Now It Is Getting Serious...

Well, followers of "The Brick", I have a very big announcement. 
It seems that all of the big detours leading to Competition Road have been cleaned up.
It has finally happened.
When I went in to video record Stockyards' boxing on Friday, Richard came up to me and said, "Brick, guess what happened?" Of course, I thought it was something bad.
 He said, "Your book came in."
Wow! Really? How many years have I been working towards this? Is it finally beginning to pay off?
With that happening, it means quite a few things. First of all, I can now participate in full-contact sparring. Secondly, it means...I can compete. Wait! Did I just say that? 

I would like to thank Boxing Ontario--Wait. Did I just say that?--Yes. When I went to visit the Boxing Ontario office last week, the lady was very nice. She said that she would have my book in by the following week...and that is exactly what happened.

In the meantime, I have not heard any more about Junmar's Master's Show, and there is no more boxing at Stockyards until September. So, it may be a while before I compete. However, things are sure going in the right direction.

At Friday's card, Justin had his first Master's match. He won. He is my age. Also my weight class. If he can do it, so can I. You can see his match here: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJKXQC2zso0

Justin and I used to spar all the time. I think I am going to try to go back to the earlier sparring classes. Now that I am registered, it won't be a problem.
I'm going to talk to Justin and Richard about maybe doing an exhibition match this summer. Me  "verses" Justin. I think that would be interesting. Exhibitions don't count towards a boxer's record. Therefore, Just will not have to worry about losing.
Oh yeah, the man is registered, now. Let the trash-talking begin!

Another change, is that I will have to take things much more serious. That means doing more training at Stockyards and less at Bloor.
That should not be too difficult. I am starting to "outgrow" Kobe's classes.

I hate talking about Kobe's class, because every time I do, he gets pissed off with me. 

I am trying to help. If people stop showing up for his classes, he will be out of a job.

Those classes are really beginning to annoy me. He has those classes designed for beginners, yet he still wants the advanced guys to show up. That does not work. He puts beginners and advanced boxers to work together, and they both end up getting frustrated.

Kobe keeps taking about forming a team, and getting "serious". 
First off all, I have always been serious. Secondly, he has not done diddly-squat to start forming a team. I am the only one at Bloor who is registered with Boxing Ontario. How the hell is he going to form a team with only one registered boxer? Most of the guys there don't even know how to register, or worse, that they are supposed to register.

Once again I had a beginner, a small woman, complain about getting hit. Listen, you are in a boxing class. What the hell did you think was going to happen? 
See, and when I refuse to work with women on boxing, I get called sexist...

Anyway, if Kobe wants to keep his advanced boxers, he has to have a separate class for us. He can not mix us with the beginners. Already, I am noticing a lot of the advanced guys not returning to his class. Some have permanently moved to Stockyards, or some other boxing-specific gym.

I normally don't mind working with the beginners, but now is a bad time. Kobe's wimpy "Don't Hit Me" classes are not going to help me. When I step into the ring to compete, my opponent is not going to be love-tapping me. He is going to want to take my head off. I need to start serious hard-core sparring now. Waiting until competition is not the time to learn how to take it hit.

For my summer training schedule, there is going to be a lot more time dedicated to hard sparring and serious technical training at Stockyards, and fewer "wimpy" classes at Bloor.

Cheers.

Another Detour.....??!!

Just like the Toronto Transit Commission, the road to competition has many problems and delays.
Just when I thought my life would start getting better, I have run into a problem with my Boxing Ontario application.
My physician wrote "microalbuminaria" on the medical form. At the same time, he said that it should not be a problem, and authorized the form.
However, my friends at Boxing Ontario have expressed a few conditions that "may prelude you from boxing"...and yes, 'albuminaria' is on that list. Also note that this condition may prelude you from boxing. 
Albuminaria is a condition where protein is leaked into the urine, and may indicate kidney disease. However, I have had my kidneys tested twice in the last year, among the 200 other tests I have had done, and just like all of the other tests, there is not a damn thing wrong.
I keep having to go for tests, because every time I have a blood or pee test, something shows up positive. I get sent to a specialist, and they can't find anything wrong. 
One time the test showed a high blood-glucose, and they thought I had diabetes. I tested again, and I was fine. 
I tell you, something is skewing these tests. If I really did have all of the things all of these tests show I have, I would be dead. Seriously.
I would not be surprised if someone was doing it on purpose.
My new physician told be that the micoalbuminaria is likely caused by a excessively high-protein diet. Well, I do eat a lot of meat, and I also take protein powder.
That is about to stop. My physician wants me to stop taking protein powder. That's fine, but he wants me to cut down on meat intake. Whoa, whoa, whoa...let's not get hysterical.  I am a guy. To take away my burgers and steaks, you may as well remove my balls.
I have another appointment with him next month, so we will be discussing what to do about my protein.
Sometime this week, I am going to hop on the number 100 bus, and take a little leisurely stroll to the Boxing Ontario office. I have paid for my registration, I want my registration. The doctor approved me, so there is not really much anyone can do. I am simply going to explain the situation, as I did here. Although, I think someone at Boxing Ontario does read this blog.

While I am on this topic, my nice new physician submitted my medical exam to OHIP, as an "Athletic Check-Up", instead of a "Yearly Check-Up". The difference? Athletic check-ups are not covered.  Although, it really is a yearly check-up, just with the addition of filling out the form. Doctors usually charge for forms, but it is only about $20.
Anyway, I received a bill for $84.50. Yeah. He did less than 10 minutes of work, and billed me $84.50.
Is it too late for me to go to medical school? I am in the wrong line of work.
He told me that he is charging Ontario Medical Association rates. He is not bound by those. They are just suggestions. He can charge whatever he wants. Honestly, I would feel guilty charging that much for such little work. All he did was a very basic medical exam that took not even 10 minutes

I have now invested $184.50 in this whole boxing thing, to be in a boxing show that may not even happen.   
Although, I will now have "permission" to do full-contact sparring at Stockyards. 
Great. How many rounds of sparring to I get for $184.50? I guess that depends. Is that the OMA rate?

Getting Tough With "The Brick"

THAT'S ONE TOUGH COACH !

Hi all. It has been a while since the last entry, and that is because I have had an overflowing plate the last couple of weeks.

First of all, I gave up on working in IT. It is a long story, and it was a hard decision, but nobody wanted to hire me, despite 10 years experience. Therefore, I say "screw them". I went ahead and took security guard training. I have been very busy studying for the exam, which will be this coming Wednesday. 
Yes, I know I said that I did not want to do that kind of work, but I give up. Besides, security is very secure (pun intended), there is always going to be a demand for security guards.

Also, after finding a new physician on Dufferin Street, I was finally able to get my boxing medical exam done. It does look like I will have my registration completed by the time Junmar has his Master's show. He said that it will be the beginning of July, so I have about a month to prepare.

'Prepare...for competition'...I never thought I would be telling that to myself.

Junmar has been coaching me, and he is one damn tough coach. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that. 
During sparring last week, he felt that I was not working hard enough, so he would not let me take a break between rounds. He said, "If you want in my show next month, I want to see more from you. I want to see more from you...now!"

He asked me if I do any "real" running. I guess that means not on a treadmill. 'Ummm...yeah, I do "real" running.'
Actually, I do. Once a week as best I can. 
He probably wants me doing more, but where the hell to you run in Toronto? Thanks to the stupid city, there are no more jogging paths in High Park. 
Sometimes I think the mayor is on crack...Oh, wait...he is.

One thing I want to try is actually sparring one-minute rounds, since the Master's division are one-minute. They are forcing me to do three-minutes like the open class guys.
the problem with that is that I don't really know my full potential, as I have to conserve energy for three minutes. I want to try one-minute rounds, so I can really go all out, and see how much ass I can kick.

You know, now that my dream of returning to the ring is on the road to becoming a reality, I am getting a bit nervous about it. At the same time, the way my luck is, it might end up not even happening.

That is all for this entry.

Cheers.
Paul "The Brick" Brec

Switching Gyms...Again...Sort Of

Training Schedule Change

I am making some changes to my training schedule, to allow more time with Junmar and Richard.
I came to realize that Stockyards is my "home" gym, but I spend very little time there.
Going forward, I will be taking more technical training at Stockyards. Junmar has excellent technical boxing classes, and Rick is a great coach. 
See you at the 'Yards!

"The Green Corner" Documentary-Drama To Begin Filming In Mid-May

"The Blue Corner" is about to become "The Green Corner".
This will be an ongoing series made up of 30-minute (22-minute) TV episodes that follow Tyler, a 40 year-old former boxer trying to return to competition after 15 years. 
Sound familiar?

Filming of my documentary/drama/comedy based on this blog is set to begin production very soon.
I have some very good talented actors to help out, as well as a couple of great camera operators.
Richard has given me permission to film some scenes in his gym, provided that it does not interfere with any classes.
I agreed to film any gym scenes on weekends when it is not as busy. 
We will also be filming at various locations around the High Park/Junction/Rocny areas. 

Look for "The Green Corner", coming to YouTube and other places soon!


An Incident At Bloor Fitness Links Back To "The Brick" ??!!!

On Monday night, I was intending to go to Stockyards for Junmar's class, but I missed it due to the fact that I was late getting back to Toronto after a gig out of town, so I went to Bloor Fitness instead.  I kind of wish I did go to Stockyards.
After leaving on Monday, the door did not close properly behind me, and a "nutcase" got into the gym and started harassing the other members.
Honestly, I did not even see anyone go in, but the security camera showed otherwise.
I was informed by the manager that they have "very strict door policies".
They can have whatever policies they want, but they can not hold the members (customers) responsible for the security of the business. It is like any other business. Why should a gym be any different? 
If they want to hire someone to guard the door, that is fine. I will do it. All they have to do is ask.
The only time a member can be held liable is if someone is purposely holding the door open, and allowing friends and family to enter to use the facilities without paying. That is completely different. That is theft.
The manager was nice about it. He said that I was a good ambassador to the gym, (and I still am). I would do anything for them. I agreed that all members should "help" with making sure unauthorized people don't get in. With the understanding that we can not be held legally responsible if someone does.
That being said, members should be considerate to each other, and make sure the door is properly closed to prevent this from happening again. 
I am not going to dwell on this, as it is water under the bridge. It is just something that I had to mention for the benefit of all Bloor Fitness members.

Cheers.

What A Waste Of A Perfectly Good Uppercut !

MASTER'S DIVISION TOURNAMENT COMING UP ???

I can not say too much about this, because it has not yet been confirmed, but I have heard that there may be a Master's Tournament in Toronto this summer. 
This is a great idea, as I have not heard of any other such competition in Ontario, or in Canada for that matter.
The Master's is for boxers over 35 years old...like myself. They are one-minute rounds. However, one of my biggest problems is finding opponents. If this Master's Tournament happens, it could mean that I could actually compete. Coach Richard has expressed interest in letting me be in the tournament.
Could this finally be my chance? You know, I am not optimistic about things. Optimists just wind up setting themselves up for disappointment. When one is pessimistic, like myself, and something good actually happens, it is a bonus....happy...happy...joy...joy...
For now I am just going to keep training. As far as I know, there is no such thing as a Master's Tournament in Toronto.............


TUESDAY SPARRING MAY BE TOO MUCH FOR THE NEW GUYS 

There was great turnout on Tuesday at Bloor. That is good to see.
However, I am beginning to see why new people come in and then don't come back.
They are being thrown into the ring against much more advanced boxers, and are getting frustrated and quit.
I think I mentioned this once before.
My suggestion is to let the new guys practice some light technical skills outside the ring first. Let them get used to it. After they have some basic knowledge of the sport, then let them loose....but, who am I? Nobody cares what I think.

I did a lot on Tuesday. It was possibly my busiest sparring day of all, 16 rounds. I did at least 3 rounds with each guy there. I felt great after.


WEDNESDAY SPARRING: THE BIG UPPERCUT THAT COULDN'T

With Junmar on vacation in New York City, Coach Richard has taken over all the evening classes at Stockyards.
This past Wednesday, I did 3 rounds with Richard watching. Two with one of the younger guys, and one with Dave. By the way, Dave is a former Toronto Police Officer, and now a Boxing Ontario official. He is 52 years old. Yeah. How about that? If he can do it, there is no reason why anyone else can't.
Richard wanted me to go inside with Dave, as I did. I pounded the crap out of his ribs, while being urged on by the other boxers at ringside.
Then it came to sparring the younger guy, I guess he was 20-ish, I apologize for not remembering his name. 
I did quite well against him. There were some good exchanges. He nailed me a few times in the face and head, but did very little attacking to the body. I got in a few good body shots. I'm sure he felt my wrath.
One thing he was doing that was really annoying, was that he would come at me with his head down. He thinks it is safe to do that, but it isn't. You see, even with your hands covering your face, with your face down, there is a nice little opening right were your chin is. Just big enough for a nice uppercut to get through.
I put up with this for the first round. For round two, I promised myself to plant a nice uppercut on his chin if he did that again.
Sure enough, within 30 seconds of round two, there he goes. I did it. I threw a perfect uppercut...and completely missed! He moved right at the last second. I hear an "Ooooo" coming from ringside. Yeah. If he had not moved, it would have been lights out for him. 

I was very proud of that uppercut, even though it missed, it was well executed. 
Of course, some would say that it wasn't perfect if it missed. Well...maybe it won't miss next time.

That Should Be Illegal !

THAT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED

Well, it is sad to say that this past Thursday's turnout for sparring was a bit abysmal. 
However, Chris showed up. He is usually good at showing up every Thursday. The thing is, I am really getting pissed off at how he boxes. 
You may remember Chris, from an entry a few month's ago, when I complained that he kept on striking me in the arm. Well, he is doing it again. He his my shoulder and bicep so much that I now have a huge bruise there, and can hardly move it. I really hate it when he does that. To put it bluntly, I wish he would fuck off with that. Seriously.
Strikes to the arm should be illegal. I always thought they were, but after checking, I found out it isn't. Arms are a legal target in boxing.
I have also noticed that guys really like going after my ribs, now. Okay guys, look, this is not "Rocky", and I am not a side of beef. 
My left side ribs are all bruised to shit now, too. It matches my left arm.
I guess using the Orthodox boxing stance, means more attacks to that side. Maybe, I should learn to switch. Although, I feel really awkward in the Southpaw stance. I don't know how guys can do that.

Sparring at Bloor, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 PM

Sparring at Bloor, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 PM

THIS BLOG TO BECOME A DOCUMENTARY MINI-SERIES

My production company with be producing a docudrama series based on "Comments from the Blue Corner". I will play myself in the series, and I am currently working on getting permission to film at the actual gyms where Ii train.
However, since I am in it, I need a camera operator.
Please see our ad on Craigslist: Camera Operator
I may also need talent. I will post that once I am sure what I need for actors.

BOXERS (STILL) NEEDED

We are also still looking for boxers for our photo shoot. Please contact me for more info.

Digital images Toronto: www.ditoprod.ca

Boxers Wanted

SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE

I hope everyone had a great long weekend.
With Easter over, it is time for my spring training schedule, it will be in effect until Canada Day, July 1.

BOXERS WANTED - PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIMENT

I am looking for boxers for a commercial photography project.
D-I-T-O Photography has partnered with Deposit Photos of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Pond 5 of New York, NY, for a professional photography project involving boxing and boxers.
Participants must file a Release with D-I-T-O Photography, and will be paid a percentage of photo sales. 
Anyone interested, please contact me through the Digital Images Toronto website. Use the contact form, and select 'Model/Property Release' from the drop-down.


That is all for this entry, it has been a slow month.
Let's hope April is better.

Remember: Keep your hands up and your chin down.