What the Hell Is the "Philly Shell"?

 

   ENTRY 495 | April 28 /2023

I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU...BUT...

A coach showed me a new technique this week called the:"Philly Shell", but I'm not going to reveal what it is.

The reason is that it is very different from what I would call a normal technique for an amateur boxer.  I want to keep it to myself to try while sparring. There was no sparring this week, so I am very anxious to try it.

This technique was apparently made famous by Floyd Mayweather. 

I didn't feel comfortable with it at first because it is contrary to everything I was told about boxing. In particular, defense.

After practicing it for a while I began to like it so this will definitely be something I will be trying soon.

Other than that new technique, it was just regular training this week without sparring.

I hope I get to climb into the ring next week so I can go all out  "Mayweather" on someone.

NEXT ENTRY: May 5 /2023

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Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter (@paulbrickboxer)  and Mastodon (Paul'TheBrick'boxer), and see me tear apart inaccurate films and TV about boxing on YouTube at "The Brick"

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ABOUT 'The Brick;

'The Brick' is a competitive boxer and has been training for over 12 years.

STATS:

9 bouts (Boxing Ontario) 

2 bouts (Ontario Boxing Association) 

1 bout (Florida State Athletic Commission) 

DIVISION:

Masters Novice

CURRENT WEIGHT:

70 kg (158 lbs.)  ↓

TRAINING STATUS:

ACTIVE

COMPETITION STATUS:

PAUSED

STANCE:

Orthodox (left lead)

CURRENT TEAM/CLUB:

Cabbagetown Boxing Club

Toronto

COACH:

Johnny Kalbhenn

NEXT SCHEDULED BOUTS:

TBA

 

FEATURE CLUB: Cabbagetown

 

   SPECIAL ENTRY | April 28 /2023

FEATURE CLUB:
CABBAGETOWN BOXING CLUB

Welcome to what might become a regular feature here on the blog. The Feature Club (of the month, maybe?)

Of course, I have to begin with what I feel is the best boxing club in the Toronto area and where I currently train, the Cabbagetown Boxing Club,

Situated in the neighborhood of Cabbagetown in the central-east portion of the city of Toronto, the Cabbagetown Boxing Club and its accompanying Youth Center have been a staple of the community for over 50 years. Established in 1972 on Lancaster Avenue in the Parliament Street/Winchester Street area. 

Now operated under the Kiwanis Boy's and Girl's Clubs of Greater Toronto umbrella, the Cabbagetown Boxing Club is still going strong.

The club has five certified coaches, making for a low coach-to-athlete ratio.

The head coach, Johnny Kalbhenn, represented Canada at the 1984 Olympics and was a professional boxer for seven years. 

He is laid-back and easy-going but is very serious about the sport for anyone who is eager to learn.

The Cabbagetown Boxing Club offers classes for all levels and all ages. There are programs for kids as well as women and of course everyone else.

Plus, the gym is Masters friendly. Meaning that although some of the coaches are younger, they don't mind coaching older boxers.

THE Current membership fee starts at $50 per month but some activities have an additional fee. 

Group classes and one-on-one coaching sessions are available.

A typical class will always involve working on boxing techniques and possibly the coach will introduce a specific technique to work on during the class. Classes will also include traditional boxing training exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups, and Burpies. Skipping for warm-up before the class and a cool-down at the end are also part of every session. Classes will also entail working on the bags, shadow boxing, and sometimes target pad work with the coach. Some classes will also include a circuit training module.

When a coach is on site sparring is available to those who qualify using Cabbagetown's new full-sized ring.

Coaches will generally provide feedback on your performance and offer suggestions on how to improve.

The boxing gym is also equipped with all standard boxing equipment, plus an area for weights and other exercise equipment.

Although group classes are held both in the morning and evening, members can access the gym most of the time to do their own training. 

You do not have to be a competitive boxer to train at Cabbagetown. Although the classes are geared towards boxers, non-boxers will also benefit. 

Of course, Cabbagetown Boxing Club is a great place for competitive boxing too. A lot of good boxers had started at Cabbagetown.

Cabbagetown Boxing Club looks after you after your session as well. 

The gym is equipped with a full changing room and showers. Locker rental is also available.

For more information on the Cabbagetown Boxing Club, visit HERE.

Please help me keep this segment going.

If you operate a boxing gym and would like it featured here, please message me with the name and location of your facility and a bit of background information about it.

What If Boxing Was Abolished?

 

   ENTRY 494 | April 21 /2023

WOULD THE ROBOTS TAKE OVER?

An interesting thought:

What would happen if boxing was made illegal?

A lot of people don't know this but combat sports are actually already illegal in the province of Ontario,

It is true. Competitive combat sports are "technically" not allowed. With exceptions. The sport of boxing is one of them. 

The thing is, I don't think boxing will ever really go away. It is one of the world's oldest sports dating back to 688 BC.(I finally got a straight answer to that question thanks to ChatGPT). Since boxing has been around so long, it is likely to be around for a long time yet.

However,  have you ever thought about what would happen if people were no longer allowed in the ring?

It brings to mind 'The Twilight Zone' episode 122 titled 'Steel'. About a future where boxing had been abolished in 1968, so human boxers were replaced by robots, Fully automated robots.

Quite ambitious for a story written in 1964. Predicting fully-automated boxing robots just four years in the future.

Of course, that would not have been possible at that time, but it most certainly could happen now, We do have the technology capable of building such machines.

However, having robots that are programmed with all the rules of boxing would pose one big problem. There would never be a winner. Computers are too perfect and since they would only be able to follow their instruction code, they would never make a mistake.

Fast forward quite a few years to 2011.

The feature film 'Real Steel'. A story that seems to have been copied from this very episode of 'The Twilight Zone' with a slight difference. The robots are operated by humans using a remote control. This would definitely make things more interesting since there would still be a human factor involved, and thus, still be room for mistakes.

This idea is a lot more plausible, but is it likely to happen?

As a boxer myself, I hope not.

The thing is, nobody is forced to be a boxer. Boxers know there is a risk every time one enters the ring. Also, the safety protocols for boxing have also greatly changed since 1964. It is much safer even at the professional level. 

However, I can't help to think that maybe it has become too safe? Could the popularity of boxing been dropping since the safety standards have been increased? The timelines seem to match. 

I really don't like it when an amateur boxer gets injured in the ring because they are doing it for fun. However, professional boxers are getting paid. It is their job. I am not saying that we should roll back the safety standards of boxing back to what they were in the '60s, but maybe just a bit. 

After all, if I have to pay upwards of $100 to see professional boxing, I want to see some blood splatter.

I'm just saying what you all are thinking.

NEXT ENTRY: April 28 /2023

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Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter (@paulbrickboxer)  and Mastodon (Paul'TheBrick'boxer), and see me tear apart inaccurate films and TV about boxing on YouTube at "The Brick"

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ABOUT 'The Brick;

'The Brick' is a competitive boxer and has been training for over 12 years.

STATS:

9 bouts (Boxing Ontario) 

2 bouts (Ontario Boxing Association) 

1 bout (Florida State Athletic Commission) 

DIVISION:

Masters Novice

CURRENT WEIGHT:

71 kg (160 lbs.) 

STATUS:

ACTIVE

STANCE:

Orthodox (left lead)

CURRENT TEAM/CLUB:

Cabbagetown Boxing Club

Toronto

COACH:

Johnny Kalbhenn

NEXT SCHEDULED BOUTS:

TBA

 

Who Cares If You Get Hit...Keep Going

 

   ENTRY 493 | April 14 /2023

"FINISH YOUR COMBO"

There was no blog entry last week because it was a holiday in this area.

This week wasn't and because I was out of work due to unforeseen circumstances, I went to the gym every second day. It will be a while before I can do that again.

There was quite a bit of sparring, almost every day I went.

Most of you know I like sparring because it is one of the best ways to learn. 

One of the things the coach was focusing on with me was finishing my combo. He said that once I start, and I get hit, I stop. He said that I shouldn't do that,  Even if I get hit in the process, I should keep going and finish.

Okay.

I did not realize I was doing that, but it makes sense.

There is another thing to work on while sparring.

He went me to keep using the "jab-uppercut-hook" combo, plus the "step to the right".

These are all easy on the pads and bag, but prove much more difficult while sparring, but I will keep trying.

Boxing is such an amazing sport. There is always something new to try.

NEXT ENTRY: April 21 /2023

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Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter (@paulbrickboxer)  and Mastodon (Paul'TheBrick'boxer), and see me tear apart inaccurate films and TV about boxing on YouTube at "The Brick"

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ABOUT 'The Brick;

'The Brick' is a competitive boxer and has been training for over 12 years.

STATS:

9 bouts (Boxing Ontario) 

2 bouts (Ontario Boxing Association) 

1 bout (Florida State Athletic Commission) 

DIVISION:

Masters Novice

CURRENT WEIGHT:

71 kg (160 lbs.) ↓

STATUS:

ACTIVE

STANCE:

Orthodox (left lead)

CURRENT TEAM/CLUB:

Cabbagetown Boxing Club

Toronto

COACH:

Johnny Kalbhenn

NEXT SCHEDULED BOUTS:

TBA

 

"Protect Your Side":

 

   ENTRY 492 | March 31 /2023

SPARRING REPORT: WEDNESDAY

I was not able to get to the gym on Friday due to being sick. You know I must be really ill to miss a gym day. Therefore, Wednesday was my only gym day this week.

I did seven rounds of sparring on Wednesday including an interesting drill introduced by Coach Johnny.

We would split the ring in half and have three guys in at the same time.  The idea is to "protect" your side of the ring.  When the third guy gets into our side, you jump on him. When he gets to the other side, the other guy gets a go at him.

An interesting and fun drill.

I am still not at 1000% so I am going to keep this post short.

That's all for this week.

NEXT ENTRY: April 14 /2023

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Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter (@paulbrickboxer)  and Mastodon (Paul'TheBrick'boxer), and see me tear apart inaccurate films and TV about boxing on YouTube at "The Brick"

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ABOUT 'The Brick;

'The Brick' is a competitive boxer and has been training for over 12 years.

STATS:

9 bouts (Boxing Ontario) 

2 bouts (Ontario Boxing Association) 

1 bout (Florida State Athletic Commission) 

DIVISION:

Masters Novice

CURRENT WEIGHT:

73 kg (162 lbs.) 

STATUS:

ACTIVE

STANCE:

Orthodox (left lead)

CURRENT TEAM/CLUB:

Cabbagetown Boxing Club

Toronto

COACH:

Johnny Kalbhenn

NEXT SCHEDULED BOUTS:

TBA

 

Let's Do the Time Warp Again

 

   ENTRY 491 | March 24 /2023

IT'S JUST A STEP TO THE RIGHT

Coach Johnny had me once again work on the "Step Right" move during sparring.

I like that move a lot. He also had me work on the jab because I apparently don't use it enough. I think I jabbed my arm right off this week.

I sparred a total of 11 rounds this week, which aligns with my goals. 

On Wednesday, I sparred with a new guy. It was his first time in the ring.  At one point I clocked him really well with a straight right to the jaw. I know how intimidating it is to spar for the first time and it was not my intention to do that. I saw an opening and I instinctively went for it. 

He returned on Friday but left just before sparring started. I guess he didn't want any more of 'The Brick'.

The morning class with Coach Johnny is getting really busy. We had a record of 11 participants on Friday.  That's good and Johnny is a good coach. One of the best I have had. All of the coaches at Cabbagetown are good but I seem to have some kind of an athlete-to-coach rapport with him that I don't seem to have with other coaches. It doesn't;t mean that other coaches are not good, it just means...well, I really don't know, but Jonny and I get along really well and I appreciate his help.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

On March 29 I will be getting a year older and thus a year closer to death but that isn't going to stop me. 

I'm still fast in the ring.  

Catch me if you can.

NEXT ENTRY: March 31 /2023

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Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter (@paulbrickboxer)  and Mastodon (Paul'TheBrick'boxer), and see me tear apart inaccurate films and TV about boxing on YouTube at "The Brick"

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ABOUT 'The Brick;

'The Brick' is a competitive boxer and has been training for over 12 years.

STATS:

9 bouts (Boxing Ontario) 

2 bouts (Ontario Boxing Association) 

1 bout (Florida State Athletic Commission) 

DIVISION:

Masters Novice

CURRENT WEIGHT:

73 kg (162 lbs.) 

STATUS:

ACTIVE

STANCE:

Orthodox (left lead)

CURRENT TEAM/CLUB:

Cabbagetown Boxing Club

Toronto

COACH:

Johnny Kalbhenn

NEXT SCHEDULED BOUTS:

TBA

 

Step Aside: The Best Defense Against A Jab

 

   ENTRY 490 | March 17 /2023

 

JUST STEP ASIDE

Coach Johnny worked with me this week on something new and then had me try it while sparring and it worked very well.

He said that to defend against a jab, to step to the right and then throw a straight right.

We drilled this during pad work and then he wanted me to try it during sparring and it worked every time.

It is just a single step to the right (opponent's left) and then immediately throwing a straight right to the head, He will completely miss you with his jab and you will almost always nail him in the head with the right provided that your timing is dead-on. Of course, this will only work if your opponent is in an Orthodox stance.

Once again an excellent idea from a great coach. 

That's why I travel halfway across the city to attend the Cabbagetown Boxing Club,

"THE TALBOT HILLS MEMOIRS"

My latest e-novel that I had been working on throughout the pandemic is now about to begin proofreading.

"The Talbot Hills Memoirs" continues to follow the character of Jake Islington (who has not revealed his last name until now). 

In this installment, Jake works as the assistant to the mayor of a small city of 100,000 by the name of Talbot Hills.

In this 20-chapter comedic novel, we follow Jake after he discovers that the city has a budget surplus of almost a million dollars.

How well will he handle it?

This e-novel is set for public publication by mid-August.

WELCOME NEW CABBAGETOWN MEMBERS

Friday's class with Coach Johnny was really busy. There were 11 in attendance including myself and there were three "rookies".

I can always tell a beginner by the way they stand. Beginners never stand properly. They are often flat-footed.

It was also an all-guys day at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club as well.

A big welcome to the Cabbagetown newbies. Welcome to the "Crew".

SPARRING REPORT: WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY

Ten rounds total this week, which is my goal. It was a lot of hard work as I was specifically working on the things the coach and I worked on.

The coach has been very happy with my progress, He joked and said, "Of all the years I have been coaching, sometimes I get something right". At least I think he was joking. Either that, or he was being modest.

BOXING IS RETURNING TO THE BIG SCREEN, BIG TIME

This past Thursday I was finally able to catch "Creed III" in the theatre.

I have to say that it was okay, but really nothing special. I will give it a five out of ten.

It started slow but picked up speed about halfway through. A former friend of Andonis appears out of nowhere who was an amateur boxer and decides that he wants to become a professional and go for the title. He of course gets that opportunity, because: movie.

His opponent is no doubt Adonis and, look out, big spoiler alert coming, Adonis wins. We all saw that coming around the corner, didn't we?

I was not totally impressed with that one. However, there is another boxing movie being released soon in North America.

It is a biography of George Foreman and it sounds quite interesting.

It is set for release to the North American market on April 28 of this year.

See the detail on imdb.com HERE.

NEXT ENTRY: March 24 /2023

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Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter (@paulbrickboxer)  and Mastodon (Paul'TheBrick'boxer), and see me tear apart inaccurate films and TV about boxing on YouTube at "The Brick"

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ABOUT 'The Brick;

'The Brick' is a competitive boxer and has been training for over 12 years.

STATS:

9 bouts (Boxing Ontario) 

2 bouts (Ontario Boxing Association) 

1 bout (Florida State Athletic Commission) 

DIVISION:

Masters Novice

CURRENT WEIGHT:

73 kg (162 lbs.) 

STATUS:

ACTIVE

STANCE:

Orthodox (left lead)

CURRENT TEAM/CLUB:

Cabbagetown Boxing Club

Toronto

COACH:

Johnny Kalbhenn

NEXT SCHEDULED BOUTS:

TBA