Photo: Jo-Anne Sheffield, Kingsway Boxing Club High Performance Specialist
SUMMER HIIT WITH JO-ANNE SHEFFIELD RETURNS WITH A BANG!
“It’s been just over three months and like most of you, I have had to pivot and completely change the way I deliver my services.”
Jo-Anne Sheffield has been filling Kingsway Boxing Club with her incredible energy and perfectly executed burpees since we opened our High Performance Studios in 2017. Her programs sell out before they’re even available — her dedication is contagious.
We have all felt the emotional effects of our new reality. Though Jo and our team continue to stay busy with Virtual Classes, the physiological toll it’s taken on both trainer and client is unreal. Nothing compares to physical and social interaction. In Jo’s words:
“The energy from a full class of participants to the banter and updates from clients – I’m really missing it all. I know I’m not alone with this feeling. Everyone I’ve spoken to recently has said they miss human contact more than they ever thought they would and are questioning what our new normal will eventually look like.”
Since the shutdown, Boxing Ontario, our Provincial Sports Organization (PSO), has been lobbying to get our athletes back to training. This effort came with extreme attention and importance placed on safety. When the Government of Ontario announced that our PSO would be allowed to ‘Return To Training’, it gave us all a small light at the end of the tunnel.
We cautiously opened our doors to the gym on June 15, booking private and small group training. With our new safety protocols in place and closely monitored, we have been overwhelmed by the positive response. View KBC & Boxing Ontario Safety Protocols
Excited and happy to be back to my personal training with Joanne at the Kingsway Boxing Club. Joanne is an excellent motivator and I love how she raises my limits and keeps challenging me. I also feel safe going back and like the safety protocols that have been put in place to ensure the safety of all members and trainers. During our session, It’s just Joanne and I in the entire gym, maintaining our social distancing with cleaning solutions, hand sanitizers, gloves and cloths to wipe down the weights, equipment and area I work in. Joanne is committed to providing great personal training with an emphasis on safety and cleanliness. Thanks and keep up the great work!
~ Kiki Kralidis | Kingsway Boxing Club Returning Client
As we ease our way back into operation, Jo has decided to launch her highly anticipated HIIT Conditioning Programs in a small group format.
These classes are conducted at our fully renovated High Performance Studios, incorporating head to toe fitness into a fast and effective workout.
HIIT Conditioning incorporates interval training, functional fitness, strength training, and stretching and is suitable for all fitness levels.
Interval training breaks up a set amount of exercises into small segments with recovery intervals in between to enhance the accomplishment of each exercise. This type of training maximizes calorie burn and improves overall performance.
What to bring? Bring a water bottle, mat and towel. It will get sweaty!
We’re so honoured to have Jo in our KBC Family. She’s helped keep us motivated and moving forward. If you’re interested in joining Jo for her small group program, HURRY UP!
Register now for her 45 minute Summer HIIT session starting Thursday, July 16. Two times available: 5:45pm and 6:45pm
⚠️ [ACTION REQUIRED] BEFORE YOU RETURN TO TRAINING…
The Ontario Government announcement of “Step 3” in Toronto directly affects ALL Kingsway Boxing Members and Programs. Note that all indoor, outdoor and virtual programming has resumed.
Existing Members – Account Login: Reset Password if you’ve never accessed your account before. Clients and Members will be required to activate their accounts to access Kingsway Boxing Online Schedules to pre-register for classes – Please turn on your email notifications and read your reservation emails for any updates to our policies.
📝 IMPORTANT NOTE: We appreciate your patience with the above setup instructions. If you have any difficulty setting up or accessing your account, please contact Jennifer Huggins directly: Email Now
COVID-19 REOPENING STRATEGY:
The Kingsway Boxing Club facility cleaning protocols have been updated to include professional antiviral and antibacterial (Sanitrol) cleaning products to be used when giving the gym a deep clean each day and in between use of all equipment. All Team KBC Coaches and Trainers have undergone Boxing Ontario Safety Protocol Training and we will continue to ensure training focused on procedures and protocols to continually enhance your safety.
The Kingsway Boxing Family has been back to training since June. As we build routines, return to work and kids go back to school, it’s important to continue keeping our community safe! Please be aware of any possible symptoms and contact us if you’re unsure.
Our staff, trainers and coaches will be following strict protocols limiting contact and ensuring the safety of our clients. In addition to cleaning in between clients and classes, a deep clean and sanitization of all locations are conducted at the beginning and end of each day.
All programs will be shifting to a virtual format effective immediately. Your coach will be in direct contact with private training clients, group programs and specialty enrolments to confirm access and logistics.
NEXT STEPS:
Make contact with your coach if you have not yet.
Check schedules as we are offering an array of virtual boxing and conditioning classes: Schedules
Note the following steps that MUST be taken Before your next visit: KBC COVID PROTOCOLS
Thank you so much for your patience and support as we navigate the ever changing legislation and situation. Please don’t hesitate to contact me back directly with any questions or concerns.
Sending you all love and appreciation. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong. In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up… And Clean!
We’re contacting you directly today to clarify the next steps following the announcement of the “Grey Zone” in Toronto and Peel Region.
Grey Zone protocols directly affect ALL Kingsway Boxing Members and Programs. At this time, we will remain accessible for virtual training only until further notice. Read Official Boxing Ontario Statement
COVID-19 Update October 11, 2020
Happy Thanksgiving Kingsway Boxing Family,
I’m contacting you directly today to clarify next steps following the announcement of the “Modified Phase 2” in Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Region.
This announcement directly affects ALL Kingsway Boxing Members and Programs, however as a Licenced Club of Boxing Ontario, we WILL remain open until further notice. Read Official Boxing Ontario Statement
Please note the following steps that MUST be taken Before your next visit:
STEP 1 – Register For Boxing Ontario Recreational Licence ($25.00 Annually): (MANDATORY PHASE 1 & 2) – This Licence will allow access to our facilities throughout Phase 2 and ensures the member is covered under the Kingsway Boxing Club & Boxing Ontario insurance.
Important Note: 2020 licences are valid until Dec. 31 2020. Competitive Boxers holding their Boxing Ontario Competitive Licence do not require the Recreational Licence.
Part A: REGISTER NOW – ALL Returning clients require this licence. *Note that Competitive Boxers holding their Boxing Ontario Competitive Licence do not require the Recreational Licence. This Licence ensures the member is covered under the Kingsway Boxing Club insurance.
Thank you again for your support and patience as we navigate this new normal with you all!
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up… AND CLEAN!
Jen, Virg and Team Kingsway Boxing
COVID-19 Update Sept 25, 2020
Dear Kingsway Boxing Family,
We hope the members of Kingsway Boxing and our community are staying safe throughout these challenging times. Since re-opening our locations in June, we’ve successfully implemented KBC COVID Protocols that have helped to keep our community active and safe. With the announcement of a second wave in Canada and a spike in numbers provincially, we would like to ensure you have the resources necessary to continue keeping yourself and others safe. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you so much for your ongoing support and positivity!
Thank you again for your support and patience as we navigate this new normal with you all!
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up… AND CLEAN!
Jen, Virg and Team Kingsway Boxing
COVID-19 Update August 30, 2020
Dear Kingsway Boxing Family,
I hope you’re enjoying Summer and are ready for Fall! While the world continues to challenge us all, I’m inspired to see how resilient and supportive our community has been. We’ve been busy at both of our Kingsway Boxing locations implementing safety protocols and physically distanced programs to keep our members and community safe and active.
Please note that our Fall Programs are nearly FULL, this is the last week to register for our Specialty High Performance Programs including:
Power4Teens and many other programs brought to you by the top trainers and coaches in the industry.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly for support navigating our registration or and questions about our protocols
We are all in this together. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will follow guidance from Ontario Public Health officials and Boxing Ontario’s COVID Taskforce, so we can continue to support our members and community.
Thank you again for your support and patience as we navigate this new normal with you all!
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up… AND CLEAN!
Jen, Virg and Team Kingsway Boxing
COVID-19 Update August 4, 2020
Dear Kingsway Boxing Family,
Thanks to ongoing community support, we launched our soft opening of both locations in June. Read Testimonials
Currently, we offer physically distanced private and small group training under Boxing Ontario COVID Taskforce and Ontario Government safety and sanitization protocols (see protocols below). As we continue the process of safely returning to training, Kingsway Boxing will continue offering virtual classes for those not returning immediately.
Please see below for the specialty seasonal enrolments now open for registration. Note that we will continue to add new classes and enrolments, however if you are having difficulty finding a class to accommodate your schedule, we are offering private training from 5am – 10 pm daily.
Thank you again for your support and patience as we navigate this new normal with you all!
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up… AND CLEAN!
Jen, Virg and Team Kingsway Boxing
COVID-19 Update June 23, 2020
Dear Kingsway Boxing Family,
Thank you for supporting us through these challenging times. We are proud to inform you, that alongside the Boxing Ontario COVID Taskforce and Ontario Government, Kingsway Boxing Club Locations have been approved to reopen.
As we continue the process of safely returning to training, Kingsway Boxing Club will continue offering virtual classes for those not returning immediately. We launched the soft opening of our locations on Monday June 15, welcoming back private and small group training under strict safety and sanitization protocols (see information below).
The Kingsway Boxing Club facility cleaning protocols have been updated to include professional antiviral and antibacterial (Sanitrol) cleaning products to be used when giving the gym a deep clean each day and in between use of all equipment. All Team KBC Coaches and Trainers have undergone Boxing Ontario Safety Protocol Training and we will continue to ensure training focused on procedures and protocols to continually enhance your safety.
Thank you again for your support and patience as we navigate this new normal with you all!
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up… AND CLEAN!
Jen, Virg and Team Kingsway Boxing
COVID-19 Update March 29, 2020
Dear Team Kingsway Boxing Family,
We hope you’re all staying safe, healthy and we miss seeing everyone in training!
To give you an update, throughout this lockdown, Virgil and I have been working hard to prepare our facilities for when the doors reopen.
We want to thank our KBC Family who have continued their memberships throughout the pandemic. This kept us motivated and enabled us to take the next step. In order to adapt to the situation and provide some essential work for our coaches, we are now offering Virtual Classes and Personal Training! We are offering a range of class packages available to clients worldwide.
Active Monthly Members Will Have Unlimited Access To Online Classes
We recognize that these are difficult times for everyone and these programs will allow our small, team to provide our clients and members with a physical and mental outlet.
Continue to support and train alongside Team KBC
View options and register using link below. We are currently offering a variety of classes everyday and will be working to add new classes as the weeks progress. This is a very new process for all of us, so please be sure to keep in contact with any questions or concerns that may arise.
Click here to share your journey with Kingsway Boxing Club.
COVID-19 RESOURCE CENTRE
COVID-19, also known as novel coronavirus, is a serious public health concern. Businesses and communities will be at the forefront dealing with a multitude of COVID-19-related issues, which could cause severe business disruptions. Businesses are advised to prepare contingency plans to manage the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in North America and around the world.
Dear Team Kingsway Boxing Trainers Members and Clients,
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, and we all need to make decisions that best support our health and the health of those around us. As COVID-19 continues to have an impact in Canada and around the world, we wanted to share information about Kingsway Boxing Club’s efforts to ensure your health and safety, as well as our commitment to the community.
As the virus continues to spread in communities across Canada, and with Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer raising the public risk to ‘serious,’ we are seeing the need for increasingly bold action to reduce the transmission.
I am writing to you to personally inform you that we have made the difficult but important decision to close all Kingsway Boxing Club locations, effective immediately.
Our purpose has always been to invest in the community and provide the opportunity to live a healthy life. There is no moment in our history where that purpose is more important than today. Like other businesses across the country, we are closing our doors to further limit the spread of this virus and to protect the most vulnerable in our community. We know it is the right thing to do.
Special Notes:
Pre-Paid Sessions and program packages may be rescheduled. In the event the program is cancelled a credit will be applied to the clients account to be used within one year of purchase.
If it’s at all financially feasible for those with a Monthly Membership, we humbly ask that you consider continuing the monthly charge and practice remotely with us by way of our at home workouts available under Client Resources. Please consider this a gesture of support in keeping Kingsway Boxing Club afloat during this challenge. Just as importantly, all our teachers are independent contractors, and it remains unclear at this time whether they will be at all eligible for the financial support programs being loosely proposed by the federal government at this time.
If continuing your membership is not possible, please email jennifer@kingswayboxingclub.com to request your charges be suspended for the period for in which we’re closed.
We ask that if/when it comes time to suspend and restart, please exercise patience and understanding while we manage the undertaking of manually adjusting each individual pass and Membership to bring your account up to date.
We have been referred to a dedicated COVID-19 Resource Centre (see below) that provides information about the various implications of COVID-19 on businesses and their workforces, as well as key contacts should you have specific questions.
Thank you for your support! We look forward to reopening our doors as soon as possible and welcoming you back to Kingsway Boxing as soon as possible.
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up, and take care of yourself and each other.
Best Regards,
Jennifer Huggins Kingsway Boxing Club
www.kingswayboxingclub.com E. info@kingswayboxingclub.com T. +1 (416) 234-0075 Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn
Click here to share your journey with Kingsway Boxing Club.
COVID-19 Update March 14, 2020
Dear Team Kingsway Boxing Trainers Members and Clients,
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, and we all need to make decisions that best support our health and the health of those around us. As COVID-19 continues to have an impact in Canada and around the world, we wanted to share information about Kingsway Boxing Club’s preparedness efforts to ensure your health and safety, as well as our continued service.
From the onset of COVID-19, Kingsway Boxing will take ongoing advise from our sanctioning bodies (Boxing Ontario and Boxing Canada) who are meeting on a daily basis to proactively monitor developments in Canada and abroad, implement best practices and provide regular updates to our trainers and clients.
CURRENT OPERATION: All locations currently remain open for business with safety protocols put in place (see below)
Programs that are already in session will continue at this time:
[Drop-In Classes] All classes at all locations will be operational with increased safety protocols
[Private Training] Our trainers are still available for one on one sessions. This is a good option if you would like to stay away from group settings.
[TRILOGY PHYSIOTHERAPY] All locations will be operational with increased safety protocols. Our therapy team is taking all necessary precautions including infection control practices, extra sanitization efforts, and additional screening precautions to actively identify anyone who may be at risk. Team members receive regular updates on the latest medical recommendations related to the outbreak.
[SPRING 2020] Muscle Run
[SPRING 2020] Fusion-Fit For Women
[SPRING 2020] OFF-THE-ROPES
[SPRING 2020] Warrior Women Fit (Delayed – Starts Mar. 28)
[SPRING 2020-MON] HIIT Conditioning Program
[SPRING 2020-THUR] HIIT Conditioning Program
[WINTER 2020] Slow flow Hatha Yoga with Patricia
[WINTER 2020] Kids 7+, Co-Ed and Girl Teen Boxing
UPCOMING OPERATION: Seasonal and High Performance Programs listed below will be postponed until we have a clear understanding of the situation:
[SPRING 2020] Kids 7+, Co-Ed Teen and Girl Teen Boxing Programs
[SPRING 2020] Fighting Fit For Guys
[SPRING 2020] Power4Teens Conditioning Program
[SPRING 2020] Slow flow Hatha Yoga
Pre-Paid Sessions and program packages may be rescheduled. In the event the program is cancelled a credit will be applied to the clients account to be used within one year of purchase.
We are fully prepared to implement our Business Continuity Plan to ensure uninterrupted service to our clients should the outbreak require a temporary closure and remote training.
We have been referred to a dedicated COVID-19 Resource Centre that provides information about the various implications of COVID-19 on businesses and their workforces, as well as key contacts should you have specific questions.
Please find below the changes to equipment use and protocols we are putting in place to ensure that we train together safely. This applies to all adult and youth classes including private training:
If you’re sick, stay home! If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay home. If you cough or sneeze at class please do so into your elbow or a tissue, and wash hands straight away.
Communal gloves will no longer be available. We ask you bring your own gloves or purchase gloves from the gym.
We ask that every person train with a towel
Throughout the class you will need to clean all equipment you come in contact with using the sterilization solution provided.
We are trying to source hand sanitizer to put out for use before and after class, it’s hard to get the moment, so please bring your own if you have some.
Our trainers will be regularly wiping down equipment with sanitizer spray as a precaution.
We ask if you have returned from overseas that you follow the World Health Organization advice and get tested for COVID-19 virus when applicable.
TEAMWORK: When class is finished, all participants and trainers will be asked to wipe down any visible surface with the sterilization solution provided. If we work together to keep Kingsway clean, we will continue to work through this difficult time together.
We have increased our cleaning to nightly for any common surfaces at both location. I hope this provides you confidence in the actions we are taking to safeguard our people, our clients and our communities.
Remember the best way to keep your immune system strong is to eat healthy, drink lots of water, stay active and reduce stress. Use your best judgement. Though we are trying to provide a safe outlet during this difficult time, we want you to feel comfortable with your decisions.
We can’t compromise on the above and we apologize in advance but we need to be 100% committed to our standards.
Thanks for your support! See you at Kingsway Boxing soon.
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up!
Best Regards,
Jennifer Huggins Kingsway Boxing Club
www.kingswayboxingclub.com E. info@kingswayboxingclub.com T. +1 (416) 234-0075 Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn
Click here to share your journey with Kingsway Boxing Club.
COVID-19 Update March 12, 2020
Dear Team Kingsway Boxing Trainers Members and Clients,
Yesterday, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, and we all need to make decisions that best support our health and the health of those around us. As COVID-19 continues to have an impact in Canada and around the world, we wanted to share information about Kingsway Boxing Club’s preparedness efforts to ensure your health and safety, as well as our continued service.
From the onset of COVID-19, Kingsway Boxing will take ongoing advise from our sanctioning bodies (Boxing Ontario and Boxing Canada) who are meeting on a daily basis to proactively monitor developments in Canada and abroad, implement best practices and provide regular updates to our trainers and clients.
All locations currently remain open for business. We are fully prepared to implement our Business Continuity Plan to ensure uninterrupted service to our clients should the outbreak require a temporary closure and remote training.
We have been referred to a dedicated COVID-19 Resource Centre that provides information about the various implications of COVID-19 on businesses and their workforces, as well as key contacts should you have specific questions.
We also want to provide our trainers, clients and membership with simple steps to helping lower the risk of spreading the virus. For those that will be in large group settings and in close proximity to others, please follow these simple, but helpful instructions.
1. If sick, please stay home
2. Please have clients bring their own towels and use disinfectant sprays to clean all surfaces in which they touch or sweat on (including weights, bags/equipment and floor surfaces)
3. Take temperature daily
4. If you have a fever, cough, or breathing disturbance stay home
5. Wash hands prior to placement of gloves
6. Purchase individual equipment (this can be done at the gym)
7. Be aware to maintain 3 feet distance from other athletes or participants
8. Avoid shaking hands, and try not to touch the face, eyes, or nose
9. Cover mouth if coughing with tissue, or elbow area
10. Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after training
11. Wipe down boxing and other equipment and gym with disinfectant cleaners more than usual
12. Follow good personal hygiene after every boxing practice or competition, including showering with soap and water and washing uniforms after use
We have increased our cleaning to nightly for any common surfaces at both location. I hope this provides you confidence in the actions we are taking to safeguard our people, our clients and our communities.
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up! 👊
Best Regards,
Jennifer Huggins Kingsway Boxing Club
www.kingswayboxingclub.com E. info@kingswayboxingclub.com T. +1 (416) 234-0075 Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn
Click here to share your journey with Kingsway Boxing Club.
AVAILABLE TRAINING OPTIONS:
Pre-Scheduled Small-Group Classes: We will be offering pre-scheduled small group classes at both locations.
Private, Semi-Private, and Group Training: Both locations will be available to book for private and group training with your coach or trainer. Many clients are working with their trainers on a virtual platform, which will continue to be an option.
Membership Options: Currently we are not initiating NEW Monthly Memberships due to space restrictions. We are honouring existing Monthly Members with access to one (1) group class weekly with unlimited access to Virtual classes. View All Schedules
Fight Team Only Open Training Hours: Members will be able to book in at predetermined times to use the gym independent of the classes.
AT THE START, DURING AND END OF CLASSES
If you are not feeling 100% – please STAY HOME. Kingsway Boxing Club will ensure that Members and Staff are not feeling sick or have any symptoms (runny nose, cough, watering eyes) with a pre-visit screening. — View Next Step Protocols In Case Of Illness
Must Advance Register. All training conducted at Kingsway Boxing Club locations will require advance registration. To implement contact tracing, all persons to enter the Kingsway Boxing Club locations, who do not have a prescheduled appointment, must sign in with the list provided.
Class Sizes Reduced. New gym capacity and class size guidelines strictly following COVID-19 protocol.
Arrive On Time, But Not More Than 5 Mins Early. Clients will arrive on time, but not too early. Please show up no earlier than 5 minutes before class and exit the gym immediately following the class or session (staff require time to sanitize between sessions)
Wear your Mask To Enter And Exit. Clients must wear face coverings to enter and exit all Kingsway Boxing Club Locations. During physical exertion, it is allowed and recommended that all face coverings are removed.
Registered Massage Patients: Must wear masks throughout duration of massage therapy session.
No Spectators. Kingsway Boxing Club will require drop-off and pickup only. Due to social distancing procedures, we will not have a place for spectators or parents (special arrangements can be discussed if necessary)
Bring Your Own Equipment. Kingsway Boxing Club will provide new equipment for purchase and ensure that members are informed that shared equipment will not be provided by Kingsway Boxing Club. The list includes but is not limited to: boxing gloves, hand wraps, water bottles and floor mats. Staff and clients must take home all personal equipment to ensure proper cleaning of personal items.
Keep Your Physical Distance. Social distance floor markers of 6ft will be used to maintain adequate gym spacing protocols. Each Member is spaced 2 meters apart on designated heavy bags. There will be a mapped out “workout space” for each Member during off bag exercises. This will ensure Members maintain proper physical distance for the duration of the class. Members and staff are required to stick to toe taps & mental fist bumps! We ask that everyone limit their contact while in the Gym.
Clean Everything You Come In Contact With. Additional cleaning solutions will be provided to aid in members wiping down equipment before and after the use of any common area or equipment.
Limited Use Of Washrooms: Please come prepared to train, if you need a space for your bag, we will have specifically marked areas for bag drop off maintaining social distancing. Signs are posted in bathrooms showing proper hand-washing techniques and timing.
Sanitize Your Hands. Hand-sanitizer stations are provided at all contact points. If you touch your face or anything that may spread bodily fluid, please reapply sanitizer.
Hand Pads and Sparring. Hand pads and sparring will be strictly limited to participants who hold valid Boxing Ontario Licensing with Kingsway Boxing Club.
AFTER CLASS
Larger than normal gaps between classes will ensure that Staff has time to do a thorough cleaning of bags and equipment in-between classes.
Marked exit points for Members to ensure the flow of traffic and appropriate social distance.
Practice personal responsibility and attend Kingsway Boxing and High-Performance Studios at your own risk. If you are in a high-risk category or take care of someone who is, we understand that returning to Kingsway Boxing and High-Performance Studios may not be the right decision for you. By choosing to attend a class at Kingsway Boxing, even with the increased safety measures, you acknowledge and accept the additional risks associated with the global health pandemic COVID-19.
Please familiarize yourself with this “new normal” and do not hesitate to email us if you have any questions or concerns. info@kingswayboxingclub.com
If you have recently traveled please do not return to the gym until the government has deemed it safe.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or come in contact with someone who has we ask that you refrain from coming to the gym until you have been cleared with a negative COVID-19 test.
We thank you for your support as we return safely to training and our very important safety protocols.
Scroll down to reserve classes and to see all virtual options, including our Workout On-Demand Access.
See You Online!
Since launching our virtual boxing and conditioning classes, the feedback has been amazing. We have now partnered with Beaver Boxing in Ottawa to expand our virtual program offerings including a special needs program by Boxing Without Barriers. We’re also excited to announce the launch of our Virtual Private Training Program designed to give you the most ATTENTION and ACCOUNTABILITY with the same HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE from our team of coaches and trainers.FULL STORY
Get Started TODAY With Our FREE One Week Virtual Pass!
Join us for classes every day of the week, with programs for all ages and fitness levels!
⚠️ Need Access Code? Please contact us for your unique password. Only active members of Kingsway Boxing Club and Beaver Boxing Club have access to the Virtual Boxing Club Video Library.
Kingsway Boxing presents our exclusive Virtual Corporate Training and Team-Building Programs.
Are you ready for an intensive virtual visit from our Internationally and Nationally-Certified Coaches?
Our corporate and school team building programs are easily accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Welcoming recreational sports enthusiasts, or even those who haven’t been out from behind their digital screens or off the couch in a while!
Our programs are structured to include full participation of the technical and tactical aspects of boxing in a fun and energetic platform. Get your team or class moving while building skills and confidence. Don’t forget to ask us about our Rocky Trivia add-on! Available both virtually and on-location.
The Kingsway Boxing Club, Beaver Boxing Club and Stockyards Boxing Club are joining forces to knock COVID out and bring tons of new and inclusive classes for everyone!
Drills With Boxing Skills Workout With Coach Phil Daniels
Place an object in front of you – a weight, a soup can, a hat, anything. This drill can be done in any sized space. It can be modified and expanded to emphasize cardio work or your punches or both, and can be “leveled up.”
Assume your boxing stance. Moving around the object in front of you to your right, take one step. immediately thereafter throw one punch. Take another step and throw two punches. Another step, 3 punches, another step, 4 punches, another step throw a 5 punch combo. Then:
10 Jumping Jacks
And/or 10 burpees
And /or 10 squats
Right away get back into boxing stance and fire another 5 punch combo. Repeat from the top, step, one punch. Step, 2 punches, step 3 punches, step 4, step then a 5 punch combo. Then:
9 Jumping Jacks
And/or 9 burpees
And /or 9 squats
Repeat and continue, next time 8 of everything, then 7 etc…..until you reach 0 on your JJ’s, and/or burpees, and/or squats.
Modifications:
Walk outs, leg lifts, step backs in place of JJ’s, burpees, squats.
You can also work your defence in after your punches as you move. Experiment with inserting defense into different moments within your 3,4, and 5 punch combos.
Additionally, change-up the footwork. Move left sometimes. Or you can take a “3 steps right, 2 steps left” footwork pattern before throwing punches. After your 5 punch combos, but before the Jumping Jacks – you can move in toward your object , throw another 5 punch combo, then move back out and launch another 5 punch combo, THEN start the JJ’s.
For more upper body workout, do the punching part of the drill with 5 lbs weights if available, and add presses and/or curls after the Jumping Jacks.
To enhance your boxing skills, consistent practice of the fundamentals is essential throughout your career.
To enhance your boxing skills, consistent practice of the fundamentals is essential throughout your career. As you progress and learn more advanced techniques, there’s a tendency for basic skills to diminish over time. However, it’s crucial to remember that the basics form the foundation of the sport and should be prioritized accordingly.
Below, we’ve assembled a fundamental 12-round workout suitable for individuals of any age or skill level. Enjoy!
THE BASICS: 12 ROUND WORKOUT
Be sure to practice:
Centre-line and Boxing Stance (balance and body awareness)
The Basic Punches (Jabs, Crosses, 1-2’s)
The Footwork (Forward, back, side-to-side)
Pivoting (Offensive and Defensive)
Once you have mastered all of the basics, it is also important to put it all together using shadow boxing, heavy bags, double-ended bags etc.
“It’s not necessarily the amount of time you spend at practice that counts; it’s what you put into the practice.”
Important Notes:
If you do not have access to a bag, simple shadow boxing will be just as effective if not more!
Beginners can start with 2 min rounds, however the aim should always be to working at 3 min rounds.
THE WARM UP:
ROUND 1 – Skipping – General warmup: Try to find your rhythm and warm up the full body.
ROUND 2 – Interval Skipping: Don’t be afraid to try different methods of skipping such as; doubles, crossover, knee highs, alternating legs. Skipping is great for conditioning, and foot work but over time it can get boring so mix it up and have fun.
THE JAB AND THE CROSS:
ROUND 3– JAB (1) – In Boxing Stance (centre-line) facing the mirror
10 Jabs – 1 pushup – 10 Jabs – 1 burpee
10 Jabs – 2 pushups – 10 Jabs – 2 burpees
Repeat for entire round and each time increasing the push up and burpee by 1. Add a pair of weights when comfortable.
ROUND 4 – CROSS (2) – In Boxing Stance (centre-line) facing the mirror
10 Cross’ – 1 pushup – 10 Cross’ – 1 burpee
10 Cross’ – 2 pushups – 10 Cross’ – 2 burpees
Repeat for entire round and each time increasing the push up and burpee by 1. Add a pair of weights when comfortable.
ROUND 5 – JAB, CROSS (1, 2) – In Boxing Stance (centre-line) facing the mirror
Repeat for entire round and each time increasing the push up and burpee by 1. Add a pair of weights when comfortable.
THE FOOTWORK:
ROUND 6 – Returning to Centre(Footwork Only) – In Boxing Stance (centre-line) facing the mirror
Work forward – backward – side to side footwork.
Every time return to centre stop and make sure you are balanced.
Repeat for entire round
ROUND 7 – Returning to Centre (Footwork with 1-2’s) – In Boxing Stance (centre-line) facing the mirror
Work forward – backward – side to side footwork.
Every time you return to centre stop and throw a 1-1-2 to make sure you are balanced.
Repeat for entire round
ROUND 8 – Clock Pivoting Drill (Footwork Only) – In Boxing Stance (centre-line) facing the mirror
Work defensive pivots always returning to centre-line facing the mirror.
EX. Pivot to 3’o clock move forward and back to centre – pivot back to mirror
Pivot to 9’o’clock move forward and back to centre – pivot back to mirror
Repeat for entire round
ROUND 9 – Clock Pivoting Drill (Footwork with 1-2’s) – In Boxing Stance (centre-line) facing the mirror
Work defensive pivots always returning to centre-line facing the mirror.
EX. Pivot to 3’o clock move forward and back to centre and throw a 1-1-2
Pivot to 9’o’clock move forward and back to centre and throw a 1-1-2
Repeat for entire round
THE HEAVY BAG:
ROUND 10 – 1-2-3 Location Pivots using theJAB (1)
Use your footwork to move around the bag to location 1, 2, or 3.
Only use your jab when your feet are set in boxing stance.
Double, triple jabs, to the head to the body keep moving and keep working.
ROUND 11 – 1-2-3 Location Pivots using theCROSS (2)
Use your footwork to move around the bag to location 1, 2, or 3.
Only use your Cross.
Make sure your feet are set before throwing your cross.
ROUND 12 – 1-2-3 Location Pivots using the JAB-CROSS (1-2)
Use your footwork to move around the bag to location 1, 2, or 3.
Only use your Jabs and Crosses. Make sure your feet are set before throwing your punches.
Try throwing different combinations like; 1-1-2, 1-2-1, 1-2-1-2, mix it up.
COOL DOWN:
As much time as you put into building your skills, you need to place as much importance on taking care of your body. Always make sure you cool down with a stretch and time to reflect and log your training!
Check out our top 3 options for newcomers, including:
Like other businesses across the country, we are closed our doors until further limit the spread of this virus and to protect the most vulnerable in our community. We know it is the right thing to do. Our purpose has always been to invest in the community and provide the opportunity to live a healthy life. There is no moment in our history where that purpose is more important than today.
Now What?
This is an opportunity for you to go ‘Beast-Mode’ so you’re prepared to return in the best shape of your lives! See below for workouts you can either follow along with, or complete anytime and anywhere!
Thank you for always supporting Team KBC! We look forward to seeing you all soon…
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up, and take care of yourself and each other ❤️
Use this handout to help you train independently during Open Training Hours at the gym. For beginners, set rounds at 2 min with 30 sec. breaks – advanced boxers, set rounds at 3 min with 1 min breaks.
To become a better boxer, its necessary to practice the basics throughout your boxing career. Skills tend to diminish as time goes on and as you learn more advanced aspects of the sport. Always remember, the basics are the foundation of the sport.
FEATURE WORKOUTS FROM TEAM KBC
Drills With Boxing Skills Workout With Coach Phil Daniels
The FitFam Workout by Shyanne McPherson: Are you looking to get the kids off the couch and get moving as a family. Here’s a great workout for the whole family that will help keep everyone moving together!
FULL WORKOUT SESSIONS
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Kingsway Boxing Family have found themselves looking for a little more motivation to be able to get in shape while in isolation. Thanks to our High-Performance specialists, we’re all going to keep moving… or at least the coaches will get into even better shape!
STAY AT HOME TIPS WITH TRILOGY PHYSIOTHERAPY
We are excited to introduce our Virtual Care plan! This enables our therapists to continue to provide care for our patients from home. It ensures the safety of our staff and patients and maintains social distancing while allowing us to keep helping YOU at this difficult time.
Spring is just around the corner! Virgil, myself and our team at Kingsway Boxing are excited as we gear up to launch our new Spring 2020 Programs.
Thank you to those who have already secured their enrolments – Our kids/teen programs and many of the High Performance programs are filling up quickly!
Kingsway Boxing operates out of two separate locations, empowering you to pursue a variety of interests and accomplish any goal. We run competitive and recreational boxing programs and host top rank fitness and high-performance athletic programs.
We are also proud to welcome back Power4Teens, brought to you by our fitness guru Shyanne McPherson, at our High P erformance Location!
See below for all the new programs available at both locations.
Let me know if you have any questions regarding programs or enrolments. In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up! 👊
Using your own bodyweight to build muscle and cardiovascular strength is an easy and effective workout. Because you don’t need any equipment, bodyweight exercise can be done anywhere, anytime. They are easily modified to challenge all fitness levels. Add extra reps or slow the tempo to progress the exercise.
Bodyweight exercises also ensure that joints are moving freely which can reduce exercise-related injuries. As compound exercises (numerous muscles and joints engaged) you will see gains in both muscle and flexibility.
To build your muscle AND cardiovascular strength, try doing bodyweight exercises like burpees and mountain climbers and you’ll get your heart pumping and build muscle strength quickly.
Quick HIIT Workout
Try these bodyweight exercises for a no excuses workout anywhere, anytime. Do each exercise for 30 seconds, take a 10-second break in between each and then hit it again 2 more times… and don’t forget to check out Jo-Anne’s exclusive HIIT Conditioning and Upcoming Muscle Run Programs.
The feature film, FLINT STRONG is seeking background performers (both ACTRA & Non-Union) for various roles. Filming will take place in Toronto and the surrounding areas.
Shoot date: Various dates through April and May
Rate: $14.00/hour with an 8 hour minimum.
We are looking for men and women to fill the following background roles:
Boxing Judges
Boxing officials
Boxing fans/spectators
Timekeepers
Reporters
Photographers
If you are interested in being considered, please email All of the details listed below to : Casting@wayffglobal.com
Please include:
Subject line: [Flint Strong] Your Name.
Full Name
Height and weight
Union status (are you ACTRA or non-union)
City in which you live
Photos (close up and full body)
This is a great opportunity and will be a lot of fun! We will need background performers over the course of the shoot and will reach out to applicants we would like to book during that time. Please pass along to anyone you know who might be great!
“NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.”
In this Sept. 18, 2012, photo, Olympic gold medal boxer Claressa Shields skips rope at the Berston Field House in Flint, Mich. Shields is a fearsome presence in the ring. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
SEEKING MALE BOXERS (16 – 20 years old) FOR FLINT STRONG
Looking for African-American males with recreational or amateur boxing experience to be background performers in a feature film.
The feature film, FLINT STRONG is looking for male boxers, 16 – 20 years old, to be ‘special skill’ background performers. (both ACTRA & Non-Union) for various roles as part of the journey Claressa Shields took during her amateur career on her rise to the 2012 Olympics.
Shoot Date(s): These boxers will be needed anywhere from 1 – 5 days between March 18 – 30.
Background Performer Positions Available: (must have recreational/amateur boxing experience)
Rate: The rate is $303.00 flat for 8 hours of work. $57.00/hour of work after 8 hours.
We are looking for African American males that are 16 – 20 years old with boxing experience.
If you are interested in being considered as a ‘special skill’ background performer please email ALL of the details listed below toCasting@wayffglobal.com:
Photos of Performer (close up and full body) – please make sure photos are current.
Training Experience: Please list any and all boxing training/experience/competitions/achievements and feel free to include photos.
Do you have your own gloves/wraps/guards?
This is a great opportunity and will be a lot of fun! Please pass along to anyone you know who might be great. Thank you for the help!
Photo Credit: Virgil Barrow
NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.
PLEASE NOTE: Our story is set in the impoverished world of Flint, Michigan so we are trying to reflect that hard scrabble world. Please submit all different body types, looks, ethnicities where possible. Looking for lots of grit and character here.
FLINT STRONG (Female Boxing Roles)
Feature Film ACTRA Draft: February 7th, 2020
Producers: Michael De Luca, Elishia Holmes, Barry Jenkins Director: Rachel Morrison (Black Panther) Writer: Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) Casting Director: John Buchan & Jason Knight Casting Assistant: Chandler Boriska Outside dates: March 16 – May 6, 2020 Location: Toronto
Claressa Shields is declared the winner in the gold-medal match at the London Olympics. Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images.
SEEKING BOXING REFEREES FOR FLINT STRONG
Looking for real boxing referees who have Recreational/Amateur/Professional Boxing experience to be featured in feature film.
The feature film, FLINT STRONG is casting real boxing referees (both ACTRA & Non-Union) for various roles of referees who worked bouts for the indomitable boxer, Claressa Shields during her amateur career on her rise to the 2012 Olympics. (Must be willing to travel to TORONTO at your own expense.)
Audition date: Candidates must fully submit the required items listed below. If selected for next phase, you will be contacted to come in for an audition (timing to be determined)
Shoot date: Various dates through April and May
Casting Position(s) Available: (Requesting Real Boxing Referees)
[NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL REFEREE] FEMALE & MALE. ALL AGES. ALL ETHNICITIES. 5’2-5’6 HEIGHT. ATHLETIC BUILD
If you are interested in being considered for one of the role listed above, please Email us: casting@wayffglobal.com
SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE:
Subject line: [Flint Strong] Role Name_Your Full Name
Full Name
Height
City in which you live
Action Photos – Full Referee Outfit (close up and full body)
(1min) Referee Video – preferable to be actual footage, if this is not possible please create a mock bout with two boxers. Include: cautions, standing 8-counts etc.
Training Experience: Please state if your experience is in Competitive Boxing (amateur/pro), sparring only, provincial/national/international achievements… etc. and pictures.
This is a great opportunity and will be a lot of fun! Please pass along to anyone you know who might be great. Thank you for the help!
NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.
PLEASE NOTE: Our story is set in the impoverished world of Flint, Michigan so we are trying to reflect that hard scrabble world. Please submit all different body types, looks, ethnicities where possible. Looking for lots of grit and character here.
FLINT STRONG (Female Boxing Roles)
Feature Film ACTRA Draft: February 7th, 2020
Producers: Michael De Luca, Elishia Holmes, Barry Jenkins Director: Rachel Morrison (Black Panther) Writer: Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) Casting Director: John Buchan & Jason Knight Casting Assistant: Chandler Boriska Outside dates: March 16 – May 6, 2020 Location: Toronto
Looking for talented women who have Recreational/Amateur/Professional Boxing experience to be featured in feature film.
The feature film, FLINT STRONG is casting real female boxers (both ACTRA & Non-Union) for various roles of opponents that faced the indomitable boxer, Claressa Shields during her amateur career on her rise to the 2012 Olympics. (Must be willing to travel to TORONTO at your own expense.)
If you are interested in being considered for one of the 6 opponent roles listed above, please Email us: casting@wayffglobal.com
Please include:
Subject line: [Flint Strong] Role Name_Your Name.
Full Name
Age
Height
Weight
City in which you live
Photos (close up and full body)
Training Experience: Please state if your experience is in Competitive Boxing (amateur/pro), sparring only, provincial/national/international achievements… etc. and pictures.
This is a great opportunity and will be a lot of fun! Please pass along to anyone you know who might be great. Thank you for the help!
NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.
PLEASE NOTE: Our story is set in the impoverished world of Flint, Michigan so we are trying to reflect that hard scrabble world. Please submit all different body types, looks, ethnicities where possible. Looking for lots of grit and character here.
FLINT STRONG (Female Boxing Roles)
Feature Film ACTRA Draft: February 7th, 2020
Producers: Michael De Luca, Elishia Holmes, Barry Jenkins Director: Rachel Morrison (Black Panther) Writer: Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) Casting Director: John Buchan & Jason Knight Casting Assistant: Chandler Boriska Outside dates: March 16 – May 6, 2020 Location: Toronto
Dear Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer Family!
I hope you’re enjoying the few weeks before the holiday rush! Our programs are filling up quickly… Don’t miss out on being a part of our 2020 specialty programs including all new classes and our new partnership with Trilogy Physiotherapy at our High Performance Studio. See below for program dates and registration!
I have personally been missing my time with everyone this season however I wanted to update you on what’s going on! I was honoured to be elected as the President of Boxing Ontario last month and am just settling into the position. Due to the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics, I have also been selected to officiate (referee and judge) various national and international qualifying tournaments. You can follow along as I head out to Australia next then back to Quebec at the end of the year (Full Story Below). The most incredible takeaway from this experience, is to see that the boxers right here at Kingsway Boxing Club are heading in the direction of these world class athletes!
2019 has been an incredible year for both the Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer families! We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us hit the 1.5 Million Dollar milestone in direct donations to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation! We’re even more motivated to break new barriers and reach unimaginable heights as we head into our next chapter of the Fight To End Cancer!
Our Fall Kids and Teen Program are nearing completion or have completed (see below for end dates). Thank you to those who have already enrolled for the Winter 2020 Programs!
I have personally been missing my time with the kids this season however I wanted to update you on what’s going on! I was honoured to be elected as Boxing Ontario’s President last month and am just settling into the position. Due to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, I have also been selected to officiate (referee and judge) around the world for the Olympic Boxing Qualifiers. You can follow along as I head out to Australia next then back to Quebec at the end of the year (full story). The most incredible takeaway from this experience, is to see that the boxers right here at Kingsway Boxing Club are heading in the direction of these world class athletes!
Virg, Phil and the team have been updating me with how awesome the boxers have been progressing. Thank you for being so understanding of my absence, please let the kids and teens know how much I miss them. I look forward to catching up with everyone in the Winter Season!
[PROGRAM REGISTRATION WINTER 2020] KIDS 7+, CO-ED TEEN & GIRLS TEEN BOXING
Note that early enrolment is now open however programs are filling quickly. Register Now
[SPECIAL PRIVATE TRAINING] Limited Spots Available
This is a great option for the kids who are looking to not take time off between seasonal programs. These special private lessons will be conducted with our assistant coaches and will be offered at the discounted rate of $100.00 for 3 sessions. Note that availability is limited. Please “Reply-All” to request sessions.
[NEXT STEPS] YOUTH RECREATIONAL & COMPETITIVE PROGRAM Offered Year-Round
This is the next progression for boxers interested in taking boxing the next step. Participants can remain recreational, however they will be invited into sparring (optional) and continue their growth as technical boxers. We offer membership and Drop-In packages.
Our Youth Boxing Programs are run by Canadian National Coaches Jennifer Huggins, Virgil Barrow, Phil Daniels alongside our Boxing Ontario Assistant coaches. Those who participate in these classes learn the technical components of the sport, and are given an opportunity to explore their confidence in ways that will help them in all walks of life. The Youth Boxing Membership is appropriate for participants ages 11-19, we also have a special junior program for boxers 7-11 years old. More Info
Please don’t hesitate to contact me back if you have any questions or concerns.
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up! 👊
Best Regards,
Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club
www.kingswayboxingclub.com
E. info@kingswayboxingclub.com
T. +1 (416) 234-0075
Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn
Click here to share your journey with Kingsway Boxing Club.
Summer has flown by! As we enter into September, Virgil, myself and our team at Kingsway Boxing are excited to share our Fall 2019 programming! Thank you to those who have already secured their enrolments for our 2019 Fall Programs – Our kids/teen programs and many of the High Performance programs are nearly full!
See below for all the new programs available at both locations! Also be sure to Join the Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer Families outside of our studio location at Royal York and Bloor (3046 Bloor St. W) this Friday through Sunday! This will be our 13th Annual attendance at the festival and we are celebrating with Boxing Lessons, Raffles, Special Packages and much more! We’ll also be searching for our FTEC2020 Fight Team (info at the bottom of this email).
In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up!
Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club
E. jennifer@kingswayboxingclub.com
T. +1 (416) 234-0075
www.kingswayboxingclub.com Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn
At Kingsway Boxing High Performance Studios, we have partnered with Trilogy Physiotherapy, a team specializing in sports therapies, advanced massage & registered physiotherapy focusing on the needs and goals of Toronto’s active community.
The therapists at Trilogy have many years of experience and advanced education treating athletes of all kinds. Our performance therapy helps you recover from injury and allows you to train and perform at your best.
Our therapies include:
Physiotherapy
Registered massage therapy
Fascial stretch therapy
Cupping
Acupuncture/dry needling
Personal exercise programs and training
Athletic taping
All services are covered by extended health benefit plans for physiotherapy and massage therapy.
[Summer Enrolment Closing]
Last Class and Next Steps
Dear Kids, Parents and Teens,
This will be the last week of classes for our Spring Kids, Girls and Co-Ed Teen Programs. Thank you to those who have already enrolled for the Summer 2019 Program. I wanted to remind you that this will be the last opportunity to register your teens at the discounted rate. Our Summer programs are nearly full, so please register this week.
REGISTRATION: 2019 Summer Programs Restart First Week Of July!
Every Tuesday and Thursday 5pm – 6pm
Saturday 11:00 am (year-round)
This is highly recommended to all participants who have attended our seasonal programs, especially those who are looking to take boxing to the next level.
We will be registering with the following options:
As you know, we have a competitive boxing team that trains and competes year-round at tournaments and club competitions. Many of our kids and teens have recently started boxing and are interested in taking the next steps. Be sure to stop by this weekend to support the team and see what competitive boxing is all about! Note that the “Fun-Box” division will be competing on Saturday at 1pm. This is for the little ones 12 and under! More info
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Coast to Coast Against Cancer Contest | Featuring Gabriel Pietrangelo
Kingsway Boxing Club has a long history of giving back to the community that builds our team. From supporting through our corporate program, Fight To End Cancer, to always donating local schools and charities. It has become very apparent that the next generation values investment in the future, with many of our kids and youth taking the initiative to fundraise in various ways.
Gabriel Pietrangelo is a 17 year old student attending Richview Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke. In addition to preparing for graduation, with the hopes of attending University to become a Geography Teacher, Gabe has recently joined Kingsway Boxing’s apprentice coaching team.
“I’m an avid fan of superheroes and video games, as well as sports such as Hockey, Mixed Martial Arts, and of course Boxing. I go to the Kingsway Boxing Club often, where I’m continuously learning many different techniques and skills thanks to the teachings and knowledge from my coaches.
Boxing has always been an interest to me since I was around 8, watching a fast paced Boxing match gets me off my feet every time, which would explain why Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Ray Leonard are my two favorite Boxers to watch, and observing my coaches and their teaching methods inspire me with enthusiasm to hope that one day I will be able to be just as good of a teacher as they are.”
Donors will automatically be entered into raffle (contest ends April 1, 2019)
I’m asking you to please support my friends and I’s effort in The Inside Ride Ontario to help Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. Your donation will support kids and teens with cancer and their families in Ontario.
The Inside Ride in Ontario funds critical programs in the province including camps, scholarships, work placement and educational support for survivors and kids in treatment, financial support for families with a child in treatment, parent patient advocates, parent support groups and resources.
My team and I are raising money for this cause because it’s important to us to support our peers struggling with cancer as well as aiding them as they fight for their lives on a daily basis. We hope that you feel the same way.
The Inside Ride is produced by Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundationand is Canada’s first indoor cycling challenge and fundraising event dedicated to raising money in support of children with cancer and their families.
The Inside Ride Ontario benefits numerous childhood cancer organizations whose programs include family support, financial support and child support and quality of life programs and research.
The Inside Ride powers POGO (The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario) by providing significant funds for both the POGO Financial Assistance Program and the SAVTI (Successful Academic and Vocational Transition Initiative)
2019 Campaign Photo Description:
The individuals in the campaign photo represent the 2019 Fight Team and Coaches. [Campaign Photographer: Spencer Wynn]
Top Row Standing (from left to right): Renata Reynolds, Paul Agapito, Lisa Ventura, George Boutsalis, Virgil Barrow, Jennifer Huggins
Middle Row Sitting (from left to right):Fedele Rosins, Josh Hillinger, Deren Hasip, Ceilagh MacDonald, Rick Denley
Bottom Row:Talia Joundi
THE FIGHT TO END CANCER IS WORKING TO RAISE $2 MILLION DOLLARS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER FOUNDATION
The 2019 Fight Team Showcases The Unyielding Commitment Of Diverse Individuals Dedicated To Making A Difference!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — TORONTO, ON. The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) 8th Annual Fight To End Cancer Charity Gala, benefiting the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is a Black Tie, exclusive, must attend event, hosted at The Historic Old Mill Toronto, on Saturday June 1, 2019.
The FTEC 2019 Fight Team has dedicated SIX MONTHS of their already busy lives to transform themselves from never having boxed, to becoming sanctioned fighters. This unyielding commitment culminates at the FTEC Gala when they step into the ring. Angie Seth, Anchor and Reporter with the CTV News Channel, will guide you through this incredible experience as Emcee for the evening’s events.
The FTEC Fight Team, in concert with our presenting partners Landscape Plus Ltd. and Grafton Apparel Ltd., are working to make FTEC history by taking the total funds raised to $2 million dollars. Be a part of history and Join The Fight!
The FTEC ring will feature five incredible bouts on Gala night, including not one but TWO main events. In the first main event, Lisa Ventura will square off with Renata Reynolds – these fiercely independent and successful fighters are relishing their roles as agents for change in the FIGHT TO END CANCER as they cash in months of hard training for research dollars. In the second main event, Josh Hillinger of Steam Whistle Brewery, faces George Boutsalis – both successful, professional and uniquely suited. They are not only dedicated to taking the fight to each other, but also landing some heavy body blows against Cancer! The action won’t stop there with three additional bouts on the card. Each fighter has been equally dedicated in their training and raising funds in support of the Fight To End Cancer. Join the fight and be part of making the difference.
Official FTEC national ambassadors, Grafton Apparel, have raised over $250,000 to date through over 100 stores across Canada, including Tip Top Tailors, George Richards, Mr. Big & Tall and Kingsport. This year, they hope to raise $200,000 in additional donations with their “Wear Your Support” Campaign – featuring exclusive FTEC tie-clips – available in all Grafton Apparel stores across Canada, up to and following, the 2019 Gala.
Jennifer Huggins, FTEC founder and CEO, keeps the team on track, along with her partner in crime and Official FTEC Team Head Coach, Virgil Barrow. The duo inspires those who are fortunate enough to step into the ring, with their unwavering commitment to the cause and the Fight Team. In addition to being the driving force and visionary behind the Fight To End Cancer, Jennifer maintains a very busy schedule as a globally recognized ambassador for the sport, a 3-Star boxing Referee and Judge with AIBA International Boxing Association.
“The reality of what the Fight To End Cancer represents is bittersweet. Something that threatens to tear our lives apart has brought so many people together. Eight years ago, I started this event to give back to the community. The Fight To End Cancer has since become a community in itself; a family working together towards one goal. My vision evolved from being a fundraiser, to becoming a global movement that we are all part of. We are fighting for a future free of cancer, and we will succeed.”
~ Jennifer Huggins, Fight To End Cancer
Founder and Executive Director
About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year round initiative carried out by ambassadors, sponsors and volunteers worldwide. Over $1,000,000 has been donated to date since our inaugural year in 2012. Funds raised by FTEC are donated directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year we celebrate the incredible hard work and dedication of our FTEC family with a black-tie charity boxing gala. This gala showcases ten men and women who represent our Official Fight Team. Our goal is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Let’s make a difference now in the fight to end cancer for a long and successful future for everyone. This is an event like no other and has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in Toronto. www.fighttoendcancer.com
About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca
Let’s Take A Moment To Meet This Years Incredible Heroes…
Scroll Down To Meet The 2019 Fight Team
Help the #FTEC2019 Fight Team reach their goal of $2 million dollars before Fight Night! Use the link below to get to know the individual team members better and support them in their Fight To End Cancer! Defeat Is NOTAn Option
As a marketing professional, Paul Agapito has an incredible ability to highlight the positive attributes for a wide range of products and services. But there is nothing positive about cancer, so he has decided to let his fists and his heart take the lead as a member of the FTEC2019 fight team. This “spin doctor” will be raising funds to support the doctors and researches working hard to end cancer in our lifetime.
Deren Hasip is all too familiar with the impacts cancer has on a family having watched his daughter and father take on their own fights. At work Deren coaches others to help them achieve their goals. As a member of the FTEC2019 fight team, the coach will become the student as he and his teammates submit themselves to 6 months of intense training. Keep those hands up!
Ceilagh MacDonald works with clients every day who are struggling to come back from injury. She sees first hand how hard they try, the good days and the not so good days. She has seen this same fight in family and friends who have faced a cancer diagnosis. Not one to step back from a challenge, FTEC2019 provides Ceilagh with the opportunity to punch cancer in the face and show what she’s made of.
As an Immigration & refugee lawyer, Talia Joundi is used to taking on tough challenges, but as an FTEC2019 fighter she’s taking on the biggest one yet. Not one to take her health for granted, Talia is stepping into the ring to use her good fortune to help raise funds to support the vital research of the doctors, chemists, and volunteers of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Josh Hillinger is the most recent member of fighters coming from Steam Whistle Brewing. Like all of us, he has been directly touched by cancer, seeing his grandmother, father and father-in-law fight for their lives. Not one to stand on the sidelines, Josh has joined the Fight to End Cancer as a member of the FTEC2019 fight team and promises to “provide the best guest experience” to his opponent.
As a perennial fundraiser George Boiutsalis has focused his efforts on raising funds for cancer and Alzheimer’s research, both of which have affected his family. As a professional, George spends his days generating new opportunities and expanding his markets, but keeps his feet firmly entrenched his community. As a member of the FTEC2019 fight team, his community has grown leaps and bounds with one common goal; ending cancer in our lifetime.
Renata Reynolds is committed to the success of her clients, helping them build winning sales teams and strategies that result in real success. She is also committed to taking a punch in the face to move one step closer to finding a cure for cancer. Good news Renata, your opponent is committed to helping you with that challenge.
As a CEO, Lisa Ventura is responsible for all aspects of her company; definitely a person comfortable being in charge, getting things done and making stuff happen. Lisa is not comfortable feeling helpless, like she has when friends and loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer. True to form, she has decided to do something about it by becoming a member of the FTEC 2019 fight team, raising funds and awareness on behalf of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
When Fedele Rossi’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, he and his family went into a state of shock. Escorting his mother to all of her treatments exposed Fedele to the roller coaster of emotions experienced not only by his family, but by many others. He used his anger and frustration as a motivator to first get in great physical condition and now to become a member of the FTEC2019 fight team. He knows, as we all do, that Defeat is not an Option.
Richard Denley | View Full Bio
Through his business, Richard Denley spends his days motivating individuals to become better leaders. As an FTEC2019 fighter he will put those motivation skills to good use raising funds and awareness for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. His motivation for becoming an FTEC2019 fighter…ending cancer in our lifetime.
Virgil, myself and our team at Kingsway Boxing are excited as we gear up for Spring 2019! Thank you to those who have already secured their enrolments for our 2019 Winter Programs – Our kids/teen programs and many of the High Performance programs are nearly full!
Kingsway Boxing now operates out of two separate locations, which allows for a wide range of people, with varying interests, to accomplish any goal. We successfully run competitive and recreational boxing programs, while hosting a variety of fitness and high performance athletic programs out of both locations.
See below for all the new programs available at both locations! Note that we prorate the cost if the program is already in session – just ask (space permitting).
Charlie Page, Power4Teen Founder and Kingsway Boxing Club Program Partner
Working as a psychotherapist for youth and being a mother of two teenage girls has shown me some startling differences in how I approach and communicate with my own children compared to other peoples children (my clients). The results from my clients and the ease and connection they feel in sharing their stories with me has led me to strengthen and use the same skills on my own kids. These strategies have improved my relationship with my children and, I believe have made me a better parent (although I’m often still reminded of my flaws).
It has become very clear to me that making an impact on children and ‘being heard’ as a psychotherapist is much easier than achieving these results as a parent, so give yourself time and be easy on yourself:
1. Listen and shut up…
You may think you are listening, you might even rejoice in your conversations with your children and how wise and impactful you are being, but are you really or do you have an agenda? My main goal as a psychotherapist is to really listen and ask the right questions to direct their thought process, to understand them and make them feel understood. The questioning helps them feel empowered and directed to make quality decisions based on who they are and the goals they set for themselves. As a parent, when our kids communicate with us we have a tendency to think about the person we want and hope they will be and advise them based on that. We try to advise and impart our wisdom by giving advice when most of the time kids want to voice their concerns and feel challenged to formulate their own decisions. They have wisdom, help them find it. Remind yourself that they aren’t you… and they most likely don’t want to be! There is absolute power and use in parental wisdom, just spread it out a little.
Trust…
Try to trust in their decision making skills as much as possible to improve their belief in themselves and their capabilities. Believing that your children have the ability to make great decisions even when they have failed (sometimes often) in the past is an incredibly powerful performance enhancer for children. I often see children who have lost all hope of trying to make their parents proud and they have given up trying. These kids always have a deep need and hope for their parents to be proud and connected with them, no matter what they are telling you.
Wait ….more will come.
Our children have become conditioned to expect our analysis and opinions about the direction of their life and their problems. They will talk about an issue with a friend, school or their mental health and we are ready to impart our wisdom of what they should do, sometimes even expressing ‘if I was you I would do….’…. well guess what, we aren’t them! We give our parental advice and the conversation ends shortly afterwards. Our child continues to feel confused and frustrated because there is so much more there that we didn’t ask and they feel misunderstood. So when they talk about their issue don’t immediately try to problem solve it, just look and wait, more always comes out. You can actually become an expert on their problem with them and they will master it knowing you understood and were really there for them.
Hmmmmm….Interesting. Hmmmm…. that’s very observant. Hmmm…..keep going with the story.
Never underestimate the power of a hmmmm…….. This is way more impactful on creating successful kids with a sense of self acceptance than telling them our stories.
Wow…that’s a lot of passion!
When things between you have escalated and your kid has totally lost it, your job is to attempt to not totally lose it too. With a strong belief in the need to teach, amend and improve a child’s behaviour we need also to be mindful of how we are responding to them and how we can amend our own behaviour to get the optimum results. As adults, we still have a tendency to sometimes respond to our kids from the child we once were (sometimes I notice responding to my teen daughter with an eye-roll back!!). We respond from our past hurts, feelings of rejection or feelings of being disrespected and it rolls into a big ball of reaction. This powerful reaction can be bigger than what may be required. A mindfulness strategy I use to slow things down when they get heated is to admire the passion my child is showing. (This is not the same as accepting their behaviour when it is inappropriate, it is a flow through to creating an environment where learning and change can happen). Once you recognize the passion and express the power of its beauty when used in other directions the whole energy of the discussion changes. This passion they show is a great tool in life and although it may be coming out wrong in this situation can we comment on the usefulness and power of anger and then address the issue at hand more calmly. We do not want to discipline or quell passion as it is the driving force behind success.
Psychotherapy (Youth, Parents, Relationships)
Contact Charlie at 416 697-8748 to discuss whether psychotherapy is right for you or your child. Referrals available to psychologists or psychiatrists as required.
Stress/Anxiety, Friendships/School, Depression, Loss of Hope ,Eating Disorders, Self Harm,Parent/Child Relationship
Our Girls Teen and Tween Conditioning and Self-Defence Program is brought to you by our fitness guru Charlie Page, founder and owner of Power4Teens. This program focuses on improving the function of both the mind and body to create improved physical fitness and mental positivity. This is a workout with a difference – as you sweat, condition and build confidence, Charlie brings her experience with teen psychology to inspire, motivate, reduce stress and anxiety, help with body image issues and create personal positive affirmations to live life more fully.
Charlie Offers Programs At Kingsway Boxing Club and has become a staple for teens in Bloor West Village! Learn more about her day and overnight camps for girls, boys and even parents! Visit Power4Teens Online
Hope you are ready for a wonderful long weekend with the family! We have a busy few months on the horizon as we head toward an exciting Spring 2019. Please take note of the following updates:
THIS WEEKEND! FEB. 16-18 | FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Please see below for the special Family Day Holiday Scheduling and Cancellations. Note that all cancellations appear on the website home page.
Special Class: HIIT Family Day Class (open to public)
Monday Feb. 18 at 9:30am-10:30am with @Jo-Anne Sheffield
KBC TEAM COMMUNICATION GROUP Join Using This Link (must have WhatsApp on your phone)
The purpose of this group is to keep KBC Members and Amateur Boxers updated with important information and share educational and sparring videos to help progress the athletes. In an attempt not to lose track of important information, you will be unable to reply in the group. Direct message your coaches and team.
MISSED CLASSES | KIDS 7+ – CO-ED TEEN – GIRLS TEEN PROGRAMS
The programs have been priced with the knowledge that most kids will miss 1-2 classes. If your kid or teen would like to make up classes, please send us a note that you would like them to make up in the Tuesday 5pm Youth Program (teens) or one of the Kids 7+ programs on Tuesday at 4:30pm or Saturday at 11:45 am.
View Client Resources (including how to wrap, training program handouts and important forms for sparring and competing)
YOUTH MEMBERSHIP | TUESDAY & THURSDAY 5PM, SATURDAY 12:30PM
Many of the teens and kids have taken the next step from our seasonal Kids 7+ and Teen programs, into the Youth Membership Program. If sparring or competing is something your child is interested in, please visit the program info page: Youth Program Information
HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPEN Register Now (monthly members review 5% off regular enrolment rates)
We wanted to let you know that our Fall High-Performance Programs for Spring are online and ready for you to reserve your spots! We will be sending out the official program announcement to all members early later this month, so please register asap to ensure you don’t miss out.
Please don’t hesitate to contact your coach or I directly with any questions or concerns.
Brought to you by amateur Olympic-Style boxer, Anatolyy Mykhayletskyy, Off-The-Ropes Boxing classes are 1 hour and suitable for all fitness levels. These classes are fun , challenging and different than the typical bootcamp class . Off-The-Ropes Boxing classes will work your whole body and mind. Our boxing trainers will lead you through rounds of different punches and combos. You will receive a high level of cardio, muscle strength, sharp reflexes and a focused mind. You will see an improvement in not only in your physical strength, but in your mental strength as well.
BONUS – All participants will get a free access membership to our Boxing Gym Location during open training hours for the duration of the program!
The Workout: The Off-The-Ropes Boxing include fun are filled classes with fun boxing drills. The classes will include a combination of strength, cardio, muscle endurance, flexibility, core, and functional movement exercises. You will get EVERYTHING you need!
Time Efficient Training. Our classes are 60 minutes in length. Get you in and get you out. We keep you moving and burning fat from the first minute to the very end!
NEVER Plateau! The body hates change! It would much rather do the same thing every minute of every day. Well we have news for you…when you do the same exercise routine day in and day out you stop seeing results or “plateau.” Throughout our classes we utilize the principle of muscle confusion. You will NEVER do the same workout twice! Why is this good? Because…your body will never adapt and you will never plateau! You will get results and they will come quick and continue to come!
Positive Energy: Our programs are about a team environment where both your trainers and fellow teammates motivate and challenge you to reach your highest potential!
KBC Family: Make new friends and become a part the Kingsway Boxing – Off-The-Ropes Boxing family! Everyone supports each other and it’s an experience like none other. Come and see for yourself! Get fit and have fun!
Shireen Fabing is one of Kingsway Boxing Club’s master class boxers and an incredible ambassador for boxing. After picking up the sport she decided to take it to the next level, competing in the Fight To End Cancer (www.fighttoendcancer.com) charity boxing show in 2013. She never looked back and continues to train, fight and live boxing. Photo Credit: Virgil Barrow
3 Great Reasons Women Over 40 Should Take Up Boxing ASAP
Are you over 40 and considering what exercise will get you through this next stage of your life? 40 is the new 30 and your body will love and perform better for you for this next era with just the right balance of exercise and intensity. Here’s why all women regardless of fitness level should be taking up boxing as part of a weekly fitness regime.
Part member story , part excerpt from ‘The Huffington Post’
Girlfriends — Boxing is for us! Yes, us, women over 40! We were raised never to hit, punch, or hurt anyone, especially with our fists. We were raised to think of boxing as the brutish, aggressive domain of men. But fitness boxing isn’t about combat or competition. Fitness boxing — sometimes called non-contact boxing because you never hit another person — is simply the best cardio & strength gift we can give ourselves. If you’ve never thought about how much fun it would be to hit that punching bag at your gym — if words such as jab, cross, hook, and uppercut aren’t in your vocabulary yet — buy or borrow a pair of boxing gloves and start boxing.
So, here I am, age 46, with my own red boxing gloves and some newly found muscles, having almost too much fun at the gym. I even caught myself actually laughing! At first, I kept thinking — this isn’t something I should be doing — really, is it okay to hit? — but with each jab, I overcame my reluctance as I punched my way around the room. This deeply-ingrained cultural training — girls don’t hit —prevents most women over 40 from considering boxing. But nobody is hitting me, and I’m not fighting anyone. No sweaty boxing ring is needed. And as I’m learning the techniques of boxing from my trainers, I’m appreciating the beauty in the sport, especially the athleticism it requires. In boxing, power starts in the hips, requiring muscles I never knew I had to serve a purpose, linking hands and hips in a rhythm. Here are three big reasons to start boxing today:
1. Physical: From the first moment you throw a punch, you are breathing heavily, heart pumping, arms, chest, shoulders, core, and legs working in unison. Boxing burns over 500 calories/hour, builds lean muscle, develops stamina and endurance, and triggers the metabolism. As we age, we lose muscle mass, strength, flexibility, and balance. Boxing reverses all this, giving us back what we lose, developing hand-eye coordination and entire body strength. For women over forty, boxing is one of the most complete cardiovascular and resistance workouts … and it is fun.
2. Mental: Boxing forces women out of our comfort zone, overcoming fears, and requiring 100 percent mental concentration. It is demanding and strategic, stimulating new parts of our brain, challenging our minds and bodies. The research on successful aging urges us to learn something new, strategic, and to keep testing ourselves with new sequences and moves. Sure we can push our minds doing Sudoku and crossword puzzles, learning new foreign languages, even attempting to learn new card games, but boxing is both physical and mental. To box is to be steeped in rhythm and movement, coordinating the swing of hips, the swivel of feet, and the power of the arms. It is exhausting, exhilarating, fun, and immensely rewarding. I swear when I walk out the door I’m 10ft tall and invincible. Any problems in my world have melted away and I feel like I could take on the world.
3. Spiritual: Boxing, like meditation, focuses attention and calms the mind. When boxing, my mind unplugs from day to day schedules and family responsibilities, from the noise and chatter of the outside world, the ping of the phone and the distraction of social media. I have never been more present in my life than at boxing.
Boxing is for EVERYBODY! With programs for girls, women, kids, teens, even men over 50… Just try it out!
Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday and are ready to hit the ground running! We have a busy few months on the horizon as we head into 2019. Thank you to those who have already secured their enrolments for our 2019 Winter Programs – Our kids/teen programs and many of the High Performance programs are nearly full!
Please take note of the following updates:
FIGHTER MEDICALS | SATURDAY JAN. 12 – 4PM
Dr. Venturi will be onsite at the Kingsway Boxing Club for a special boxer medical session. Must arrive no later than 4:oopm on Saturday Jan. 12, 2019. Register Now
ANNUAL FIGHT CAMP | SATURDAY JAN. 19 – 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
This 1-day intensive camp is lead by Boxing Ontario Nationally Certified Coaches, Officials and assisted by licensed competitive boxers. FightCamp was developed to fast track students to learn the essentials of amateur boxing in a safe and effective manner. The program has been used by the average recreational sport enthusiast, all the way up to the elite boxer looking to further their skills in the sport. Open to men and women, we will give you the chance to learn, improve or test your skills as an Olympic style boxer. Register Now (appropriate for ages 15+ Please inquire for special consideration)
KBC TEAM COMMUNICATION GROUP
The purpose of this group is to keep KBC Clients and Amateur Boxers updated with important information and share educational and sparring videos to help progress the athletes. In an attempt not to lose track of important information, you will be unable to reply in the group. Please send Jen your full name and personal cell phone number so you can Join Now (must have WhatsApp on your phone)
Please don’t hesitate to contact your coach or I directly with any questions or concerns.
Dear Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer Family!
We hope you’re enjoying the last couple weeks before the holiday rush! Our programs are filling up quickly… Don’t miss out on being a part of our 2019 specialty programs including all new classes at our High Performance Studio. See below for program dates and registration!
2018 has been an incredible year for both the Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer families! We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us hit the Million Dollar milestone in direct donations to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation! We’re even more motivated to break new barriers and reach unimaginable heights as we head into our next chapter of the Fight To End Cancer!
Video: HBO Boxing’s Jim Lampley signs off with teary farewell after 45 years
View Original Article via MMA Mania
The internet has turned the media landscape upside down, with countless people cutting the cord on traditional TV and moving over to online subscription services and / or pirating. That’s caused a ripple effect that’s changed the way we watch combat sports as well. “Canelo” Alvarez recently signed a blockbuster $365 million deal with sports streaming outlet DAZN, and then there’s the UFC, which is being paid $750 million to deliver 15 events a year for five years to ESPN’s online offering, ESPN+.
But not all the media subscription services out there are making big plays on sports. HBO is doing the opposite, shutting down their long running HBO Boxing division to focus their effort on original dramatic content. Last night marked the final boxing event on the channel, and it was a pretty underwhelming affair headlined by unified welterweight champ Cecilia Braekhus vs. Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes. As expected, Braekhus coasted to victory, winning all 10 rounds on two judges’ scorecards in front of a very thin crowd.
While the fights themselves were fairly lackluster, there were some truly heartfelt moments throughout the broadcast as HBO Boxing flexed their always impressive promo muscles. Both the opening and closing montages took us on a journey through some of the highlights and historic moments carried on the network over the decades. You can watch those above.
Commentators Jim Lampley, Roy Jones Jr., and Max Kellerman all struggled to hold back tears as they thanked HBO for supporting the sport for decades and paid tribute to the athletes who put everything on the line for money, fame, and glory. Take a listen and tell us you didn’t get a little misty eyed too.
The end of boxing at HBO may have been anti-climactic, but the effect HBO Boxing had on countless fight fans and the sport over the decades can’t be overstated. 1111 fights over 45 years. So long, HBO, and thanks for the memories.
Brought to you by professional MMA fighter, Melissa Karagianis, Warrior Women Fit classes are 45 min and suitable for all fitness levels. These classes are fun , challenging and different then the typical bootcamp class . Melissa has incorporated kickboxing and bodyweight exercise into this high intensity fat blasting workout. Warrior women Fit classes will not only get you into the best shape of your life , it will also leave you feeling empowered!
BONUS – All warriors will get a free access membership to our Boxing Gym Location during open training hours for the duration of the program!
The Workout: The Warrior Women Fit include fun are filled with fun boxing and Martial Arts drills. these classes will include a combination of strength, cardio, muscle endurance, flexibility, core, and functional movement exercises. You will get EVERYTHING you need!
Time Efficient Training. Our classes are 45 minutes in length. Get you in and get you out. We keep you moving and burning fat from the first minute to the very end!
NEVER Plateau! The body hates change! It would much rather do the same thing every minute of every day. Well we have news for you…when you do the same exercise routine day in and day out you stop seeing results or “plateau.” Throughout our classes we utilize the principle of muscle confusion. You will NEVER do the same workout twice! Why is this good? Because…your body will never adapt and you will never plateau! You will get results and they will come quick and continue to come!
Positive Energy: Our programs are about a team environment where both your trainers and fellow teammates motivate and challenge you to reach your highest potential!
KBC Family: Make new friends and become a part the Kingsway Boxing – Warrior Women family! Everyone supports each other and it’s an experience like none other. Come and see for yourself! Get fit and have fun!
This season’s class will be designed to give both functional strength and muscular endurance for your entire body with additional love for the upper half! The class will be fun, yet challenging, using a combination of bodyweight exercises, hand weights, and basic boxing.
If you’re hoping to get in great shape and improve your health, you just might want to sign up for this class. Here are a number of other reasons why:
Enhanced Cardiovascular Health
Improved Total-Body Strength
Better Hand-Eye Coordination
Decreased Stress
Improved Body Composition
Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem
Recent studies have shown that as we get older, it’s more important than ever to maintain some form of regular exercise. Although the obvious physical health benefits are fairly easy to list, the mental health benefits are equally as important. As more research is done, we are learning how important physical exercise and diet are to the prevention of such diseases as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
With less than a week to go, Boxing Canada unveils the team that will represent Canada at the 2018 Elite Women’s World Championships.
Jennifer Huggins leads the Girls Teens class at Kingsway Boxing, sharing her passion for the sport that changed her life. Photo Credit: Virgil Barrow
The Girls Teen Boxing Program at Kingsway Boxing Club, is run by coaches Virgil Barrow and AIBA International Referee, Jennifer Huggins. After recognizing the incredible impact the sport has had on her life, she felt it was necessary to share her passion with the youth of the community. The girls who participate in this class learn the technical components of boxing and are given an opportunity to explore their confidence in ways that will help them in all walks of life. We look forward to welcoming the girls back and opening the doors to others looking to share in the experience.
“I was very fortunate to be involved with the Olympic Boxing Qualification process for Rio 2016 and now leading into Tokyo 2020. I’m honoured to visit many countries and officiate the top athletes of the sport.”
Jennifer has also had the honour of watching some of our talented Canadian boxers reach the Olympic level, including PanAm Gold Medalist, and Rio 2016 Olympian, Mandy Bujold.
“As I prepare to embark on a 24 hour journey to get to the World Championships in Delhi, India, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to participate in Olympic sport in a very different capacity.”
Read more about the Canadian athletes heading out to represent boxing on the world stage!
Jennifer Huggins referees a semifinal bout between Kazakhstan and Australia in the AIBA Men’s Youth World Championships in St. Petersburg Russia. Photo Credit: AIBA International Boxing
SIX BOXERS TO REPRESENT TEAM CANADA AT THE 2018 AIBA ELITE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
With less than a week to go, Boxing Canada unveils the team that will represent Canada at the 2018 Elite Women’s World Championships. Organized by AIBA, the competition is set to take place from November 15th– 24thin New Delhi, India. Here are the six Canadians who will partake in this international competition:
51 kg Sara Haghighat-Joo (Guelph, ON)
57 kg Sabrina Aubin (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
60 kg Caroline Veyre (Montreal, QC)
69 kg Myriam Da Silva (Chambly, QC)
75 kg Tammara Thibeault (Montreal, QC)
81 kg Marija Curran (Ottawa, ON)
This stellar roster combines both experienced athletes and new members who have not had the opportunity yet to compete at the World Championships. Indeed, each edition alternates between men and women’s world championships, with the last women’s edition going back to May 2016 which served as a qualification event for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. With most of the preparation behind them, the team will partake in two week-long training camps in Montreal (October 29 – November 3) and in Qatar (November 5-11) to finetune their training and acclimate to the time difference ahead of the competition.
“I’ve been in great hands these past eight weeks in preparation for my first World Championships and I’m just really excited to step onto the biggest stage of my career with Team Canada!” mentioned Sara Haghighat-Joo, 2017 Continental silver medalist in the 54 kg category.
“The World Championships are an opportunity for us to showcase our talents in the ring against some of the best boxers in the world and I know that all of my training and preparations will pay off. I have set some big goals for myself and I’m ready to start achieving them, affirms Caroline Veyre, 2015 Pan Am Games champion and 2017 AMBC Continental Championships silver medalist. We have a few veterans on the team who already know the pressure associated with such championships and through our experience, we will form a strong team that will be able to support each other.”
This upcoming international competition comes after an historic performance by the Women’s National team at the 2017 AMBC Continental Championships, where all seven boxers reached the final in their respective categories. Halfway through the Tokyo 2020 Olympic quadrennial, it will be interesting to watch the athletes perform on the world stage after these unprecedented Continental results, especially as two additional women’s weight categories are to be added at the next Olympic Games.
“Since the start of 2018, our athletes have had great success during international tournaments, which leads us to think it may be possible to see some of them reach the medals’ round in Delhi,” mentions Daniel Trépanier, Boxing Canada’s High Performance Director.
For more information regarding the 2018 AIBA Elite Women’s World Championships and to follow our athletes’ progression, visit our Event Web pageand social media as information will be updated throughout the competition.
The boxing kids came prepared with costumes to match their skills for their Halloween class!
Boxing is one of the most enjoyable sports for people of all ages. Introducing the sport at a young age helps kids develop the skills and confidence they may need moving forward in other sports, and even in everyday life. With registration at capacity each season, the Kids Boxing Classes have proven to be one of our most popular programs. We look forward to welcoming the kids back and opening the doors to other children looking to share in the experience.
Winter Registration is NOW OPEN!
With registration at capacity each season, the Kids Boxing Classes have proven to be one of our most popular programs. We look forward to welcoming the kids back and opening the doors to other children looking to share in the experience.
Tethluach Chuol, of Edmonton, AB. shows incredible sportsmanship after winning his Quarterfinal bout at the Youth Olympic Games.
2018 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES: A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE FOR THE CANADIAN BOXING TEAM
Regrouping the best 82 Youth boxers in the world, the 2018 Youth Olympic Games have come to an end for the two Canadian boxers, Spencer Wilcox and Tethluach Chuol, after four days of intense competition. Here is an overview of the performances of our boxers on the world’s biggest stage:
91 + kg Tethluach Chuol (Edmonton, AB)
After a unanimous win over Vaisilika Toalua Tuigamala from Samoa during his first bout, Tethluach suffered a 0-5 loss against Kazakh boxer Damir Toibay, the 2018 World Championships’ silver medalist. Determined to finish on a high note and win a medal, Tethluach was confident going into the Bronze medal final against Ahmed Elsawy Awad Elbaz from Egypt. Unlike other AIBA competitions, only one bronze medal is available at the Youth Olympics, meaning the losers of semifinals have to square off in order to step onto the podium.
In what started as a strong performance by the boxer from Edmonton, Tethluach was unable to keep up with his much taller opponent and lost by unanimous decision. Cumulating one victory and two losses, Tethluach finishes in 4th place at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games!
“It feels amazing to perform at the Youth Olympics. Where I come from [Edmonton, Alberta], not many people realize the benefits of boxing and I am just so proud to represent my sport, my country and my fellow Edmontonians,” stated Tethluach after his victory during his first bout.
Spencer finishes in 5th place in the 60 kg category at the 2018 Youth Olympic games // he finished in 5th place at the 60 kg at the Youth Olympics 2018.
60 kg Spencer Wilcox (Hamilton, ON)
Receiving a quota reallocation only a few days prior to the opening ceremony, Spencer Wilcox was ready to compete on the world’s largest stage against the best youth boxers each continent has to offer. Leading up to his final bout of the tournament, Spencer cumulated two losses: a 2-3 split decision against Nurlan Safarov from Azerbaijan in the first round and a 1-4 decision against 2018 Youth World Champion Atichai Phoemsap from Thailand in the second round. Despite his two defeats, Spencer came in strong for his last bout against New Zealand’s boxer, Kasib Hunter Murdoch-McKeich, as he was looking to claim a win before the end of the competition.
With a height advantage and a hunger to get the victory, Spencer imposed his rhythm over his opponent, leaving no doubt in who would be the winner of this bout. After three intense round, Spencer was declared the winner by unanimous decision and finished in 5th place in the 60 kg category at the 2018 Youth Olympic Game!
This was an experience of a lifetime , something I will never forget, affirmed Spencer Wilcox after his unanimous decision over New Zealand. I didn’t get what I cam here for, which was the gold medal, but life has its ups and downs. I got a win on my last fight which was the cherry on top. I like to thanks the entire staff of the Olympic committee for allowing me to be apart of such a great event. With the Youth Olympic Games now done, it is time to focus on Tokyo 2020.
Do you remember when Leasider Shawn O’Sullivan won the gold medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in 1981 and again in 1983? At the time he was the toast of the town and the Borough of East York.
Shawn grew up on Donlea Drive along with his twin sister Maureen and his younger brother Kevin. Shawn jokes that he is the eldest because he was born a few minutes before Maureen. He first learned to box under the guidance and instruction of his father Michael O’Sullivan who was a TTC bus driver.
As an amateur boxer, Shawn rang up 94 victories while losing only six times, a record matched by very few, if any, other Canadian boxers. At the age of 16 he won the Canadian Junior title in Whitehorse, Yukon. Then in 1981, as a 19 year old, he defeated the Cuban Olympic gold medalist, Armando Martinez, twice on his way to winning the gold medal as a light middleweight in the World Amateur Boxing Championships. That year he was named Canada’s Athlete of the Year.
In 1984 at the Los Angeles Olympics, after totally dominating his earlier opponents, he fought an American, Frank Tate, for the gold medal. During the second round of the championship match, Shawn took Tate to two standing eight counts and nearly a third as the round ended. But the judges awarded the match and thus the gold medal to Frank Tate. When the gold medal was draped around Tate’s neck, the crowd booed. Later, even Tate’s coach admitted Shawn may have won.
After winning the Olympic silver medal, Shawn turned professional. He won his first 11 bouts as a welterweight. When he finally retired from boxing he had recorded 23 wins, 16 of them by knockouts.
In 2015, Leaside’s pride, Shawn O’Sullivan, was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.
Shawn O’Sullivan of Toronto. (Edmonton Journal-Brian Gavriloff-Canadian Press)
Amateur Highlights:
1981 World Amateur Champion – This fight was hailed as possibly THE BEST BOXING FIGHT EVER. SHAWN O’SULLIVAN-CAN VS ARMANDO MARTINEZ-CUB.
1981 Canadian Athlete of the Year
Commonwealth Games: Gold medal – first place 1982 Brisbane Light Middleweight
Olympic Games: Silver medal – second place 1984 Los Angeles Light Middleweight
Olympics and Controversy:
Leading up the 1984 Olympics, O’Sullivan and fellow Canadian Willie de Wit were both favoured to win the gold medals in their classes: de Wit as a heavyweight and O’Sullivan as a light middleweight. In the gold medal bout with Frank Tate, O’Sullivan took Tate to two standing-eight-counts in the second round (and nearly a third as the round ended), but the judges unanimously gave the decision to Tate. O’Sullivan dominated the second round; however, four of the judges (Keith Walker of New Zealand, Han Dong Jin of South Korea, Noureddine Addala of Tunisia and Muili Ojo of Nigeria) gave Tate the round by the slim margin of 20-19. Tate was booed when the gold medal was draped around his neck. Tate had won in a 5-0 decision and even his coach, Emanuel Steward, admitted O’Sullivan may have won.[3] O’Sullivan, who himself had benefited from a controversial decision against Christophe Tiozzo in the semifinals, was gracious in defeat and called the outcome “unfortunate”. His results were
Virgil, myself and our team at Kingsway Boxing are so excited to welcome you all back this Fall! Kingsway Boxing now operates out of two separate locations, which allows for a wide range of people, with varying interests, to accomplish any goal. We successfully run competitive and recreational boxing programs, while hosting a variety of fitness and high performance athletic programs out of both locations.
Boxing has an incredible way of connecting people in a deep and profound manner. Maybe it’s the intensity of the training, the dedication required or simply the type of people that the sport attracts. Whatever the cause, the strength and respect within the boxing community is undeniable. It is a community that understands, respects and reveres its history and those that came before. It’s a community that doesn’t care if you’re a former or current champion, a kid trying to find their way or an executive that trains whenever their schedule allows. We are all part of the community; We are all boxers.
From the first time I stepped into a boxing gym almost 20 years ago I have heard the words “boxing made me who I am today”. Although I didn’t really understand it then, I know those words are true for me today. Boxing has given me so much professionally and personally, I can’t imagine who or where I would be without the sweet science. Beyond my own experience, I have witnessed the transformative effects of boxing on countless lives. I have seen children walk through the doors of my gym, too nervous to make eye contact, become smiling, laughing beings with a sparkle in their eyes after 10 minutes of throwing punches. I have seen a CEO, who never climbed a set of stairs, become a legend in the ring. I have witnessed a boxer lose every round of a fight, and somehow find the strength and courage to stop their opponent in the last 10 seconds of the final round.
Three months ago, I received a call from the other side of the country. The young woman on the other end of the call introduced herself as Jess Melo, a family name familiar to most every Canadian boxing enthusiast. Over the course of the call, Jess spoke to me about the Organization she had launched to honour her father and the boxing legends she had recruited to help. Later that day as I walked around my gym, looking at the posters that adorn the walls I began to notice there in print all the names Jessie had mentioned during our call; truly a collection of boxing legends.
Nicky Furlano and Eddie Melo were both coached by the legendary Earl ‘Sully’ Sullivan (centre) at the start of their boxing careersFast forward to this past weekend and Friday night found me referring a card of amateur matches outside under a blanket of stars on a perfect summer night in front of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd that included a long list of boxing legends. Saturday afternoon I was back in my gym, sharing the ring with the same laundry list of boxing legends that included George Chuvalo (5x Canadian Champion & World Heavy weight Contender), Nicky Furlano (3x Canadian Boxing Champion and World Super Lightweight Contender), Billy Irwin (Canadian & IBO World Boxing Lightweight Champion), Mark Simmons (Canadian Olympian), Iran Barkley (5x World Boxing Champion), Junior Jones (5x World Boxing Champion), Mark Breland (Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Welterweight Champion), John Scully (New England Middleweight Champion and former Light Heavyweight Contender), Tom Patti (Amateur Boxing Champion, Advocate & Politician) and a few others. Watching these accomplished athletes work with a collection of young boxers, I was awed by the strength and beauty of this community that I am so proud and humbled to be part of. Following the training sessions, each of the legends in attendance said a few words, all of which were inspiring and heart-felt and centered around a common theme: Boxing made me who I am today.
Both events were in support of the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization. The organization, founded by Jessica and Joey Melo, daughter and brother of the late Eddie Melo, is dedicated to helping young at-risk amateur boxers experience positive influences and sociability and to help keep them off the streets and in the boxing gym. As well as children who have lost a parent due to a homicide; this is a platform for giving back to them and sponsoring them through anything that can help lessen the burden and give them support during such a tragic time.
In addition to raising the awareness of The Eddie Melo Legacy Organization, the event on Saturday announced the inception of the Eddie Melo Legacy Mentorship Program. The program will use the organization’s unprecedented access to boxing legends to enhance amateur boxers’ aspirations in the sport with an acute attention to their social development, education and future.
I could go on for pages describing the honour and privilege of sharing the ring with the incredible collection of boxing greats, but I think the impact of the event is best described by the words of a mother who attended with her children.
“Meeting Junior Jones and the other legends was inspiring. My children have a new respect and interest in the spirt!”
Mark Smither (Uptown) vs Jamil Haadi (Rochester) put on an incredible show at the inaugural Eddie Melo Legacy Organization Boxing Invitational at the Junction Craft Brewery in Toronto.
Boxing Legend, George Chuvalo gives amateur boxer, Tamas Glonczi of Sully’s boxing gym some words of advice after his bout on Friday Night.
George Chuvalo, five-time Canadian Heavyweight Champion, is constantly investing back into his community and the sport of boxing. Just shy of 81 years old, Chuvalo makes ut out to support nearly every pro and amateur show in Ontario.
Eddie Montalvo, Joey Melo and Jess Melo (left to right), are dedicated to helping young at-risk amateur boxers experience positive influences and sociability and to help keep them off the streets and in the boxing gym.
Michael Quach (Stockyards) vs Jesse Parante (Uptown)
Sunny Thind (Canadian National boxer) won a unanimous decision against USA boxer, Lawrence King with the third ‘man’ in the ring as AIBA International Boxing Referee, Jennifer Huggins
Boxing Legend John ‘Iceman’ Scully spoke to the youth attending The EMLO Media Orientation with ‘The Champs’.
Boxing Legend, Junior Jones, worked pads with Kingsway Boxing youth boxer and coach, Jasper Drost at The EMLO Media Orientation with ‘The Champs’.
Boxing Legend, Nicky Furlano gave a speed bag lesson along with some valuable life lessons at The EMLO Media Orientation with ‘The Champs’.
Jessica Melo, Founder/Chairwoman of the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization and daughter of the late Eddie Melo, founded Eddie Melo Legacy Organization to support amateur boxers and children who’s parent(s) were the victims of homicide.
With the help of her uncle “Jersey Joe” Melo she aspires to not only educate Canada’s amateur boxers and those who have been victims of homicides, they endeavor reaching out to all youths in hopes of giving them a platform where they can develop and grow into successful human beings.
Kingsway Boxing Club is located in the west end of Toronto, Canada. We operate out of two locations; The High Performance Studios and The Boxing Gym Facility. Having the two separate locations allows for a wide range of people, with varying interests to accomplish any goal. Kingsway successfully runs competitive boxing programs out of the Boxing Gym, while hosting a variety of fitness, recreational and high-performance athletic services out of both locations.
Boxing is undeniably one of the top mentally and physically challenging sports. Many athletes, businesses and recreational sport enthusiasts use the sport as a cross training tool. It is a great sport to get into supreme shape, it is also a challenging, but amazing sport to take to the next level of competition.
It’s our priority to invest into our community, helping to build mental, physical and emotional strength with each individual who walks through our doors. With programs for all ages and fitness levels, there’s no reason to wait!
One of our trainers will sit down with you to determine your boxing or personal fitness goals. This might be sport specific training, weight loss, muscle gain or recovery from an injury. Whatever your sport-specific or personal fitness goals are, our trainers will design a program to help you achieve it. Our coaching team consistently reviews your progress and make any changes necessary to your program based on your notes and feedback.
Looking for something not quite as expensive as one-on-one personal training? Semi-Private and Group Training makes a great alternative.
Let’s recap.
Sit-down to determine your specific fitness goal
Customized workout program by one of our certified personal trainers or National Boxing Coaches
Access to open gym time to practice your skills and train independently
Access to open gym time all day to book your sessions based on your schedule
Trainers will review your progress and make adjustments where needed
HIIT Conditioning incorporates interval training, functional fitness, strength training and stretching and is suitable for all fitness levels. These classes are head to toe fitness and are a fast and effective workout.
Interval training breaks up a set amount of exercises into small segments with recovery intervals in between to enhance accomplishment of each exercise. This type of training maximizes calorie burn and improves overall performance.
The Workout: HIIT Conditioning combines cardio, strength training, functional fitness and stretching during our cool down. The focus is to improve and enhance overall fitness and increase cardiovascular performance.
What to bring? A mat, water bottle and towel. It will get sweaty!
HIIT programs are kept to smaller groups so space is limited…
After Much Anticipation, We Are Now Welcoming Boxers Into Our Youth Amateur Boxing Program
Our Youth Boxing Programs are run by Canadian National Coaches Jennifer Huggins, Virgil Barrow, Phil Daniels alongside our Boxing Ontario Assistant coaches. After recognizing the incredible impact the sport has had on their lives, the team felt it was necessary to share their passion for boxing with the youth of the community.
Those who participate in these classes learn the technical components of the sport, and are given an opportunity to explore their confidence in ways that will help them in all walks of life. The Youth Boxing Membership is appropriate for participants ages 11-19 and generally requires a good understanding of the sport.
Important Note: For beginners we suggest our Co-Ed Teen and Girl’s Teen Seasonal Programs
Youth boxers will develop a true understanding of:
The rules of Olympic Boxing
Basic boxing technique
Shadow boxing
Heavy, speed and double ended bag work
Self defence
Offensive tactics
Safe atmosphere to explore optional Sparring/Competition
Membership Access:
Unlimited Teen Conditioning and Sparring classes at Boxing Gym Location
Unlimited access to the “Open Training” at the Boxing Gym
Member rates for all specialty and seasonal programs (including programs at The HIGH PERFORMANCE STUDIOS | 3046 Bloor St. W. Toronto ON.)
Our Youth Boxing Programs are run by Canadian National Coaches Jennifer Huggins, Virgil Barrow, Phil Daniels alongside our Boxing Ontario Assistant coaches. After recognizing the incredible impact the sport has had on their lives, the team felt it was necessary to share their passion for boxing with the youth of the community.
Those who participate in these classes learn the technical components of the sport, and are given an opportunity to explore their confidence in ways that will help them in all walks of life. The Youth Boxing Membership is appropriate for participants ages 11-19. More Info
Develop a true understanding of:
The rules of Olympic Boxing
Basic boxing technique
Shadow boxing
Heavy, speed and double ended bag work
Self defence
Offensive tactics
Safe atmosphere to explore optional Sparring/Fighting
Membership Access:
Unlimited Teen Conditioning and Sparring classes at Boxing Gym Location
Unlimited access to the “Open Training” at the Boxing Gym
Member rates for all specialty and seasonal programs (including programs at The HIGH PERFORMANCE STUDIOS | 3046 Bloor St. W. Toronto ON.)
TAKING OVER THE STREETS AT THE TASTE OF THE KINGSWAY 2018
Friday Sept. 7 through Sunday Sept. 9
5pm – 10 pm (Friday) and 11 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday
Taste Of The Kingsway was the ‘birth place’ of Kingsway Boxing Club in 2006, and we continue spending time investing back into our community.
Join the Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer Families outside of our new high performance studio location at Royal York and Bloor (3046 Bloor St. W) on Friday Sept. 7 from 5pm until 10pm and Saturday Sept. 8 and Sunday Sunday Sept. 9 all day! This will be our 12th Annual attendance at the festival and our first year ever in our new location. We are celebrating with an Open House, Boxing Lessons, Raffles, Special Packages and much more!
This annual fall festival runs along Bloor Street West between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Rd., isn’t the same old food festival – this is a culinary and physical experience!
The Taste of the Kingsway is renowned for the quality of entertainers showcased on our TWO GRAND STAGES with continuous live entertainment from well known artists, performers and musicians.
Over 200 exhibitors will be participating in this year’s event. Beer & Wine Gardens. Food! Be sure to come out and support Kingsway Boxing and The Fight To End Cancer (Festival Specials Listed Below). See you there! In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up!
ALL participants receive a special gift valued at $80.00 (courtesy of Fight To End Cancer) and challenge winners additionally receive Beginner Package ($150.00 value)
$55.00 Beginner Packages (reg. $150)
Includes:
1 Private Lesson
3 Scheduled Classes
1 month Unlimited Access To Individual Training Hours
$250 Fall Specialty Kids and Teen Program Registration (Reg. $275)
$95.00 FightCamp Special Registration (-$55.00 off regular price)
Become A Fighter | FTEC2019 Tryout Registration
Register as a charity fighter in our exclusive corporate program Fight To End Cancer
The Inaugural Invitational Amateur Boxing Show Friday August 10, 2018
The Inaugural Eddie Melo Legacy Organization’s Invitational Amateur Boxing Show will be the commencement of a long-term boxing-mentorship program where we utilize our resources to enhance amateur boxers’ aspirations in the sport with an acute attention to their social development, education, and future.
Every single boxer registered with us will have the opportunity of meeting and engaging with former amateur and professional boxers, champs and contenders who will mentor them.
Media Orientation with ‘The Champs’ Saturday August 11, 2018
The aim of Eddie Melo Legacy Organization’s “Media Orientation with The Champs,” is to announce the inception of the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization’s Mentorship Program and to allow those in attendance to meet “The Champs” up close.
The AIM of EMLO’s “Media Orientation with The Champs,” is to announce the inception of the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization’s Mentorship Program and to allow those in attendance to meet “The Champs” up close.
The “Media Orientation with The Champs,” is an exclusive affair for the participants of the EMLO Inaugural Invitational Amateur Boxing Show, their family, coaches and other youth (since some may not be attend “An Evening Under The Stars II” later that evening), for invited guests and the Media.
We would also like to invite Boxing Ontario membership to the “Media Orientation with The Champs”; present your boxing licence or membership card and bring a non-perishable food bank donation.
The Eddie Melo Legacy Organization’s Mentors (former Amateur and World boxing champions) will be on hand to speak with those in attendance and to share their involvement with the EMLO Mentorship Program.
If there is room for persons not on ‘invitation list’ who want to attend, the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization will kindly extend entry to “Media Orientation with The Champs.”
Treat A Human Being As They Are And They Will Remain As They Are… Treat Them As They Can And Should Be And They Will Become As They Can And Should Be.
Our Fight To End Cancer annual gala is just one part of the yearlong fundraising initiatives executed by Fight To End Cancer. Our Annual Boxing Gala continues to be the “Main Event” celebration of our fundraising efforts, however we are expanding our Corporate Fundraising Teams and our Community Ambassador Programs. This will open the doors to allow anyone to join us in the Fight To End Cancer.
If you’re not interested in jumping into the ring for a sanctioned boxing match, the Fight To End Cancer can still be your fight… Join The Fight
Do you have what it takes to Fight To End Cancer?
Date: Saturday September 29, 2018
Time: 12:30 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Kingsway Boxing Club (22 Jutland Rd. Unit B. Toronto ON.)
Let the Kingsway Boxing coaches and members from the Fight To End Cancer Fighter Alumni, put you through the workout of your life! This introductory boxing session will give you the opportunity to experience, first-hand, the commitment that will be required to take part in the Fight To End Cancer’s 2019 event. In addition to training, we will be holding a Q&A session lead by past FTEC Fighters.
The decision to fight for such a meaningful cause, is one that will be life changing. Whether you embark on this journey for yourself, a family member, or a friend who is, or has had to fight cancer, you are truly a hero. To better understand the challenges and commitments you would be taking on, please read through the material provided in the link below and be sure to read our news blogs.
Thank you to those of you who have already registered for our Summer Programs. The addition of our High Performance Studios, allows for a wide range of people, with varying interests to accomplish any goal. Kingsway successfully runs competitive boxing programs out of the Boxing Gym, while hosting a variety of fitness, recreational and high performance athletic programs out of both locations.
We also have launched our newest athletic services at our High Performance Location which include Registered Massage Therapy.
Robin Tyndall has been boxing with the Kingsway Boxing Club since 2017. Her and a group of nearly 40 girls continue to forge forward in the sport of boxing! [Photo Credit: Virgil Barrow Photography]
“If I Wanted, I Could Destroy EVERYTHING… But I’m A Good Girl”
Featuring The Girls Teens Boxing Program At Kingsway Boxing Club
After spending the Spring with these incredible ladies, we held a mini photoshoot on our last day of class so the girls could show off their some of their bad ass moves! We can’t wait to see these awesome girls, along with many newcomers in our Summer 2018 Program!
The Girls Teen Boxing Program is run by coaches Virgil Barrow and AIBA International Referee, Jennifer Huggins. After recognizing the incredible impact the sport has had on her life, she felt it was necessary to share her passion with the youth of the community.
Powerful Teens Conditioning Program for Girls, is brought to you by our fitness guru Shyanne McPherson. This program focuses on improving the function of both the mind and body to create improved physical fitness and mental positivity. This is a workout with a difference; – as you sweat, condition and build confidence, Shyanne will inspire, motivate, and help you with body image issues as well as create personal positive affirmations to live life more fully.
New To Boxing, But No Stranger To Fighting
Introducing Zeus Sequeira
Walking through the doors of a boxing gym is usually one of the most challenging accomplishments for the average person. Imagine entering through those doors when even standing was one of your biggest challenges. You’re about to be introduced to one of the newest boxers to our team, but he’s no stranger to fighting.
Zeus Sequeira was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at birth due to birth asphyxiation. A 5-minute delay in getting oxygen on time led to brain damage leaving him with this diagnosis.
“It’s funny the difference 5 minutes can make. Growing up in India and going to a public schooling system in the 90’s wasn’t easy as there was tremendous stigma and lack of awareness at the time regarding disabilities. I feel it were these conditions that gave me the drive to keep pushing myself to be better.”
Zeus started walking at the age of 3 but was hunched over and his knees were bent at almost 90 degrees. A supra-major skeletal and muscular reconstructive surgery at the age of 14 gave him a chance to start over though as it straightened him up.
The picture on the left shows Zeus standing unassisted post the surgery (in 2004) and the one on the right was taken two months ago (Jan 2018) shortly after being medically cleared to fight able-bodied fighters and applying for my amateur boxing license.
“I get better every week and my goal is to get my first fight by the end of 2018. In addition to doing this, I want to dedicate my journey to becoming fight-ready toward raising funds for Holland Bloorview, a rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.”
Every dollar raised for Holland Bloorview goes not only to recovery and rehab, but also to programs and services centered around Music, Arts, and Family support funds (to cover added expenses related to the child’s disability).
Zeus’ goal is to raise 10,000 CAD at the minimum over the course of 2018.
Zeus Sequeira (left) and Kris Bertram (right) both attended the 2018 Fight Camp held at Kingsway Boxing in January. They are now sparring partners on Zeus’ journey to his first amateur boxing fight. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
Our Studio Is Moving To 3046 Bloor St. W.
New Location Opens On Thursday February 15, 2018.
After months of hard work, we are proud to announce that we will be opening our new, fully renovated Kingsway Boxing High Performance Studios on Thursday February 15. Please note that all scheduled programs from our old ‘Carwash’ location, will resume at the new studio located at 3046 Bloor St. W. Toronto ON. (across the street from Our Lady Of Sorrows Church).
Note that programs at our Jutland Rd. Boxing Gym Location will remain the same.
We are still working hard to put some finishing touches on this location, but stay tuned as we will be adding more programs to this schedule soon!
The First Rule Of Fight Camp… You Don’t Talk About Fight Camp!
BUT… we like to break barriers and redefine the rules because there’s so much to tell you!
Kingsway Boxing held their Annual Fight Camp on Jan. 13. This one-day intensive camp was lead by Boxing Ontario Nationally and Internationally Certified Coaches, Officials and assisted by licensed competitive boxers. Fight Camp was developed to fast track students to learn the essentials of amateur boxing in a safe and effective manner. The program has been used by the average recreational sport enthusiast, all the way up to the elite boxer looking to further their skills in the sport. Open to men and women of all ages and experience levels, we give everyone the chance to learn, improve or test their skills as an Olympic style boxer.
For most of us, the first week of 2018 was spent the usual way: returning to work or school, and easing into the reality of a new year. For the #FTEC2018Fight To End Cancer fight team, the dawn of the new year signalled a routine which was anything but usual, or gradual. As the new year’s bell chimed, these 10 fighters were initiated into an intense new regime of focus, training, and dedication. They’ve just completed Fight Camp at Kingsway Boxing and the reality of this commitment is starting to set in!
Photo Credit: Virgil Barrow | We hosted nearly 40 boxers in what proved to be our most successful Fight Camp program.
Over the next 4.5 months the Fight Team will dedicate countless hours in and away from the gym, raising funds and raising awareness in support of the Fight To End Cancer to benefit The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. In the process, these fighters will be required to make sacrifices, throw thousands of punches, dig deep within their character for a new level of grit which they might not have known they even had. They will experience moments of euphoria, as well as moments of absolute frustration. They will pursue their fundraising goals with tireless diligence, and will be humbled by the generosity and sincerity of their donors. And on June 2, 2018, they will step into the ring as fighters. And they will do all of this in the name of supporting a cause that affects us all: the Fight To End Cancer.
Train Alongside The FTEC2018 Fight Team
Get in shape and help the #FTEC2018 Fight Team reach their goal of $1 million dollars before Fight Night! With programs for all ages and fitness levels, lace up and take your best shot today! Also explore the link below to get to know the individual team members better and support them in their Fight To End Cancer! Defeat Is NOT An Option
[THE TORONTO STAR] I became an amateur boxer at 53
When Kate Robertson first stepped into Sully Boxing Gym, she just wanted to learn how to throw a punch. Instead she stepped out of the ring looking forward to fighting again.
My opponent jabs at me with her left then hits me with a right. My head snaps back.
“Argh! Keep your chin down, hands up,” I tell myself.
I’ve got to concentrate. This is only round one of a three-round bout. I can’t go down in the first round.
I regroup. Tuck my chin, lift my gloves to protect my head and go in for the counter attack. I’m a south paw, so I try to blind my opponent with two right jabs and then throw a left cross.
I am determined not to embarrass myself. I am 53 years old and competing in my first amateur boxing match this early November evening — that’s attention grabbing enough.
From fitness class to fighter…
“Hey mama, you want to fight?”
It’s about 8:30 p.m. on a Friday night and trainer Winslow Fraser is talking to me. I’ve been showing up at Sully’s Boxing Gym three times a week for more than six months, doing the 7 p.m. boxing fitness class run by former Canadian Heavyweight champ Tony Morrison that attracts the Groupon crowd. Tonight, I was about to get serious.
I took up boxing when I was turning 50 and searching for a new sport. After 40 years running up and down the soccer pitch, I’d exhausted my passion. Boxing held an unexplored allure.
Sully’s was exactly what I thought a boxing club should be. Its original Ossington Ave. location was where Muhammad Ali trained to fight George Chuvalo in 1966. That gym is now the site of condominiums with a heritage plaque marking its provenance. Sully’s latest location opened on the second floor of an aging Dupont St. warehouse about 10 years ago. Photos of boxing greats and unknowns compete for wall space with tattered fight posters and positive slogans.
Fraser is Sully’s main boxing trainer who, with owner Joe Manteiga, goes to the fights. He is a fierce looking dude, a few years shy of 60 and buff beyond most men’s dreams. His style screams dapper street thug. He favours heavy silver chains and thick rings — they adorn his fingers, thumb, ears and nose. You can see the life he’s lived in the scars marking his skin, the crooked finger that can no longer straighten out and those missing teeth.
Fraser is a former professional fighter, whose grandkids call him Papa Slow. It suites him, so I use it too.
I tell Papa Slow that I want to learn to box.
“I didn’t ask if you want to box,” he says getting up in my face. “I asked if you want to be a fighter. I can train you to be a fighter but I don’t have any time for you if you just want to punch a bag.”
“I want to fight,” I say.
I spend the next 30 minutes punching up at his strike pads and ducking his blows. I give everything and keep pushing after my arms start to burn and that pukey feeling creeps in. Finally he ends the session. He takes a step back, looks me over and with a wry grin says he admires my perseverance and he can work with my lack of skill.
I wake up the next morning with a black eye . . . and a boxing coach.
The weigh in…
“We’re gonna get you a fight, mama! You’ll see.”
Papa Slow says this after every hard core training session and sometimes adds, “But it’s going to take some time. You’re no spring chicken.”
There aren’t many fighters who match my credentials — novice, female, over 50. Still, more than a year into my training, I register with Boxing Ontario and learn that I have to be within 10 years and 10 pounds of my opponent to participate in a sanctioned event.
I still hit the gym religiously three nights a week. Warming up with Morrison’s fitness class, then doing skills with Fraser or sparring with an opponent before practising these moves on the heavy bag and ending each session with as many as 500 sit-ups and Russian twists.
Months pass but then a bout is confirmed — with four weeks to prepare. My opponent is Shireen Fabing of the Kingsway Boxing Club. She is 44 years old and 125 pounds. I on the other hand am no longer the 135 pounds I claimed to be when I registered. And losing weight has become a bigger challenge since hitting menopause.
So I spend the month concentrating on food and fitness. I am on the scale morning and night. I add road work — a daily 5 km run, cut my calories, eat more spinach and kale and eggs and tofu than I could imagine and — most amazingly — I stick with this regime. I don’t cheat.
I read up about how professional ultimate fighters and boxers make weight by cutting calories, water loading and taking saunas on the day of the weigh in. Rather than sit in a sauna, I follow the advice of a former varsity rower — cut out salt and drink plenty of water.
On Nov. 4, the day of the fight, I take small sips of water all day . . . When I weigh in at 6 p.m., I am within weight, exactly 132 lbs.
Finally it’s fight day…
I arrive at the Stockyards Boxing Gym inside the George Bell Arena on Ryding Ave. and watch the other fighters trickle in. I spot Fabing, my opponent, and size her up — about my height — five-foot-five-ish — similar weight. She’s wearing a knitted cap and her jacket is zipped up under her chin. Her resting face is tough. Then she breaks out a smile and her entire being lights up.
“Ready to put on a show?” she asks after we introduce ourselves.
A show? What a great way to look at this.
During the prefight medical checkup, I notice a rhythmic thumping in my chest. It started right after the doctor, who was taking my blood pressure at the time, asked if this was my first fight.
“Yes,” I say.
“Ah, your blood pressure is a little high,” he says, then adds, “That’s to be expected.”
He looks in my eyes and mouth and has me squat and checks the strength in my arms from various angles. Then he gives me the OK and sends me and my now racing heart on my way.
Papa Slow limps into the Stockyards gym leaning on a heavy wooden walking stick. The hood of his multicoloured velour sweatshirt hides his grey dreads. It’s topped with a fedora. Papa Slow and Morrison are in my corner tonight. Morrison rarely goes to the fights any more. I am honoured he has come out for mine.
Fight Night XXXIII, the monthly sanctioned club fights at Stockyards, has a capacity crowd.
I don’t watch the bouts that precede mine. I am too busy trying to focus. I warm up in a deserted hallway, practising my moves and not feeling as ridiculous as I suspected I might.
When I started boxing, I just wanted to learn how to punch. Now I am actually going into the ring to fight — and I am nervous. What if my opponent sends me cowering into the corner?
Papa Slow has seen her in the ring before. This will be her sixth bout. “She’s a good fighter.” he tells me, then adds “You are too, mama.”
He puts his hands on my shoulders and looks me in the eyes. “It’s you and her. Ignore the crowd. Put your focus inside the ring and don’t listen to anyone but me and Tony. We’re gonna be right there with you.”
I hang on his every word. We’ve made that connection — that coach/athlete bond.
I’m gaining confidence and try to strategize.
I’m left handed. Does my opponent know this? Can I use it to my advantage?
“Keep moving to the right. Stay outside. When you go in, go in — commit. Bam, bam, bam,” Papa Slow has repeated that so many times I am not sure if he says it now or I am just hearing it in my head.
It’s on…
I’m walking through the spectators towards the ring and I have to be told exactly what to do. My brain isn’t registering. All I hear is that thumping in my chest.
“Follow me,” Papa Slow instructs. “Walk up the steps. Step through the ropes into the ring. Face the crowd.”
I look out into the packed gym searching for my two daughters. I find them beaming up at me. A calm transcends me. The thumping in my chest fades away. I am ready to fight.
The referee calls my name in the blue corner and my opponent in the red corner. The crowd cheers. It’s the last I hear of them. I am super focused. The ref’s final instructions include something about no hitting the back of the head and he sends us back to our corners.
The bell rings…
In the ring, I lose track of how many times my opponent lands punches on my face. I don’t feel the physical hurt — but I do feel the sting of allowing her to get inside.
When I first started boxing people often asked, “Aren’t you afraid of getting punched in the face?”
Well, yes. But I have always wanted to learn how to throw a punch — to know what it feels like to haul off and plow someone right in the face. I shied away for various reasons, mostly because I was not keen to be on the receiving end.
But trained boxers know it’s about avoiding the punches. You duck and weave and counter strike. Your opponent is the one who gets hit. You slip the punches.
I am just getting my bearings when the bell rings ending round one.
I sit on the blue corner stool and Morrison has me straighten my legs so only the back of my heels touch the floor.
Papa Slow feeds me the water, Morrison the advice: “Keep moving your arms, just keep punching.”
I enter round two with more conviction. I keep my feet moving and try to dodge my opponent’s jabs while concentrating on landing a left cross and adding my right hook. This round feels less frantic. I think I am improving.
We jab and punch and dance around the ring for the full three, one-and-a-half minute rounds. I land a few face punches of my own. It is very satisfying.
When the final bell rings I am exhausted but at the same time can’t believe it is already over.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer says. “There has to be a winner and in this bout the winner is in the red corner.”
The referee raises my opponent’s arm and she leaps in victory.
I’m not surprised — my opponent was definitely the better, more experienced fighter. What did surprise me was how invigorated I felt and how pleased I was with myself.
My opponent and I embrace in the ring. We agree we’ll do this again.
When I decided I was going to fight, I thought it would be a one-time thing — one fight — my prize fight. Instead I stepped out of the ring looking forward to doing it again — only better.
Kingsway Boxing Club’s Jennifer Huggins presents the awards to two of our rising stars. 8 Year Old Dante and his best friend Michael are the two recipients of our Rising Talent Program with Boxing Ontario.
Why Boxing Is The Best Sport… Best Said By 8 Year Olds!
Boxing is one of the most enjoyable sports for people of all ages and fitness levels. Introducing the sport at a young age helps kids develop the skills and confidence they may need moving forward in other sports and everyday life!
With over 100 kids in our programs, it was extremely difficult to choose who would be the recipients of our Rising Talent Program through Boxing Ontario. With only 6 awards to present, we are proud to introduce you to our first two future champs: Michael Bahr and Dante Berni. The boys train under the tutelage of coach Phil Daniels and have shown exceptional progress and dedication to the sport!
Michael and Dante are both 8 years old and go to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Toronto. They have been Best Friends forever and have this to say about boxing…
Our Kids 7+ Boxing Programs run 5 to 12 weeks depending on the season and are focused on the technical and fitness aspects of boxing.
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