who had too much money on his hands. We were quite shocked when his check cleared several days later. All of our money problems had been solved.

7………………8……………

I get up onto my knees and I don’t know what to do. The blow to my head left me feeling confused. I need to do something to fulfill the contract, I just can’t remember what. Am I supposed to win the fight?

9……………

I spring to my feet. The referee looks shocked that I’m able to continue. “Are you sure you can go on?”

I don’t understand a word he says, but somehow I know to nod my head in response.

Pure instinct is taking over. I’ve been a boxer long enough to know how to fight while hurt. I’m sure I have a concussion, that’s why I’m confused. My body is operating on pure muscle memory.

My opponent is already standing on the ropes with his hands up, celebrating victory. He looks annoyed that I’m back on my feet. He moves in to finish me with a deadly flurry of punches.

He throws a punch and I block it. I easily block his second and third punches, I’m in the zone. When he throws his uppercut I dodge to the side and I hit him with one of the best right crosses I have ever thrown. He goes down like a sack of potatoes.

Euphoric rage envelopes me as I stand over his unconscious body. The referee shoves me towards a neutral corner and ceremoniously counts to ten before declaring me the winner.

“Oh, my god, what have you done?” cries my trainer.

“I did it, I won the fight!”

I run over to hug him, but he looks afraid of me. Before I can get within ten feet of him he hops out of the ring and runs towards the locker room. Instead, I go to look at wife, my fists in the air signaling triumph. As I lean on the ropes, I look in her direction only to find that her seat empty.

POST FIGHT ANALYSIS

By the time I make it back to the dim locker room my trainer is long gone. My faculties are slowing coming back to me and I feel a gradual sense of growing dread. Something isn’t right. I wasn’t supposed to win the fight was I? Realizing my mistake I feel sheer panic.

I sprint back through the tunnel and into the arena. Most of the crowd has already cleared out, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find her. A few stragglers want to congratulate me on my victory, but I don’t care. I frantically run to the seat where my wife was sitting but she’s not there. I make a giant loop around the arena, and then the balcony, but there is no sign of her. I sprint out into the lobby and she’s not there either.

My vision is blurred with tears as I dejectedly walk back towards the locker room. This can’t be happening, it just can’t be happening. I didn’t mean to win the fight. I was confused. I didn’t know what I was doing.

Opening the locker room doors, I see a blurry figure standing directly under the gentle light of the locker room. My vision clears as I wipe the tears from my eyes. It’s my wife and she is facing away from me. I run towards her and scoop her up in a giant bear hug.

“Thank god you are okay, I was so worried about you!” I exclaim.

She doesn’t embrace me back. I slowly place her down and examine her closely. Something is seriously wrong, I feel ice water running through my veins. The hair on the back of my neck stands straight up as I gaze into her dead soulless eyes.

Credit: M Barnett


Fundraiser Event

More information on the December fundraiser will be in the next entry.


Happy Halloween.

══════════════════════════════════════════════════
--Paul 'The Brick' Brec

LINKS:

MASTERS BOXING ON REDDIT

ANOTHER 'BRICK' IN THE SPRAWL

Boxing For Dollars ~ What Is the Fascination With Combat Sports?

    ENTRY 468



What's the Deal With the Fascination of Combat Sports?

Hello everyone. Something a bit different this time.
I'd like to talk about boxing in a bit different way.

Have you ever thought about what attracts people to combat sports, and boxing specifically? I often do. I did some research, and found out some very interesting things.
First of all, and this may seem obvious, but combat sports appeal more to men, for participation and as spectators. When a combat sport event is advertised, it is generally aimed at a male demographic.

That is not so much of a surprise, but what is the fascination, anyway?

Look at it this way: If someone is at work and gets hit on the head and knocked unconscious, it is a big deal. People get upset and worried. However, if a boxer is knocked unconscious in the ring, that is perfectly fine. As a matter-of-fact, there seems to be a rather odd fascination with that. Why?
To be honest, I have no problem watching "Boxing's Most Brutal Knockouts" on YouTube. I enjoy it, but I can't tell you why. If someone was to ask me why I enjoy it, I would not be able to answer. I really don't know.

If you go back into history, the very first organized sport was a combat sport called Prankration. It goes back to BC 648. It was a combination of boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling. It also had very few rules.

I find it rather unsurprising that the very first sport was a combat sport. 

Although, things have changed over the years in the world of combat sports, I never really found much interest in the MMA-type sports. 
As I have said before, if you are going to study a combat sport, pick one, and learn it very well. Nobody can learn every combat sport well enough to be good at all of them.
In my opinion, boxing is still the best. A boxer can still kick an MMA guy's butt all over the place. I used to spar MMA guys when I trained at Xtreme Couture. I miss that. Kicking butts. That was fun, actually. Being able to put those cocky MMA idiots in their place.
MMA guy says, "I know kickboxing, and I know wrestling, and I know boxing, and I know jiu-jitsu, and I know..." 
You know nothing. 

Boxing still rules.

I found out that there are actually four different current types of boxing:

Shoot Boxing (1985). Based on Japanese rules and created in 1985 by a combat sports promotions company by the same name. Although, technically not 'real' boxing since other types of strikes are allowed. Shoot Boxing can not end in a tie, so in this case additional rounds are added to break the tie. Rounds are three minutes long. 

Pugilism. Also called 'bare-knuckle boxing'. It has been around for a very long time, and is currently making a comeback in England. The interesting thing about this type of boxing is that there are very few injuries from strikes. Due to there not being any hand protection, guys don't want to strike hard areas of the body. Therefore, there are few, if any, head strikes. The human skull is very hard and will damage your hand if hit too hard.

Modern Professional Boxing (1867). This is the most common, and most well-known type of boxing. It is based on the Marquess of Queensberry Rules established in 1867. This set of rules specifies the following: Rounds will be of three-minute duration with one minute between; No wrestling allowed; No seconds allowed in the ring during the bout; A man on one knee is considered 'down'; If a man goes down, he is allowed 10 seconds to get up and his opponent must remain in his own corner.

Olympic-Style Boxing (1908) Also called Amateur Boxing. This style is based on a modified version of the Queensberry Rules from 1908. These modifications have determined that when a man goes down, he is considered 'out' and disqualified from the contest. The modified rules also allow for shorter rounds. Currently, there is only one amateur division that has three-minute rounds, and that is the Elite Open category. All others except Masters Novice are two-minute rounds. Masters Novice are 90 seconds.


Boxing For Dollars

I have been asked to participate in a fundraiser on December 14.
I don't know much about it yet, but I will update here once I know more. 

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

--Paul 'The Brick' Brec

LINKS:

MASTERS BOXING ON REDDIT

ANOTHER 'BRICK' IN THE SPRAWL 

The Brick's Guide To Boxing In Toronto--5th Edition

GUIDE TO BOXING IN TORONTO [FIFTH EDITION]

Star ratings are given to gyms that I have attended, along with a review. 
Otherwise, published information about the club will be listed.


EAST OF YONGE STREET

Ashukian's Academy of Boxing
485 McNicoll Ave. (Victoria Park Ave. at Gordon Baker Road)  http://ashukianboxing.com/

Body By Chosen
195 Church Street (at Dundas St. East)   https://www.bodybychosen.com/

Cabbagetown Boxing Club
2 Lancaster Ave.  (Parliament St. at Winchester St.)   
(see 'Rated Gyms')

Centre Ring
22 Balliol St. (Yonge St. at Davisville Ave.)   https://www.centrering.com/

Clancy's Boxing Academy
100 Sunrise Ave. (O'Connor Dr. and Eglinton Ave.)  http://clancysboxingacademy.com/

Clubb Canada
15 Grand Marshall Dr. (Morningside Ave. at Sheppard Ave. East)   http://www.clubbcanada.com/

Combative Concepts Boxing Club
1211 Kennedy Road (at Lawrence Ave. East)  https://combativeconceptsama.ca

Gideon Boxing Academy
21 Progress Ave. (at Kennedy Road)   http://www.gideonboxingacademy.com/

Hard Knocks Boxing Club
385A Queen St. East  (at Parliament St.)  http://www.hardknocksboxingclub.com/

Rev MMA
150 Lesmill Road (Leslie St. at York Mills Road)   https://revmma.com/

Toronto Newsgirls
388 Carlaw Ave. (at Gerrard St. East)   www.torontonewsgirls.com/

WEST OF YONGE STREET

Bloor Street Fitness and Boxing
2595 Dundas St. West (at Bloor St. West)
(see 'Rated Gyms')

Kingsway Boxing Club
22 Jutland Road (Kipling Ave. at North Queen St.)
(see 'Rated Gyms')

MJKO
186 Cowan Ave. (King St. West at Dufferin St.) https://mjko.ca/

Stockyards Boxing and Fitness
215 Ryding Ave. (Runnymede Road at St. Clair Ave. West)
(see 'Rated Gyms')

Sully's Boxing Gym
1554 Dundas St. W. (at Dufferin St.)   http://www.sullysboxinggym.com/

Toronto Boxing Academy  
2389 St Clair Ave. West (at Runnymede Road)
(see 'Rated Gyms')

United Boxing Club
1034 Bloor St. West (at Dufferin St.)   https://www.unitedboxing.club/

University of Toronto Boxing Club
Faculty of Physical Education (on campus)   https://thevarsity.ca/2015/11/23/in-photos-u-of-t-boxing-club/

Xtreme Couture Toronto
700 Kipling Ave. (at North Queen St.)
(see 'Rated Gyms')

NORTH OF OR NEAR HWY 401

Atlas Boxing Club
100 Bridgeland Ave. (Dufferin St. at HWY 401)   https://atlasboxing.wordpress.com/

Grants Rival Boxing Club
4884 Dufferin St.(at Steeles Ave.)   https://grantmma.ca/

Scarbarian Boxing Club
2250 Midland Ave. (at HWY 401)   http://www.scarberianboxing.com/

Siberia Boxing Club
115 Dolomite Dr. (Dufferin St. at Finch Ave.)   http://siberia-boxing.com/


REVIEWED GYMS 
(Gyms I have attended for at least 6 months and can provide a fair commentary)

$ Price Tag should be used as a guide only as some of these include additional options such as personal training sessions and more classes. Also, in some cases fees can be negotiated at the time of sign-up. 
Price Tag in "For Sale"  and "Other Services" categories are based on an average that all gyms charge for the specified item or service.


RATED CATEGORIES
.
★★★★★ ACCEPTABLE, MEETS EXPECTATIONS
★★★★☆ GETTING THERE
★★★☆☆ NEEDS WORK
★★☆☆☆ UNACCEPTABLE, WELL BELOW EXPECTATIONS
★☆☆☆☆ HOW ARE YOU STILL IN BUSINESS?
☆☆☆☆☆ ZERO, SERIOUS INFRACTION
☆☆☆☆☆ N/A   DOES NOT COUNT TOWARDS OVERALL SCORE 


POINTS VS. STARS
Each star represents two points. Each gym starts off with 10 points in each category and points are subtracted for each infraction. One or two points are deducted for each infraction depending on the seriousness. For every two points, a gym loses in a category that will equal one star. Some infractions are so serious that a gym will immediately lose all points for that category. 
The average rating of all categories is at the top next to the name of the gym and the Price Tag.

MY EXPECTATIONS
Coaches and instructors represent a business and therefore are expected to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. They should be patient with the athletes as not everyone learns at the same pace. They should also be open to questions that relate directly to training. Being sarcastic, making noises, rolling eyes, yelling and singling-out or anything else that may make an athlete uncomfortable must be avoided. Also, coaches should be fair and treat all athletes equally, and not play favorites. There must also be at least one certified coach working at the gym. All this is covered in the Coaching category. 
Athletes who qualify should be offered to compete on a regular basis.  This is dependent upon a boxer's division, but the average is four times per year. The percentage given to a gym in this category is based on this formula. Therefore, it is possible for a gym to score higher than 100%. 
If classes are crowded to the point where it isn't safe or people are rejected from taking a class due to being over capacity, this will count against a gym in the Class Size/Availability category.
Classes must be intriguing and defined. If all of the classes are exactly the same or boring, the gym will lose points in the Class Quality category. This category is specifically for boxing classes. Fitness classes are not rated in this guide.
The Sparring Availability category is generally for competitive boxers. The expectation is that competing boxers should spar at least 10 rounds per week with a coach available to watch and critique the sparring sessions. If a boxer can not spar enough, or the coaches do not properly critique the sparring, it will cost points in this category.
In the Boxers Get Priority section anything except a 'NO' will not affect the overall score of the gym. A 'NO' will negatively affect the score because it means that the boxers may not be able to train properly when the gym is crowded. A 'YES' means that competitive boxers are given priority use of the gym and its contents. 'SHARED' means that the boxers can equally and safely share with other users. 'NO' means that boxers must give-way for other users when requested by management.

NOTE ON SPARRING
In most cases, open sparring is required for competitors. It is usually not required for anyone else. 
In order to spar, you need to have a valid Boxing Ontario registration and a medical clearance from a recognized medical professional.


RATED BOXING GYMS

Bloor Street Fitness and Boxing  $$  ★★☆☆☆
2295 Dundas St.West (at Bloor St.)    http://www.bloorstreetfitness.com/

PARKING: NO
PUBLIC TRANSIT: DUNDAS WEST SUBWAY STATION

AMENITIES FOR ALL

SHOWERS ✓ 
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL ✓
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ✓
FREE WEIGHTS ✓

AMENITIES FOR BOXERS

FULL-SIZED RING X
3/4-SIZED RING ✓
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ~ not always available
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X

DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ~ not always available
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETIVTE BOXERS ~ limited

OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ~ limited
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓

OTHER SERVICES

TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓  $$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓  $$

FOR SALE

WATER  ✓  $ (vending vachine)
GATORADE X 
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS ✓ $$ (vending machine)
GEAR ✓  $$$ 
APPAREL ✓ $$ 

EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE:  FREQUENTLY BROKEN EQUIPMENT

HOURS: 24/7 for members only (visitors and guests are not allowed after posted hours).
.
COACHING  ★☆☆☆☆
This gym was without a boxing coach for a long time after Rick Soucé left to start his own gym. Since then, there has been a continuous revolving door of coaches. Until a coach finally settles-in, the quality of coaching will be questionable. 
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY  ★★★★★
Classes for boxing are generally small and frequent.
CLASS QUALITY  ★☆☆☆☆
Unlike most gyms, this gym does not require boxers to take classes, but it is "recommended". However, the class instructors (not coaches) seem to have a lack of interest in their classes and seem "forced" to conduct classes.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★☆☆☆☆
There are a few sparring sessions for competitive boxers, but the general rule is that no sparring of any kind is allowed.
OFFERS TO COMPETE:  0%
I had never been offered the chance to compete over a period of 1 year. 
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: NO 
Fitness classes get priority unless a boxing class is in session.

TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 1
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 8
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 8:1


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Cabbagetown Boxing Club  $  ★★★★☆   NEW REVIEW
2 Lancaster Ave. (Parliament St. at Wellesley St. E.) http://www.cabbagetownboxing.on.ca/

PARKING: LIMITED
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 65 PARLIAMENT BUS

AMENITIES FOR ALL

SHOWERS ✓ 
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ✓

AMENITIES FOR BOXERS

FULL-SIZED RING ✓ **
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG ✓
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓ 
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG ✓
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY ~ some coaches
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING  (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓

**Sometimes the ring is divided into two or four to accommodate populous sparring sessions.

OTHER SERVICES

TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓  $$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓  $$

FOR SALE

WATER  ✓  $
GATORADE ✓ $
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓  $$$$ (Sold via Morales Boxing)
APPAREL ✓ $$ 

EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE

HOURS: Two sessions on weekdays, morning and evenings. Mornings only on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on statutory holidays*.
*Competitor's-only classes are sometimes offered on holidays (by invitation only).

COACHING  ★★★☆☆
The overall quality of coaching is outstanding. Coaches are very observant and will step in when they see when an athlete needs attention.  Coaches are also very patient. They allow athletes to learn at their own pace. That attitude is impressive and is rarely found in boxing coaches. 
However, the coaches at this gym are not without faults and there are two major ones. 
One of the coaches was observed instructing a boxer to break one of the rules of boxing and then saying "If you get called for it, just don't do it again." It is never acceptable for a coach to tell an athlete that it is okay to cheat. Good sportsmanship and fair play should be standard for all coaches and enforced on all of the athletes. This is serious and costs this gym 2 points (one star) from the Coaching category. 
The second issue with coaching at this gym is that the coaches' expectations are not made clear to the athletes. Coaches have expectations of their athletes in order to allow them to compete. These expectations allow athletes to set goals. The more often an athlete competes, the higher the goals should be set. Without these expectations, the athletes have no goals, and without goals, there is no point in training. This gym needs more transparency between the general coaches and the head coach. The head coach needs to know how his athletes are performing, so he can make a decision based on athletic performance instead of his opinion. This is also serious, and so 2 points (one star) were removed for this category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 0%
I had never been offered the chance to compete over a period of 15 months. 
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY  ★★★★★ 
Classes are generally small and are always available provided that you are on time to attend.
CLASS QUALITY  ★★★★★ 
The classes are engaging and contain a good mix of fitness and technical boxing. Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★★☆ 
This gym has scheduled sparring times, but you can also spar at other times if you can find a partner and there is a coach available to supervise. There are sometimes no decent sparring partners, and sometimes a coach is not available. This is rare, and so this gym only lost two points for this category.
Open sparring is required for competitive boxers, but not for others. Light sparring is allowed for everyone.
Coaches often offer feedback on sparring sessions for competitive boxers.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: SHARED
Competitors and recreational boxers train simultaneously.

TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 7
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 20
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1


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Kingsway Boxing Club $$$  ★☆☆☆☆
22 Jutland Road (Kipling Ave. at North Queen St.)   https://kingswayboxingclub.com/

PARKING: LIMITED
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 44 KIPLING SOUTH BUS

AMENITIES FOR ALL

SHOWERS ✓ 
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited

AMENITIES FOR BOXERS

FULL-SIZED RING ✓ 
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG ✓
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG X
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY X
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ✓
OPEN SPARRING  (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓

OTHER SERVICES

TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING X
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$$

FOR SALE

WATER  ✓  $
GATORADE X 
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR X 
APPAREL ✓ $$ 

EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE

HOURS: Limited. 6 days, about 3 hours per day. Closed on holidays and Sunday.

COACHING  ★☆☆☆☆
Coaches have no patience which makes it very difficult to learn. Not learning fast enough often results in a coach making rude noises or eye-rolling. Since the coaches have to have patience, it also means that they would not be good with beginners. Since coaching is all about being calm and allowing people to learn at their own pace, this gym lost 8 points in the Coaching category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 0%
In the 6 months, I was there, I was not offered the chance to compete.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY  ★★★★★
Very few attend the classes, making them very available.
CLASS QUALITY  ★☆☆☆☆
A class generally consisted of a bunch of us climbing into the ring and having a coach belt out one set of instructions and then take off for the rest of the session.
Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★☆☆☆☆
Sparring is almost non-existent, and when it is there was little if any feedback from any of the coaches. Open sparring is required for competitive boxers. "Tap Sparring" is offered to those who do not qualify for open sparring.

BOXERS GET PRIORITY: YES

TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 3
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 14
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 5:1

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Stockyards Boxing and Fitness   $$$   ★★★☆☆
215 Ryding Ave. (Runnymede Road at St. Clair Ave. West)   http://stockyardsboxingandfitness.com/

PARKING: YES
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 189 STOCKYARDS BUS 

AMENITIES FOR ALL

SHOWERS X 
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited

AMENITIES FOR BOXERS

FULL-SIZED RING X
3/4-SIZED RING ✓
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓

CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS X

OTHER SERVICES

TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓  $
PERSONAL COACHING ✓  $$

FOR SALE

WATER  ✓  $
GATORADE X 
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓ $$
APPAREL ✓ $ 

EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE

HOURS: Limited. 7 days, about 5 hours per day. Closed on holidays.

COACHING  ★★★☆☆
Coaching is not the worst, but I have experienced better. One annoyance is that there is no transparency between coaches, so athletes may get mixed and confusing instructions from different coaches. This is fairly serious, and cost this gym 4 points in the Coaching category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 75% 
I was offered 6 bouts in 2 years which is slightly below average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY  ★★☆☆☆
Classes are too large for the space available, making classes uncomfortable and unsafe. This gym lost 6 points in this category due to the safety issues of trying to conduct classes and boxing training at the same time in such a small space.
CLASS QUALITY  ★★★★★
Classes contain a good mix of technical boxing and fitness. Although, there is more emphasis on boxing.
Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★☆☆ 
There are no dedicated sparring classes but the competitive boxers can usually spar anytime a certified coach is on duty, making sparring more accessible to more of the boxers. Although, coaches do not offer feedback on the sparring sessions which cost this gym 4 points in this category. Open sparring is required for competitors. However, light sparring is not offered nor recommended.

BOXERS GET PRIORITY: NO 

Fitness classes get priority unless a boxing class is in session.

TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 3
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 8
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1

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Toronto Boxing Academy $$$ ★★☆☆☆
2389 St Clair Ave. West (at Runnymede Road)   www.torontoboxingacademy.ca/

PARKING: NO
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 189 STOCKYARDS BUS 

AMENITIES FOR ALL

SHOWERS X
CHANGE ROOMS X
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited

AMENITIES FOR BOXERS

FULL-SIZED RING X
3/4-SIZED RING ✓
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FREINDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING  (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS X

OTHER SERVICES

TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING X 
PERSONAL COACHING X 

FOR SALE

WATER  ✓  $
GATORADE X 
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓ $$
APPAREL ✓ $$ 

EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE

HOURS: Limited. 6 days, about 4 hours per day. Closed on holidays and Sundays.

COACHING ★★☆☆☆
Coaches seem to miss a lot of basics and do not really care much about the advancement of the boxers. 
OFFERS TO COMPETE:  100%
I was offered to compete 2 times in the 6 months I was there, which is right on average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY  ★★★★★
Classes are a good size, but not too large to be uncomfortable.
CLASS QUALITY   ★★★★☆
Classes offer a good variety and are engaging, but it seems that sometimes the instructors lack interest. A serious fault, so 2 points off for this category.
Competitive boxers are not required to take classes.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★☆☆ 
There are no scheduled sparring sessions, but boxers can spar anytime there is a coach available. However, sometimes coaches are not available. Coaches do not offer feedback on sparring sessions. Sparring does not even seem to be a requirement. This gym lost 4 points in the category since they seem to have a questionable attitude towards sparring.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: YES

TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 2
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 5
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1

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Xtreme Couture Toronto  $$$$$  ★☆☆☆☆
700 Kipling Ave. (at North Queen St.)    https://xtremecouture.ca/

PARKING: YES
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 44 KIPLING SOUTH BUS

AMENITIES FOR ALL

SHOWERS ✓ 
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL ✓
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ✓
FREE WEIGHTS ✓

AMENITIES FOR BOXERS

FULL-SIZED RING ✓ **
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ~ not always available
WATER BAG ✓
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG ✓
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY X
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS X
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING X
SPARRING DRILLS ✓

**Sometimes the ring is divided into two or four to accommodate populous sparring sessions.

OTHER SERVICES

TOWELS ✓ $$$
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓  $$$$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓  $$$$$

FOR SALE

WATER  ✓  $$
GATORADE ✓ $$
JUICES/SMOOTHIES ✓ $$$$
HEALTHY SNACKS ✓ $$$$
GEAR ✓ $$$$$
APPAREL ✓ $$$ 

EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: FREQUENTLY BROKEN EQUIPMENT 

HOURS: 24 hours 5 days, about 12 hours per day on weekends and holidays.

COACHING  ★☆☆☆☆
Coaching has a few major flaws at this gym. Quite often, questions from athletes are answered with sarcasm or of the singling-out of an athlete in front of others. This is major and costs this gym 4 points (2 stars) in this category. 
Another issue is that it is obvious that the "coaches" obviously do not know how to coach. Knowing how to box does not mean that you can coach. Coaching is a completely different skill. They hide this fact by trying to teach "advanced" skills that most amateur boxers will never use, but they are missing the basics. This is serious, so 2 points off.
Another big issue is the lack of communication. Coaches do not communicate properly with the athletes either by relaying information too late, through too many channels, or not at all. This is serious, so this gym lost another 2 points in this category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE:  125%
I was offered 5 bouts in a year. Slightly above average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY  ★★☆☆☆
Classes are often crowded.
CLASS QUALITY  ★☆☆☆☆
Classes are boring and are not refined. Beginner's classes, intermediate classes, advanced classes, and competitor's classes are all exactly the same. Repetitive drills that never change and may not be useful for all attendees. Competitive boxers need to be tweaked. These classes will not help the competitors, although classes are required for competitive boxers.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★☆☆☆ 
Sparring is during scheduled times only, so if you can't make it at the sparring time, you miss sparring for that week. Also, coaches rarely provide feedback on sparring. Open sparring is required for competitive boxers. Light sparring is not offered or recommended.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: YES
Boxers have a dedicated training area.

TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 2
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 12
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 6:1


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That is all for this edition of 'The Brick's Guide To Boxing In Toronto'.

For additions and corrections please email of if your gym has not been rated and would like it to be, or you would like your gym to be re-rated please email HERE.
Re-ratings and corrections will be accepted for 60 days after publication. After that time, edits will have to wait until the next edition in October 2020.
Boxing gyms that I currently attend are exempt from submitting requests for re-reviews.