Spring Has Sprung, Save the High Park Zoo !

Yes, spring is here and that means a new training schedule.

First, I would like to note that sparring/training at Bloor has been going quite well.
In addition to all the sparring class at Bloor, Richard has found someone in my division for sparring. However, that guy wants a month before he steps into the ring. That`s fine. At least I have someone in my division, although he is a beginner, it will make for some good sparring.

I have had a few responses to my ad for the private boxing lessons. I have started teaching this week.
I have to say that even while teaching, I am learning. This is definitely going to help me in the long run.

In the news, Stockyards will be hosting its next live boxing on April 20. Please come out and join us for some exciting boxing. So far, five Stockyards athletes will be competing.
Also, Stockyards will be hosting a fundraiser this Friday April 13. Here is a snippet from their website:

In Sponsorship with The George Bell Arena, Whelan’s Irish Pub on Bloor and Stockyards Boxing & Fitness Centre

On Friday April 13th, 2012 George Bell arena has generously donated the ice time from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for a night of family fun to raise funds for the High Park Zoo. 100% of the money raised on this night will be donated in the fight to keep the zoo open for the public.

The ice will be open for a Family skate from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. This event is open to everyone and all we ask is that you make a donation for the High Park Zoo.

Then join your team for a game of Shinny from 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Register in advance at Stockyards gym to join a team. There will be a charge of $20.00 per person to participate in the game, with 100% of the money raised going to save the zoo. Or send your email request to Richard@stockyardsboxingandfitness.com to register
The High Park Zoo is one of the central attractions of Toronto’s beloved High Park. City Council has proposed to shut it down in July 2012 unless alternative funding is found. Parkdale – High Park Councillor Sarah Doucette is fighting this cut, but needs your help! If you want to see the High Park Zoo remain open, free and accessible, come support our event and share it with friends and family!

With `winter`over, what little we had, it is time for the spring schedule.

Spring Training Schedule, until July 1 weekend:

SUNDAY: Stockyards (Open training)
MONDAY: Pool (Water exercises) alternating with Bloor (Open training)
TUESDAY: Bloor (Class) alternating with Stockyards (Open training)
WEDNESDAY: Stockyards (Open training) alternating with Bloor (Class)
THURSDAY: Bloor (Class)
FRIDAY: Pool (Water exercises)
SATURDAY: Stockyards (Class)

Plus I have access to the Mixed Athletics Club, where I usually do some training with my classes in addition to these.

That is all for this entry.

Paul `The Brick`Brec
Stockyards Boxing Team/Bloor Boxing Team, Master's Division, Heavyweight (90 kg)


----------------------------------Francais----------------------------------------------------------------

Premièrement, j'aimerais noter que l'argumentant/entraînement à Bloor est allé tout à fait bien. En plus de toute la classe argumentant à Bloor, Richard l'a trouvé dans ma division pour argumenter. Toutefois, ce gars veut un mois avant qu'il marche dans l'anneau. That`s amende. Au moins je l'ai dans ma division, bien qu'il est novice, il fera pour de l'argumenter bon.

J'ai eu quelques réponses à mon annonce pour les leçons boant privées. J'ai commencé à enseigner cette semaine. Je dois dire que même en enseignant, j'apprends. Ceci m'aidera sans aucun doute à la longue.

Dans les nouvelles, les Parcs à bestiaux hébergeront son vit après emballer le 20 avril. S'il vous plaît sortir et nous joindre de l'exciter qui emballe. Jusqu'ici, cinq Parcs à bestiaux athlètes concourront. Aussi, les Parcs à bestiaux hébergeront une collecte de fonds ce vendredi le 13 avril. Voici un extrait de leur site Web :

Dans Parrainage avec Le George Bell Arène, Pub de Whelan irlandais sur la Boxe de Bloor et Parcs à bestiaux & le Centre de Santé


Sur vendredi avril 13e, 2012 arène de Cloche de George généreusement a fait don du temps de glace de 6:00pm à 8:00pm pour une nuit d'amusement de famille pour élever des fonds pour l'Haut Zoo de Parc. 100% de l'argent haussé sur cette nuit sera fait don de dans le combat pour garder le zoo ouvre pour le public. 


La glace sera ouverte pour un patin à glace de Famille de 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Cet événement est ouvert à tous et tous nous demandons sommes que vous faites une donation pour l'Haut Zoo de Parc. 


Alors joindre votre équipe pour un jeu de Shinny de 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Enregistrer en avance à Parcs à bestiaux gymnase pour joindre une équipe. Il y aura une charge de $20,00 par personne participer dans le jeu, avec 100% de l'argent a élevé aller épargner le zoo. Ou envoyer votre demande d'e-mail à Richard@stockyardsboxingandfitness.com pour enregistrer L'Haut Zoo de Parc est une des attractions centrales de Toronto Haute Parc bien-aimée. Le Conseil Municipal a proposé de le fermer en bas au mois de juillet 2012 à moins que subvention d'alternative est trouvée. Parkdale – l'Haut Parc Conseiller Sarah Doucette combat cette coupure, mais a
besoin de votre aide ! Si vous voulez voir que l'Haut Zoo de Parc reste ouvert, libre et accessible, venez le soutien notre événement et le partage avec les amis et la famille ! 


Avec `hiver`fini, ce que peu nous avons eu, c'est le temps pour le plan de printemps.

Le Plan d'Entraînement de pré-saison, jusqu' au 1er juillet le weekend :

DIMANCHE : Les parcs à bestiaux (Ouvre l'entraînement)
LUNDI : Mettre en commun (les exercices d'Eau) alternant avec Bloor (Ouvre l'entraînement)
MARDI : Bloor (la Classe) alternant avec les Parcs à bestiaux (Ouvre l'entraînement)
MERCREDI : Les parcs à bestiaux (Ouvre l'entraînement) alternant avec Bloor (la Classe)
JEUDI : Bloor (la Classe)
VENDREDI : Mettre en commun (les exercices d'Eau)
SAMEDI : Les parcs à bestiaux (la Classe)

Plus j'ai accès au Sports Mélangé Club, où je fais d'ordinaire de l'entraînement avec mes classes en plus de ceux-ci.

Cela est tout pour cette entrée.

Paul 'La Brique' Brec
L'équipe de boxe de parcs à bestiaux/Bloor Emballe l'Equipe, Division du Maître, le Poids lourd (90 kg)

Want A Boxing Lesson?...Come Get One!

Want some???
Well, come get it...but its not free.

Barry has re-opened the Mix Athletic Club. It is a long story, but this is the third location. This time it is located near Christie Pits Park.
He invited me in to have a look. I have to say that it is not as large as his other locations, but it is a good size for small classes and individual training.
He said that he needed help getting people into his new location.
I offered to help him out by looking after the place during the day, but that I would also offer one-on-one training for boxers.
I would charge for the lessons, and for those who are not already members of the Mix Athletics club, I would pay a portion of the proceeds to Barry for the use of his gym. I would then be able to offer a discounted rate for members, which is incentive for people to join.

For the next couple of weeks, I will be spending about six hours a day helping out at the gym, and looking after the place, so Berry can look after other affairs.
This does not in any way change my personal training schedule with the other gyms, although I now have full use of the Mix Athletics Club as well.

Those who choose to join the Mix Athletics Club will enjoy full use of cardio and weight equipment, boxing equipment, and all classes.
Tim Merritt will be teaching the group boxing classes. He is pretty good. He taught me a bit a long time ago, before I started at Stockyards or Bloor.

Not to take anything away from Tim, I will not be conducting any group classes right now. However, I am offering scheduled private lessons.
Right now, I am offering four different types of classes. 60-minute and 90-minute classes for both novice and advanced boxers.
Please note that at this time Mix Athletics Club is not a competition facility. I am offering these lessons for people who want to learn boxing for exercise or defence only, or for competition boxers as an addition to their current training. I am not here to replace or compete against facilities such as Stockyards or Bloor Boxing.
I am still in very good relations with both of these fine fitness facilities, and I am only doing this as a form of income, and to help Berry.

Here is what I offer:

60-Minute Novice Class
Warm-up, skipping and stretching
Footwork practice
Basic defence
Basic offence
Heavy bag
Ab work, push-ups, jumping-jacks
Cool-down, stretching

90-Minute Novice Class

Warm-up, skipping and stretching
Footwork practice
Basic defence
Basic offence
Weight training for boxing
Heavy bag
Technical boxing/theory
Ab work, push-ups, jumping jacks
Cool-down, stretching


60-Minute Advanced Class*

Warm-up, skipping and stretching
Footwork practice
Shadow boxing
Advanced defence/multiple blocks
Advanced offence/combinations
Heavy bag
Ab work, push-ups, jumping jacks
Cool-down, stretching

90-Minute Advanced Class*

Warm-up, skipping and stretching
Footwork practice
Shadow boxing
Advanced defence/multiple blocks
Advanced offence/combinations
Weight training for boxing
Heavy bag
Technical sparring** (no contact) or (light contact)***
Ab work, push-ups, jumping jacks
Cool-down, stretching

*To take advanced classes, you must be able to posses a reasonable level of boxing skills.
**Technical sparring may require additional students or the participation of the instructor.
*** Light-contact sparring is not a required part of the course, and will only be offered to students who request it.

Rates for non-members:
$20 for each 60 minute class, novice or advanced
$30 for each 90 minute class, novice
$35 for each 90 minute class, advanced
10-class Pass:
$150 for ten 60 minute classes
$235 for ten 90 minute novice classes
$260 for ten 90 minute advanced classes

Rates for members of Mix Athletics Club:
25% off the above rates, plus first class free.

Rates are for the week of April 1 /2012, and are subject to change.

Gym clothes, shoes (preferably boxing shoes), skipping rope, bag gloves, and wraps are required for all classes.
Sparring gloves and safety gear are required for 90-minutes advanced classes.

For more information, visit me at 693 Bloor Street West (Behind Clinton's Pub), Monday - Thursday, Noon until 6 PM or Saturday from 3 PM until 5 PM.  You may also contact me via Kijiji (below).

See my ad in Kijiji:
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-services-fitness-personal-trainer-PRIVATE-BOXING-LESSONS-REASONABLE-RATES-W0QQAdIdZ367792797

I am offering a discount for readers of this blog. From April 2 until April 6 /2012 only, mention "Comments from the Blue Corner", and get 10% off your first five classes.

That's all for this week.
I apologize if this week's entry looks like an advertisement. As I said before, I am trying to help a friend.

Paul "The Brick" Brec
Stockyards Boxing Team/Bloor Boxing Team, Master's Division Heavyweight (90 kg)

Questions From The Audience

Hello followers of the "Blue Corner".
It has been a very busy week for The Brick, including lots of sparring. I even had sparring at Richard's gym this week, and two sessions at Bloor.
There are a lot of new guys trying out the sparring at Bloor. This past Thursday's class was really busy.
On Monday, I think I scared one away. I sparred one new guy one round, blocked everything he threw, and scored a number of points on him. After the one round, he decided to try running the treadmill instead.
I think I need to try to take it a bit easier on the newbies. Then again, it does not really help them. You learn more from someone who is better than you.

There is not much other news in the Toronto boxing world, except that Berry has opened his new gym in the Christie Pits area, and I have been invited to check it out this weekend.

Since this entry is a bit short, I will answer a few questions I have received.

:: I want to start boxing. How is the best way to go about it?


First of all boxing is very physically intense. I always recommend checking with your physician before even  considering stepping foot into a boxing gym. If your physician feels you are OK to start, visit some local boxing gyms and talk to the coaches, and if possible some of the boxers who train there. This is the best way to decide where to start. Always remember that a good gym will not let you immediately jump into the ring.
That is a good thing. It is better to make sure you have all the basics before you start sparring.

:: Do your muscles hurt after sparring?


Not any more, but they did. Just like any physical activity, muscles should feel "worked" after exercise. After a while they do not hurt any more.

:: When you box, do you go all out to try to hurt your opponent?


I look at boxing as a sport. You can score points without causing damage to your opponent. However, I am a guy. I will admit that there are times when my opponent nails me really hard, and the testosterone kicks in. It happens. Although, that is not my initial goal. My goal is to score points, while defending the attack...just like with any other sport.


That is all for this entry. Have a great week.

Paul "The Brick" Brec,
Stockyards Boxing Team/Bloor Boxing Team, Master's Novice Division, Heavyweight (90 kg)

Bloor vs. Stockyards, Almost Live!

Sounds good doesn't it?
There are some changes happening at Bloor Boxing, and in my opinion they are good changes.
Thursday evening sparring is being cancelled...and being replaced with a proper boxing class. There is still going to be sparring, but not just sparring as before. He is adding stuff to the class to make it more like a training class for boxers. It is very much what Richard does on his Saturday morning classes.
There was also an announcement that he wanted us all to register to be on the boxing team. Does this mean that Bloor is going to have a regular competitive team like Stockyards?
That is a wise decision, and I have to say it is about damn time.

You are probably wondering, what is "The Brick" going to do?
This is getting interesting.

...and now, live from Toronto, Paul "The Brick" Brec Enterprises proudly presents...

T A L E   O F   T H E   T A P E

                                  STOCKYARDS                                          BLOOR                 

Richard Souce, probably Toronto's best coach     COACHING      Instructors, not certified coaches (yet)   

     Not enough sparring                              SPARRING        Regular sparring classes

   Limited training hours                                       HOURS            Can train anytime 24/7

Lots of one-on-one coaching               PERSONAL COACHING     Mostly group training 

Here are the details: Richard is the absolute best coach I have ever had. Period. Richard was also a professional boxer. Not that I am taking anything away from Kobe at Bloor, he is a good teacher. However, Rick does a lot of one-on-one training with his boxers. Kobe's classes are mostly group classes, although he does occasionally come over and provide some personal coaching.

Also, as far as I know he is not yet certified by Boxing Ontario. He might be by now, or he will be. If he wants his boxers to compete, he will have to become certified. Boxers taught by non-certified teachers are not allowed to participate in Boxing Ontario sanctioned events.  

Stockyards has limited hours, although they are very good hours. They are open weekends, and late during weekdays, which is better than other boxing gyms, but Bloor Boxing and Fitness is open 24/7, which can come in handy on those sleepless nights, or when I can't make it to Stockyards.

My biggest peeve with Stockyards is lack of sparring. Sparring is important for any boxer to succeed. Unfortunately, Rick's gym does not have enough boxers in my division, and for some reason Rick does not like boxer's to spar outside their division or weight class. Kobe has sparring every week, and there is always at least one guy to spar.

Finally, I have to look at the cost. Stockyards is slightly more expensive than Bloor. It is only $4 more, but we have to go back to the fact that Richard is a former professional boxer, who once went up against one of my favorite boxers from the '80s, Hector Camacho.

Lastly, I still have to bring up the whole shower thing. Yeah, that still bothers me a bit. I don't know why Rick can't get use of one of the shower/change rooms. However, that might change this summer.

Okay, enough avoiding the case at hand. I can not belong to two teams at the same time once I start competing. Both teams seem eager to have me. 

The answer is, I can not yet make a fair decision. For now, I will continue to train at both gyms. I guess my final decision will be based on who can get me into competing the quickest. 

Yes, it is a war, a competition. Who wants it more?

Round One...

Paul "The Brick" Brec

Stockyards Boxing Team/Bloor Boxing Team, Master's Novice Division, Heavyweight (90 kg)

                  

Not Too Cool For the Pool

Hello everyone. I have had a few people ask me about my pool training. In this entry I would like to share some of the exercises I do in the water. These are good for everyone, not just boxers.
Before I go into that, I have a sparring update.

I have been doing a lot of sparring lately, sometimes three times a week.
A couple of weeks ago, I was nailed really good in the left kidney.
I sparred again a couple days later, and once again, I was nailed in the same place.
My last sparring session on Thursday, I was once again popped in the kidney.
I have to say it is pretty sore there now. I have a huge bruise there that is not really getting a chance to heal.
Do you see a trend here?

I am wondering at what point I will clue in and remember to defend down there.
The problem is the other boxers are noticing that, and taking advantage.
On Thursday, I thought I would get smart and where my groin protector, which I really should always be wearing anyway, but I thought it would help protect my kidney. Well, no. It is a groin protector. It does not come around that far, so I found out. Do they make kidney protectors?

I have done some research, and found out that kidney damage is very serious. However, I also found out that kidney damage is highly unlikely to occur from impact. There is a large group of muscles in front that protect the kidneys, but those muscles can be damaged from impact, as from a fist. That explains the pain and huge bruise.

One good thing happened, I fixed the problem with my head being too low. Now I have to fix the problem with my defense not being low enough.

Now on to the topic of training. It may not help my defense, but it does help keep me in shape: Water training.

I try to do training in the pool for 45 minutes to an hour at least once a week, and I also go when I can't make it to the gym.
Now that my landlord has finally fixed the pool heater, I can do these without feeling like I am standing in an ice cube tray.

Here are some of the things that can be done in water, other than swimming, to help keep in shape:

Walking: Taking heavy steps around the inside edge of the pool is great for your upper legs. I usually go around ten times in each directing, ensuring there is enough resistance to feel it in my legs.

Bicycles: Hold onto the deck and let your legs come up to just below the surface. Then do bicycles just under the water. This is good for your legs and biceps, as you attempt to hold yourself from falling in. I generally do five sets of 20.

Stationary paddle: Stand with your back against the edge of the pool. Stretch out both arms to also touch the edge, with palms facing into the pool. Bring your hands together just under the surface, while keeping your arms straight. Once your hands touch, flip your palms outward, and push the water back towards the deck. This is good for your arms and upper body, provided that you make sure there is enough resistance. I usually do five sets of 40.

Walk back/swim forward: From one side of the pool, forcefully walk backwards to the other side, then swim back. I generally do this ten times.

I hope these help, and give them a try.

That's all for now.
Oh, and the last time I checked, I dropped another kilogram.

Paul "The Brick" Brec,
Stockyards Boxing Team, Masters Novice Division, Heavyweight (89 kg)

Does Your Head Hang Low ???

...mine apparently does.

After my last few sparring sessions, I have been told that at some times my head is too low. I have been told this by other boxers, but I find it interesting that my coaches have not noticed

I am an "Outside" boxer, that is I like to keep distance between myself and my opponent. I will step in to attack, and then step back to defend.
There are some cases when I step in, I drop my head.
I have been told this by more than one sparring partner. After being informed of this, I realized it myself.
the thing is, I don't do it all the time.

This is very serious, because it is a foul. This goes beyond poor-quality boxing, it is a violation of the rules.
One I am competing, and I do that, it could mean a disqualification.
This is something that I am now going to have to be conscious of. I will need to focus on when and why I am doing this, and really take it seriously.
A disqualification is the worst way to loose in any sport, and  a disqualification on a boxer's record is very bad. Too many could result in a suspension from the sport. Besides, it just looks bad.
I am a firm believer that if you are going to take that time to participate in a sport, you could at least follow the rules. Yeah, "Brick", follow the freaking rules.

Now that my defense is getting better, I can now focus on this problem.

We had a short soft-sparring session on Tuesday. I found that I was blocking about 85% of the attacks. That is pretty good, considering some of these guys are half my age.

In other boxing news, we had a great night of boxing at Stockyards on Friday. For those who could not come out, you can catch all the bouts on Rogers TV, Cable 10 and in Hi-Def on Cable 510, this Friday evening at 7:30.

That is all for this report.


Paul "The Brick" Brec,
Stockyards Boxing Team, Masters Novice Heavyweight Division (90 kg)

""Keep your hands up, and your head down!""

Getting Back To the "Ropes"

"The Brick" is back!

Yes, it has been a while since I have posted here. I have been away in Montreal, and I did do some training while I was there. The hotel let me shadow box in the basement.
I, unfortunately could not find a decent gym in Montreal that would let me train for just a few days.

I am also happy to announce that I have lost some weight. I am on my way out of the Heavyweight division. In the past 3 weeks, I have dropped from 92 kg to 90 kg. My goal is to get to 83 kg, which would put me into the Light-Heavyweight division (I think, I will have to verify with Coach).

I have had two sparring sessions since coming back from Montreal.
I have to say that I am seeing some improvement, especially with defense.  I have been finding that I am now blocking a lot more attacks than ever before.

One of the guys I sparred this week was a guy who was new to boxing, so I made the mistake of underestimating him. One mistake you can make in any sport is to underestimate your opponent.
He was a small guy. For those who may not know, boxing is one of those sports where smaller guys have an advantage. A small guy is more agile and can move quicker.
This guy ran circles around me. Zoom...zoom....zoom....Where the hell did he go? Then he would snap out a jab, and nail me from out of nowhere. Oh, there he is...???
Overall, my sparring is getting much better.

My coaches are also seeing some improvement. I know there is still some work. I will keep at it. My goal is still to start competition boxing by this summer. At the rate I am going, I don't see that as impossible.

A reminder, this Friday February 10, Stockyards will be hosting another night of boxing. Please come out and join us at 215 Ryding Avenue at 8:00 PM.
Rogers TV will be there to cover the even as well, and I will be on the crew as a camera operator. That means, I will not be able to get my own video of the event. I'm a good camera operator, but not that good!

That is all for this report. I will be back to doing regular blogs again.

Paul "The Brick" Brec
Stockyards Boxing Team, Masters Novice Heavyweight Division (90 kg)