I attended the 2006 Tony Zale Chicago Park District Citywide Boxing Tournament (that's a mouthful) llast night. I had never been to that tournament before. It was held at Curie High School on the southwest side, a school that boasts about having the biggest gym in the city. I'll give them that. My high school's gym was huge, but Curie's looked like they had more room. Recognizing that the school sits in an area that has had its share of racial problems, like a lot of neighborhoods in Chicago, I got off the train prepared for smart remarks from passersby.
Two rings were set up. There were too many boxers to have one match going on at a time. A little confusing to hear two sets of bells going off, however. Hard to tell sometimes when the round had ended for which fight, and the boxers were thrown off a little bit, too. Things went along at a fast clip. There was no time to linger. Barry gave me his video camera and asked me to tape the matches.
A few of Barry's boxers--Joe, Freddie, Alex, Kevin and Montrell--were on hand. Only Joe, Freddie and Kevin had matches, and of those boys, only Freddie came out a victor. The towel was thrown in on Joe. Montrell was expected to get a match, but I'm not sure what happened with that. Some of us from Steve's stable were there--Mike, Junior and Saddiq. Saddiq's fight was at the end of the evening. I think his bout was number thirty-nine.
Saddiq was quiet and appeared to be a bit nervous before his bout. Once he stepped into the ring, the pops he gave his opponent echoed off the walls of the gym. The crowd had thinned out a little by that time, but those who were left were fascinated by what they saw. So was I. A man with an island accent stood next to me and asked, "Where dat boy from?" "Nigeria, I believe," I answered. "Dat boy fights like a muthafucka!" the man exclaimed. Just then, Saddiq cracked a fist into the face of the other boy. "If I got hit like dat, I'd have to go for my guns!" the man continued. I laughed at his remark. Saddiq then knocked the other boxer to the ground. About three times, the other boxer had to take an eight count. "They might as well stop da fight!" the man said. "No sense in dat boy gettin' hurt!" The referree agreed with him and did so. "He's young," the man told another bystander, referring to the losing boxer, "he can fight at another time."
The usual cast of characters were at the tournament--Shifty, Kitchen (who I found out last week was a former Golden Gloves champion), Allan, Gary, Yale, Chupi (a coach at Windy City Gym), and the coach everyone loves to hate, George. Tina, a major player in Chicago's amateur boxing scene, was also there, as was Samantha, a teenaged boxer who had come down to Loyola once.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Champions and Brawls
Junior's name was called before any matches started at the Golden Gloves this past Friday to come to the glove table. Those of us from the gym in attendance at that moment--Sarah, Saddiq, Keith--sat up in anticipation. The annoucement could only mean that Junior was going to be one of the first to fight that evening. His match was number three in the line up. Steve and Barry rushed to get him ready. Mary, Mike, and Ellen (along with Eli) arrived not long afterwards. The place was packed and practically sold out.
I could see Junior's opponent over in a far corner of the gym, warming up with his trainer. "Junior can take him," I thought to myself. Sure the guy was a little bigger in the muscles department, but he had looked very sloppy during his semi-final bout.
Novice fighters only go three rounds during the finals, as opposed to open fighters who have four rounds to get the job done. I was surprised when the fight ended, thinking there was one more round to go. Junior's fight had been featured in the program for that night. It was explained that novice fights are not usually given that attention, but powers that be saw something in Junior's skills that they liked. They felt that he would win, but they also listed his weaknesses. Apparently, his opponent had read that in the program, because his style was a little different than what he showed in the ring the previous week. Junior watched him carefully, and set him up for punches.
The announcer rambled on about the T-shirts on sale, the beer available to drink, and the special guest who would award the trophy to the winner. I was on pins and needles. I used to bite my nails when I was a kid, and was seriously thinking about taking up the habit again at that moment. Steve and Barry stood in Junior's corner, looking like they had patience in waiting for the judges' decision.
When Junior's name was announced as the 2006 Chicago Golden Gloves 165 novice divison champion, I jumped up from the bleachers and yelled my approval. We were all proud of his accomplishment; he worked hard for it. Junior only smiled for one of the pictures that was taken afterwards, though. I would have been hopping up and down if it was me, but Junior was quiet and subdued. "You're the city champ, man! Smile!" we told him. "I don't know, I just don't like smiling for pictures," he said. Junior did hang out in the audience, however, basking in the kudos that people gave him.
Saw the Judah-Mayweather fight at Steve's house on Saturday night. Very good match, but an ugly incident happened near the end of the bout. Judah gave Mayweather a low blow and a pop on the back of his head. Both punches looked deliberate. Mayweather stumbled to his corner, bent over in pain. His trainer jumped into the ring, mad as hell. He threatened Judah, and the referee, Richard Steele, attempted to head him off. Then Judah' s dad, who is also his trainer, jumped into the ring and yelled at Mayweather's trainer for approaching his son. A punch was thrown, and about fifty people, including cops and security guards, flooded the ring. I'm surprised the fight was not stopped, not only because of the mini-riot, but also because of the wicked low blow. But continue it did, and Mayweather ended up winning.
It was a good time, as both babies--Steve's son, Eli, and Barry's daughter, Lily, were in attendance at the viewing party. Now that I've had another good look at Eli, he has his mother's eyes, but his dad's face. Lily is a little charmer who smiled a lot. Also, Allan, a guy who judges matches was there. He told us that he had met Sugar Ray Robinson, when the boxer was at the end of his career. His brother, like Allan, was also involved in boxing and knew a lot of the big names, including Ali. Fascinating stuff. Another guy there, Marty, told me he had been involved with boxing for 22 years, starting off as a fighter. Makes me wish I had started earlier.
I could see Junior's opponent over in a far corner of the gym, warming up with his trainer. "Junior can take him," I thought to myself. Sure the guy was a little bigger in the muscles department, but he had looked very sloppy during his semi-final bout.
Novice fighters only go three rounds during the finals, as opposed to open fighters who have four rounds to get the job done. I was surprised when the fight ended, thinking there was one more round to go. Junior's fight had been featured in the program for that night. It was explained that novice fights are not usually given that attention, but powers that be saw something in Junior's skills that they liked. They felt that he would win, but they also listed his weaknesses. Apparently, his opponent had read that in the program, because his style was a little different than what he showed in the ring the previous week. Junior watched him carefully, and set him up for punches.
The announcer rambled on about the T-shirts on sale, the beer available to drink, and the special guest who would award the trophy to the winner. I was on pins and needles. I used to bite my nails when I was a kid, and was seriously thinking about taking up the habit again at that moment. Steve and Barry stood in Junior's corner, looking like they had patience in waiting for the judges' decision.
When Junior's name was announced as the 2006 Chicago Golden Gloves 165 novice divison champion, I jumped up from the bleachers and yelled my approval. We were all proud of his accomplishment; he worked hard for it. Junior only smiled for one of the pictures that was taken afterwards, though. I would have been hopping up and down if it was me, but Junior was quiet and subdued. "You're the city champ, man! Smile!" we told him. "I don't know, I just don't like smiling for pictures," he said. Junior did hang out in the audience, however, basking in the kudos that people gave him.
Saw the Judah-Mayweather fight at Steve's house on Saturday night. Very good match, but an ugly incident happened near the end of the bout. Judah gave Mayweather a low blow and a pop on the back of his head. Both punches looked deliberate. Mayweather stumbled to his corner, bent over in pain. His trainer jumped into the ring, mad as hell. He threatened Judah, and the referee, Richard Steele, attempted to head him off. Then Judah' s dad, who is also his trainer, jumped into the ring and yelled at Mayweather's trainer for approaching his son. A punch was thrown, and about fifty people, including cops and security guards, flooded the ring. I'm surprised the fight was not stopped, not only because of the mini-riot, but also because of the wicked low blow. But continue it did, and Mayweather ended up winning.
It was a good time, as both babies--Steve's son, Eli, and Barry's daughter, Lily, were in attendance at the viewing party. Now that I've had another good look at Eli, he has his mother's eyes, but his dad's face. Lily is a little charmer who smiled a lot. Also, Allan, a guy who judges matches was there. He told us that he had met Sugar Ray Robinson, when the boxer was at the end of his career. His brother, like Allan, was also involved in boxing and knew a lot of the big names, including Ali. Fascinating stuff. Another guy there, Marty, told me he had been involved with boxing for 22 years, starting off as a fighter. Makes me wish I had started earlier.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Wildness and Productiviity
Today was the beginning of the spring session, and several new faces were on hand. One of the newbies is an emergency room medic; another has a two-year daughter at home. Of everyone, Crystal, a curly haired woman, seemed to be the most eager to learn technique. I had fun showing all of them the basics, while Steve worked with Junior and Saddiq. Junior will be back down at the Golden Gloves this week for the finals, and Saddiq will be in the park district's city-wide tournament next week.
There was another guy there tonight named Joe who normally trains under Barry. He came in to get some extra training, but Joe did not do well on the bags nor against Saddiq while sparring. Barry had told Steve the kid could box, but Steve had his doubts.
Junior and Saddiq went out to sprint around the baseball field. When they came back, they announced there was a huge fight going on outside the fieldhouse doors. Steve went out to investigate. Seems that two to three guys were in the middle of a dustup that brought out a crowd of people. Steve saw one guy with a bat. Another guy was yelling about going home and getting his guns. The police showed up and patted several people down for weapons. Mary looked worried as Steve and I left the gym at the end of the evening. Her staff had to do some crowd control before the cops came in. I wonder what was so serious that those guys felt they had to let their conflict get that far. Knowing the neighborhood, it might have been some gang nonsense. It could have just been bad blood from a long time feud, but in any case, I'm sure it wasn't worth gaining the attention of the cops.
There was another guy there tonight named Joe who normally trains under Barry. He came in to get some extra training, but Joe did not do well on the bags nor against Saddiq while sparring. Barry had told Steve the kid could box, but Steve had his doubts.
Junior and Saddiq went out to sprint around the baseball field. When they came back, they announced there was a huge fight going on outside the fieldhouse doors. Steve went out to investigate. Seems that two to three guys were in the middle of a dustup that brought out a crowd of people. Steve saw one guy with a bat. Another guy was yelling about going home and getting his guns. The police showed up and patted several people down for weapons. Mary looked worried as Steve and I left the gym at the end of the evening. Her staff had to do some crowd control before the cops came in. I wonder what was so serious that those guys felt they had to let their conflict get that far. Knowing the neighborhood, it might have been some gang nonsense. It could have just been bad blood from a long time feud, but in any case, I'm sure it wasn't worth gaining the attention of the cops.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
White Collar Washout
I did some research and find out something that I already knew--those who are members of USA Boxing, like I am, can't compete in white collar boxing matches. Looks like I wasted my time going down to JABB Gym this past Saturday to put my name in for their their next boxing show of that type. I had hoped there might have been some way to get a match that way, but I was foiled again.
Recently, there was an article about NYC banning white collar bouts due to safety reasons. Those matches are not sanctioned by USA Boxing. They exist in a shadowland between Toughman contests (which are also not sanctioned) and amateur matches. There are three rounds that last two minutes each, and both boxers get a trophy, regardless who was the victor. The idea behind that is that white collar boxers are made up mostly of professionals--lawyers, doctors, real estate executives, etc.--who allegedly aren't used to being told "no", and don't take it well when they are, so hence the "everyone's a winner" deal.
Legislators in NYC are looking into rewriting the rules so that white collar boxing matches can continue, which would be a good thing for the older gyms that depend on the revenue that white collar boxers bring in. That's how many private gyms have kept their doors open in recent years.
Recently, there was an article about NYC banning white collar bouts due to safety reasons. Those matches are not sanctioned by USA Boxing. They exist in a shadowland between Toughman contests (which are also not sanctioned) and amateur matches. There are three rounds that last two minutes each, and both boxers get a trophy, regardless who was the victor. The idea behind that is that white collar boxers are made up mostly of professionals--lawyers, doctors, real estate executives, etc.--who allegedly aren't used to being told "no", and don't take it well when they are, so hence the "everyone's a winner" deal.
Legislators in NYC are looking into rewriting the rules so that white collar boxing matches can continue, which would be a good thing for the older gyms that depend on the revenue that white collar boxers bring in. That's how many private gyms have kept their doors open in recent years.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Afterglow
Rios showed up tonight. He's a swarthy guy who, like so many others, used to come around on a regular basis until other things in life intervened. Keith came in again, and even did some light pad work, but that was it.
I held pads for Ben for three rounds. Holding the pads (punch mitts) is something I need to practice more. It is a skill. If done correctly, it can be like sparring. Pads have to be held right to cut down on possible injury. If the other person is a hard puncher, like Ben, the person holding the pads has to hold them in a way to absorb the inpact properly.
There was a bit of a high in the gym coming off of Junior's win last night. Some of it rubbed off on Joe, who asked Steve if he was ready to have a match. However, Steve told Joe that if he had to ask, he might not be ready yet. The city-wide Park District championships are coming up, and Steve is looking at putting Saddiq in. Saddiq worked on his jab tonight, and it looked better.
I told Steve about me looking into signing up for a white collar boxing match in September. I was advised to check if those bouts are sanctioned by USA Boxing. I remember being told by someone else that they were not. Something to consider, especially if I got jacked up badly. There would be no protection insurance-wise if that is the case. Steve thought that there might not be the age restrictions in white collar boxing like there are under USA Boxing.
I held pads for Ben for three rounds. Holding the pads (punch mitts) is something I need to practice more. It is a skill. If done correctly, it can be like sparring. Pads have to be held right to cut down on possible injury. If the other person is a hard puncher, like Ben, the person holding the pads has to hold them in a way to absorb the inpact properly.
There was a bit of a high in the gym coming off of Junior's win last night. Some of it rubbed off on Joe, who asked Steve if he was ready to have a match. However, Steve told Joe that if he had to ask, he might not be ready yet. The city-wide Park District championships are coming up, and Steve is looking at putting Saddiq in. Saddiq worked on his jab tonight, and it looked better.
I told Steve about me looking into signing up for a white collar boxing match in September. I was advised to check if those bouts are sanctioned by USA Boxing. I remember being told by someone else that they were not. Something to consider, especially if I got jacked up badly. There would be no protection insurance-wise if that is the case. Steve thought that there might not be the age restrictions in white collar boxing like there are under USA Boxing.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Closing Up Shop Early
Ellen came by to pick up Steve, so the the gym closed up earlier than usual. Got to meet their son, Eli, and he is adorable. They gave me a ride home, and the little guy slept the entire way. Now that's I've seen him, I think he looks a lot like Ellen.
Earlier in the evening, Keith stopped by again, looking like he wanted to get back in the game, but not quite sure how to do that. Gabe came in also, stating that he was going to St. Andrews tomorrow to watch Junior's fight. Steve had a copy of Junior's preliminary fight, and all the guys in the gym were crowded around Steve's laptop to view how he took out his opponent.
I'm a little nervous for Junior because I want him to win, especially after being accused of cheating last week. I think he can pull it off.
Earlier in the evening, Keith stopped by again, looking like he wanted to get back in the game, but not quite sure how to do that. Gabe came in also, stating that he was going to St. Andrews tomorrow to watch Junior's fight. Steve had a copy of Junior's preliminary fight, and all the guys in the gym were crowded around Steve's laptop to view how he took out his opponent.
I'm a little nervous for Junior because I want him to win, especially after being accused of cheating last week. I think he can pull it off.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Last One Out Of The Room
Steve had told Mike to take the night off tonight. Mike lost his bout on Thursday, so he won't be going on to the semi-finals. He took a few hard shots and tired out early on. His opponent was tall with a long reach. His opponent was also out of the Evanston Boxing Club, an outfit who seems extremely lucky in winning matches.
The other Mike, the tall one, showed up briefly tonight in a pair of sandals. He asked Steve to step outside to talk to him, and I instantly got the feeling something was wrong. When Steve came back, he announced that Mike had quit the gym. He had told Steve he was very busy (he's a student) and didn't want to approach the sport half-assed. A few of the other guys made fun of the fact that tall Mike didn't come back in to say goodbye, but I understood--it was a pride thing.
Keith showed up again, and so did Mort, who hadn't been in the gym for I don't know how long. I remember how he slipped his phone number to my niece. I keep thinking that Mort might make a better boyfriend than that character she's mooning over now.
Steve hadn't slept much over the past couple of days. The combination of being at the Gloves and having a newborn son at home took its toll, so he jetted for home early. I closed up after all the other guys left. It's a nice feeling being the only one in the gym. I pretend that that it's my own personal workout space. I wish I could afford to have something like that at home.
The other Mike, the tall one, showed up briefly tonight in a pair of sandals. He asked Steve to step outside to talk to him, and I instantly got the feeling something was wrong. When Steve came back, he announced that Mike had quit the gym. He had told Steve he was very busy (he's a student) and didn't want to approach the sport half-assed. A few of the other guys made fun of the fact that tall Mike didn't come back in to say goodbye, but I understood--it was a pride thing.
Keith showed up again, and so did Mort, who hadn't been in the gym for I don't know how long. I remember how he slipped his phone number to my niece. I keep thinking that Mort might make a better boyfriend than that character she's mooning over now.
Steve hadn't slept much over the past couple of days. The combination of being at the Gloves and having a newborn son at home took its toll, so he jetted for home early. I closed up after all the other guys left. It's a nice feeling being the only one in the gym. I pretend that that it's my own personal workout space. I wish I could afford to have something like that at home.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
He Punches, He Wins
The Golden Gloves is never without a bit of drama. After watching the unusual moves of his opponent, a guy from a place called Korea Gym, Junior figured out how to catch him with his punches. The guy went down twice, and the referee stopped the fight in Junior's favor. The coach of the other guy raised all kinds of hell, accusing both Junior and Steve of cheating.
The coach maintained that Junior was an open fighter and should not have put up against his guy. Steve easily proved otherwise, but the Korea Gym coach kept running his mouth. It got so bad that Gino, one of the refs, was also accusing Steve of misdeeds. Just an ugly scene.
Mike's fight is tomorrow night. Seems there are a lot of guys in his weight class and the officials had to double up a lot of the fights.
The coach maintained that Junior was an open fighter and should not have put up against his guy. Steve easily proved otherwise, but the Korea Gym coach kept running his mouth. It got so bad that Gino, one of the refs, was also accusing Steve of misdeeds. Just an ugly scene.
Mike's fight is tomorrow night. Seems there are a lot of guys in his weight class and the officials had to double up a lot of the fights.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
A Woman's Best Friend Is Her Heavy Bag
This week has been horrid. I didn't make the roller derby team, my landlord didn't check that I paid my rent and gave me an erroneous eviction notice, my boss and I had an arguement. What else is a woman to do? Go to the gym.
Every woman should have access to a heavy bag. Nothing like pounding out one's anger on it. You just envision whoever or whatever it was that pissed you off and then beat the bag into submission. I thought of taunts while I hit the bag. For the roller derby team: "So I'm supposedly not good enough even though I've been skating for 30 years? Take that!" For my landlord: "I'm taking your ass out for not posting my rent payment correctly for the third time!" For my boss? I danced around the bag and threw my hardest punches until I was so tired I had to sit down, catch my breath, and calm down for a round or two.
This past Wednesday, there was another of those moments when everyone in the gym froze. Junior hit Mike hard enough to knock the wind out of him during a sparring session. Mike groaned and crumpled to the canvas. He recovered, however, and finished out the time. I'm looking forward to seeing both of them compete in the Golden Gloves next week.
Tonight, Keith dropped in. "You stay out in Aurora?" I asked him. I remembered he had a girlfriend who was out that way. "Naw, I'm still in Evanston, but it's hard to get around without a vehicle," he said. "Yes, Lord, don't I know it," I said, agreeing with him. Last year at this time, I was driving to and from the Golden Gloves in my own car.
Judging by how frosty my boss and I have been towards each other most of this week, asking him if I can leave early for the Golden Gloves will probably be a waste of time. What did he tell me during our arguement the other day? I gave him a suggestion as to how I could get a rather difficult task he gave me and he tells me he didn't want to hear it. I'm always complaining and being "rude and insubordinate", he said. Another hard pop on the heavy bag. The chain holding the bag jerked angrily in the air. I do the work, regardless, don't I? I get things done, DON'T I?
My right hand smashed into the bag over and over.
Every woman should have access to a heavy bag. Nothing like pounding out one's anger on it. You just envision whoever or whatever it was that pissed you off and then beat the bag into submission. I thought of taunts while I hit the bag. For the roller derby team: "So I'm supposedly not good enough even though I've been skating for 30 years? Take that!" For my landlord: "I'm taking your ass out for not posting my rent payment correctly for the third time!" For my boss? I danced around the bag and threw my hardest punches until I was so tired I had to sit down, catch my breath, and calm down for a round or two.
This past Wednesday, there was another of those moments when everyone in the gym froze. Junior hit Mike hard enough to knock the wind out of him during a sparring session. Mike groaned and crumpled to the canvas. He recovered, however, and finished out the time. I'm looking forward to seeing both of them compete in the Golden Gloves next week.
Tonight, Keith dropped in. "You stay out in Aurora?" I asked him. I remembered he had a girlfriend who was out that way. "Naw, I'm still in Evanston, but it's hard to get around without a vehicle," he said. "Yes, Lord, don't I know it," I said, agreeing with him. Last year at this time, I was driving to and from the Golden Gloves in my own car.
Judging by how frosty my boss and I have been towards each other most of this week, asking him if I can leave early for the Golden Gloves will probably be a waste of time. What did he tell me during our arguement the other day? I gave him a suggestion as to how I could get a rather difficult task he gave me and he tells me he didn't want to hear it. I'm always complaining and being "rude and insubordinate", he said. Another hard pop on the heavy bag. The chain holding the bag jerked angrily in the air. I do the work, regardless, don't I? I get things done, DON'T I?
My right hand smashed into the bag over and over.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
No Cigar As Usual
After enduring the obnoxious people who were riding the trains on their way to a St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Chicago this past Saturday, I made it to Windy City Boxing Gym to renew my boxing membership in USA Boxing. I was told straightaway by the head of the local boxing council that there was no Masters Division this year. No surprise there.
I ran into a referee who also takes pictures at the amateur matches. Brought a couple of pictures of myself, Steve and Junior that were taken at the match at the Sabre Room a couple of months ago. Junior has a hard expression on his face. I think the picture was taken after his opponent attempted to start a real fight with him after the bout.
I ran into a referee who also takes pictures at the amateur matches. Brought a couple of pictures of myself, Steve and Junior that were taken at the match at the Sabre Room a couple of months ago. Junior has a hard expression on his face. I think the picture was taken after his opponent attempted to start a real fight with him after the bout.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Poppped
Junior gets carried away sometimes during sparring matches. Last night, he popped Saddiq in the face. Saddiq's eyes turned glassy and he slumped down to the floor of the ring. All action in the gym stopped to see what happened. Fortunately, he was okay. It was a little scary how quickly it happened.
My right wrist, right shoulder and right knee have been bothering me for days. I can't blame it on the fall I took in the roller rink last week anymore. Probably have been hitting the heavy bags too hard or improperly. My knee is a mystery, however. A sore spot appears there on and off. Have no idea what causes it or why. I've been thinking about having someone look at my knees for some time now. Arithritis keeps crossing my mind.
My right wrist, right shoulder and right knee have been bothering me for days. I can't blame it on the fall I took in the roller rink last week anymore. Probably have been hitting the heavy bags too hard or improperly. My knee is a mystery, however. A sore spot appears there on and off. Have no idea what causes it or why. I've been thinking about having someone look at my knees for some time now. Arithritis keeps crossing my mind.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Weird R Us
Mary told me that some guy had been coming in this week asking to use the gym. She had taken his name and number, and told him she had given the message to Steve. The guy showed up around 6:00 PM on Friday, long before I arrived. Mary had already explained to the guy that Steve was out because his wife just had a baby. It seemed to her that the guy had not listened to nor believed her the first time. He told Mary that he allegedly had been calling for some time to inquire about boxing. He assumed that she would open up the gym for him simply because he wanted to work out, despite his not having paid for the class. I assured Mary that I would keep a lookout for that character, just in case he showed up. Always at least one oddball who shows up with a jones to workout each session.
Guys on hand in the gym: Danny, Big Corey, Saddiq, Junior. Plus, there was a Hispanic guy who had trained in the gym some time ago. I can't think of his name. . .he brought a friend with him to check things out. A quiet night. I was taking things a little easy because I was somewhat not into the workout. It happens. Some days you're feeling it, and other days, it's like going through the motions. Also, I didn't want to wear myself out very much before roller derby tryouts on Sunday.
Guys on hand in the gym: Danny, Big Corey, Saddiq, Junior. Plus, there was a Hispanic guy who had trained in the gym some time ago. I can't think of his name. . .he brought a friend with him to check things out. A quiet night. I was taking things a little easy because I was somewhat not into the workout. It happens. Some days you're feeling it, and other days, it's like going through the motions. Also, I didn't want to wear myself out very much before roller derby tryouts on Sunday.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Finally, Danger Is Here
Received an email from Steve stating that his and Ellen's son had been born this past Sunday. He actually gave the middle name of "Danger" to the child. Actually, that goes along nicely with the boy's first name, which is Eli. If their son becomes famous, he could always be known as Eli Danger. That is cool.
On hand in the gym: Junior, Andrew, Saddiq, Sarah, and a friend of Sarah's who came in to observe. Gilberto brought in two women, one of whom appeared to fascinated by what she saw. "Yeah, I can do this," she said, but she didn't ask enough questions about what was involved. Her friend didn't say much, so I don't know how interested she was. It remains to be seen if either of them will sign up.
I was still a little sore from a roller skating mishap that took place on Monday. I was showing off while skating backwards, slipped, fell, and my head bounced off the floor. I hurt my left shoulder, too, but I was able to work through it. Turned out to be a very good workout after all.
On hand in the gym: Junior, Andrew, Saddiq, Sarah, and a friend of Sarah's who came in to observe. Gilberto brought in two women, one of whom appeared to fascinated by what she saw. "Yeah, I can do this," she said, but she didn't ask enough questions about what was involved. Her friend didn't say much, so I don't know how interested she was. It remains to be seen if either of them will sign up.
I was still a little sore from a roller skating mishap that took place on Monday. I was showing off while skating backwards, slipped, fell, and my head bounced off the floor. I hurt my left shoulder, too, but I was able to work through it. Turned out to be a very good workout after all.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Rock Falls
Last week, we saw a video of some of the things that happened in Rock Falls, IL not long ago. Junior's fast hands took out an opponent in the first round. Mike, on the other hand, took some hard punches from his opponent, and didn't do so well. Junior won all of his matches. I wish a many a day I had the speed he has in his hands.
I think I have my mother's hard right hand, though. She punched me a couple of times that I remember when I was eleven years old. Both times was because I was smarting off. I don't know why she was mad during the first instance , but she snapped "Do you believe that I'll kick your ass?" What possessed me to answer "No", I will never figure out. Her right hand darted out like a hamster avoiding being a snack for a snake. I was standing in front of my bed. The force of the punch literally flipped me over the bed, and I crashed against the wall behind it and slumped to the floor.
The second time was a few months later. She yelled at me to clean the baseboards in the kitchen again, because apparently, I had not cleaned them right the first time. I've always hated to do housework, and I believe one of the reasons why is because Mom put so much emphasis on it being done all the time. I grumbled under my breath, not checking to see if she had indeed left the room before I started complaining. The next second, I found myself on my knees. That little woman had rabbit punched me in the back of my neck. I put my hand there, and when I pulled it away, my fingers were covered with blood. There is still a scar there to this day.
Despite of that, I do advocate spanking children if needed to curb bad behavior. I don't believe in drawing blood out of them, however.
I think I have my mother's hard right hand, though. She punched me a couple of times that I remember when I was eleven years old. Both times was because I was smarting off. I don't know why she was mad during the first instance , but she snapped "Do you believe that I'll kick your ass?" What possessed me to answer "No", I will never figure out. Her right hand darted out like a hamster avoiding being a snack for a snake. I was standing in front of my bed. The force of the punch literally flipped me over the bed, and I crashed against the wall behind it and slumped to the floor.
The second time was a few months later. She yelled at me to clean the baseboards in the kitchen again, because apparently, I had not cleaned them right the first time. I've always hated to do housework, and I believe one of the reasons why is because Mom put so much emphasis on it being done all the time. I grumbled under my breath, not checking to see if she had indeed left the room before I started complaining. The next second, I found myself on my knees. That little woman had rabbit punched me in the back of my neck. I put my hand there, and when I pulled it away, my fingers were covered with blood. There is still a scar there to this day.
Despite of that, I do advocate spanking children if needed to curb bad behavior. I don't believe in drawing blood out of them, however.
Blood On The Floor
The ring in the gym is flat on the floor. Behind that is a exercise mat. I was laying on that, doing crunches, while Michael and Ben were sparring. Michael comes by and stands over me, saying something about blood, but I couldn't make out exactly what he said. His mouthpiece was in. I thought he meant he was bleeding. Then he said, "No, Ben is bleeding." I sat up to see Steve attempting to stem the flow of blood from Ben's nose. Emmmauel, who had come into the gym that night, was spraying cleaner on the various spots of blood that had been splashed on the floor of the gym.
Blood is not uncommon in the gym, but it was a little shocking to me last night. Ben has sparred before, but he had never been cut open. I didn't see the punch that produced the crimson, but others who did said it wasn't that hard. However, it was damaging, as Ben had to go out to the men's room to clean up. When he came back in, I noticed he was checking his face in one of the long mirrors in the gym. I thought, "He's going to be swollen tomorrow." I asked him, "Are you okay?" while looking at a streak of blood on his dark T-shirt. "I'm good," he said, but his face was red.
Michael told me he had a headache ever since he took those punches from Saddiq on Wednesday. "The school's clinic is closed until Monday", he told me when I suggested that he should see a doctor. Michael is a college student. "Try one of the city's free clinics," I said. "That may be a slight concussion."
Steve announced that his son will officially be two weeks late in being born as of this upcoming Tuesday. If the boy doesn't come out this weekend, Steve and Ellen's midwife has suggested they induce labor. "I thought it was going to happen the other night because she was having a lot of contractions," Steve said, "but I went back to sleep. I thought, 'We've been through this a few times, so I'm not going to get excited.'" "You would have woken up if you suddenly felt wetness and found her water had broken," I joked. I hope their baby is born this weekend. I can imagine that Ellen is not comfortable.
Junior and Mike (the other Michael who is married to a Swede), went more than five rounds in the ring during their sparring session. Mike is in good shape; however, at the end of it, he was more tired than Junior. I understand that Mike works out very hard, but Junior, who is about ten years younger, has energy to burn. I sparred with Junior once, and I was tired as a big dog afterwards. "You are too fast for me," I gasped.
Blood is not uncommon in the gym, but it was a little shocking to me last night. Ben has sparred before, but he had never been cut open. I didn't see the punch that produced the crimson, but others who did said it wasn't that hard. However, it was damaging, as Ben had to go out to the men's room to clean up. When he came back in, I noticed he was checking his face in one of the long mirrors in the gym. I thought, "He's going to be swollen tomorrow." I asked him, "Are you okay?" while looking at a streak of blood on his dark T-shirt. "I'm good," he said, but his face was red.
Michael told me he had a headache ever since he took those punches from Saddiq on Wednesday. "The school's clinic is closed until Monday", he told me when I suggested that he should see a doctor. Michael is a college student. "Try one of the city's free clinics," I said. "That may be a slight concussion."
Steve announced that his son will officially be two weeks late in being born as of this upcoming Tuesday. If the boy doesn't come out this weekend, Steve and Ellen's midwife has suggested they induce labor. "I thought it was going to happen the other night because she was having a lot of contractions," Steve said, "but I went back to sleep. I thought, 'We've been through this a few times, so I'm not going to get excited.'" "You would have woken up if you suddenly felt wetness and found her water had broken," I joked. I hope their baby is born this weekend. I can imagine that Ellen is not comfortable.
Junior and Mike (the other Michael who is married to a Swede), went more than five rounds in the ring during their sparring session. Mike is in good shape; however, at the end of it, he was more tired than Junior. I understand that Mike works out very hard, but Junior, who is about ten years younger, has energy to burn. I sparred with Junior once, and I was tired as a big dog afterwards. "You are too fast for me," I gasped.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Good Hitts
Had a good workout tonight. One of those nights where my energy was high, which was amazing, considering how I dragged around work today.
Michael and Saddiq got some sparring in, and Michael kept forgetting to keep his chin doen. Of course, he got hit a few times, and bled a little. "I'm going to send a picture of myself to my mom," he told me. "She's going to have a fit when she sees your face!" I exclaimed. "It's okay, she's in Texas," he grinned.
No baby yet for Steve and Ellen. He joked that their son was holding on to the inside of the womb in an effort not to come out. It's a waiting game at this point.
Michael and Saddiq got some sparring in, and Michael kept forgetting to keep his chin doen. Of course, he got hit a few times, and bled a little. "I'm going to send a picture of myself to my mom," he told me. "She's going to have a fit when she sees your face!" I exclaimed. "It's okay, she's in Texas," he grinned.
No baby yet for Steve and Ellen. He joked that their son was holding on to the inside of the womb in an effort not to come out. It's a waiting game at this point.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Six For The Cause
Steve sent me an email saying that he was going to stay home with his wife. I was thinking earlier this morning that would probably be a good idea if he did that. Better for him to be near his wife when the time comes, then having to make a mad scramble out of the gym.
The guys who came in tonight were Junior, Michael, Saddiq, a friend of Saddiq's, and Danny. Junior mentioned that he liked a horrible popular song that has the hook, "I'm in love with a stripper". Michael was saying he didn't think the song was that hot. I used to bring in a lot of old school tapes to play, but the young guys weren't that into the old school songs. Also, I got tired of hearing the same old stuff. Most of the popular music the guys like to listen to is not that good, but the heavy beats are appropriate for a workout.
Cold as hell outside this night, but I don't mind walking to--and sometimes from--the gym, no matter what the weather is. I used to take the bus sometimes, but that seemed like such laziness to me. The gym is only 15 to 20 minutes away walking, and these days, I could always use the extra exercise.
The guys who came in tonight were Junior, Michael, Saddiq, a friend of Saddiq's, and Danny. Junior mentioned that he liked a horrible popular song that has the hook, "I'm in love with a stripper". Michael was saying he didn't think the song was that hot. I used to bring in a lot of old school tapes to play, but the young guys weren't that into the old school songs. Also, I got tired of hearing the same old stuff. Most of the popular music the guys like to listen to is not that good, but the heavy beats are appropriate for a workout.
Cold as hell outside this night, but I don't mind walking to--and sometimes from--the gym, no matter what the weather is. I used to take the bus sometimes, but that seemed like such laziness to me. The gym is only 15 to 20 minutes away walking, and these days, I could always use the extra exercise.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Two Guys Return and Contractions
The two guys, one of whom had been in Iraq, returned to the gym after their brief absence. One of them told Junior that he could get him into a club. Problem is, one has to be 21, and Junior won't be twenty until this summer. "Man, I'm going to be on the door, so I will comp you," the guy told him. "You got a real looking fake ID?" Sounded very illegal to me, but then I remembered I had a fake ID when I was Junior's age. Used it to get into a disco that was over a restaurant in downtown Chicago during my lunch hours. That was strange, a disco open during the day time. Ah, the early 1980's were fun.
Saddiq was the new guy in class today, and I showed him how to do some footwork. Steve worked with Junior for awhile, but had to go early and leave me in charge of the gym. No baby yet, but Ellen has been having mild contractions. "Doctor says it's normal," Steve explained. Having never had a child myself, I have to take his word for it.
Laura sent the article she did for her class about myself and boxing to Steve and I. She did an extremely nice job in capturing the gym and the people who populate it. I sent a copy to Margaret, the choir director at my church, and she commented about how observant Laura was, especially in regards to her descriptions of what goes on in the gym. I am curious to hear how her professor will grade her work.
Saw a tape of Junior and Mike's fights when they were at the State Championships last month. Mike got dusted by a blow to the chin from his opponent, and he lost. Junior dominated the guy that was in front of him, and the referee stopped it, giving the win to Junior. Junior's opponent was doubled over at one point, and extremely wobbly when the ref checked to see if he could continue.
Saddiq was the new guy in class today, and I showed him how to do some footwork. Steve worked with Junior for awhile, but had to go early and leave me in charge of the gym. No baby yet, but Ellen has been having mild contractions. "Doctor says it's normal," Steve explained. Having never had a child myself, I have to take his word for it.
Laura sent the article she did for her class about myself and boxing to Steve and I. She did an extremely nice job in capturing the gym and the people who populate it. I sent a copy to Margaret, the choir director at my church, and she commented about how observant Laura was, especially in regards to her descriptions of what goes on in the gym. I am curious to hear how her professor will grade her work.
Saw a tape of Junior and Mike's fights when they were at the State Championships last month. Mike got dusted by a blow to the chin from his opponent, and he lost. Junior dominated the guy that was in front of him, and the referee stopped it, giving the win to Junior. Junior's opponent was doubled over at one point, and extremely wobbly when the ref checked to see if he could continue.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Two Guys
Two stocky guys came into the ring on Wednesday. One of them told Steve that he hadn't been out of the military very long. I know that they signed up for the class--I observed them at the registration desk. They were nowhere to be seen on Friday. Some people are like that. They like the idea of boxing, but putting the work in is another thing.
Told my stepmother about the sparring session I had against Sarah on Wednesday. Steve kept telling me to move, and I kept standing there like a statue, taking the punches. Funny how I can stay on my toes while working on the bags, but once inside the ring, I start plodding like Frankenstein's monster. She told me about a relative of hers who recently experienced having an aneurysm. "You have to be careful taking punches to the head like that!" she said. "Things like that could happen." I told her I had head gear on, but that never convinces anyone that my brain is safe from injury.
Lan is gone for awhile. She was going to be in on Friday, but unfortunately, there was a death in her family. Friday was her last day in Chicago for awhile; she's off to military training for a few months.
Danny told me he studies psychology. I knew he worked, but I didn't know that he was also going to school. "I don't know what I'm going to do with my degree," he said. "I'm twenty, and have my whole life ahead of me, but I'm confused. It seems that a lot of people in my generation are about where they are going." I remember being confused when I was his age, too. "You can take advice from everybody," I told him, "but in the end, it has to be your own decision."
Told my stepmother about the sparring session I had against Sarah on Wednesday. Steve kept telling me to move, and I kept standing there like a statue, taking the punches. Funny how I can stay on my toes while working on the bags, but once inside the ring, I start plodding like Frankenstein's monster. She told me about a relative of hers who recently experienced having an aneurysm. "You have to be careful taking punches to the head like that!" she said. "Things like that could happen." I told her I had head gear on, but that never convinces anyone that my brain is safe from injury.
Lan is gone for awhile. She was going to be in on Friday, but unfortunately, there was a death in her family. Friday was her last day in Chicago for awhile; she's off to military training for a few months.
Danny told me he studies psychology. I knew he worked, but I didn't know that he was also going to school. "I don't know what I'm going to do with my degree," he said. "I'm twenty, and have my whole life ahead of me, but I'm confused. It seems that a lot of people in my generation are about where they are going." I remember being confused when I was his age, too. "You can take advice from everybody," I told him, "but in the end, it has to be your own decision."
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Champions All Around
Some sad news to report: Steve's beloved water dragon passed away. Appears that his pet had been sick, but had not showed major signs of distress. Usually, water dragons live for a long time, so this was a shock to the coach.
Two champions in the gym this week: Junior, still high off of his success at the IL State Championships, and nine year old Diego, who won a state championship several weeks ago. It was reported that another state champion, Montrell, did well against his opponents at the Nat'l Silver Gloves, and is on his way to winning the whole thing.
I guess Leslie and the other Cassandra gave the gym up. Neither of them have been seen since the first day of the current session. Corey and Andrew still come in, although Andrew was not there last night. Didn't see Cole and his roommate Nathan, either. Nate Sr. came in and went some sparring rounds with Steve and the other Corey, whom I shall refer to as Big Corey. Soft-spoken Joe came in, and so did Danny. I was the only woman there, as Lan is still away.
Diego's parents and siblings have been picking him up from the gym. Dad wasn't there yesterday, but his mom showed up with two girls who looked like the boy's older siblings. He appears to be the only boy. His mom looks so young. I wonder if she is even thirty years old yet.
I told Steve and the guys that I put my name in to try out for the Windy City Rollers, a local all-female roller derby league. "Oh, shit!" Junior exclaimed. "I bet your boss had something to say about that," Steve grinned. Les had told me earlier that he thought I was "bent on self-destruction". Sometimes I get the feeling that my boss never takes chances and has always lived his life as carefully as possible. A friend on a childfree message board I frequent wrote after I announced it there, "It amazes me that you're this soft-hearted, kind Christian woman who can beat the shit of anyone easily. I love that for some reason!" I got a good laugh from that.
Put feelers out on a masters boxing group, letting people know that the Chicago Golden Gloves start next month, and registration will be soon. I would love to get a match this year, but I've been disappointed repeatedly. Even if I only managed to convince some male masters boxers to get involved, I will be satisfied. The local LBC has got to recognize that masters boxers do exist and promote the tournament to us a little better than they have been.
Two champions in the gym this week: Junior, still high off of his success at the IL State Championships, and nine year old Diego, who won a state championship several weeks ago. It was reported that another state champion, Montrell, did well against his opponents at the Nat'l Silver Gloves, and is on his way to winning the whole thing.
I guess Leslie and the other Cassandra gave the gym up. Neither of them have been seen since the first day of the current session. Corey and Andrew still come in, although Andrew was not there last night. Didn't see Cole and his roommate Nathan, either. Nate Sr. came in and went some sparring rounds with Steve and the other Corey, whom I shall refer to as Big Corey. Soft-spoken Joe came in, and so did Danny. I was the only woman there, as Lan is still away.
Diego's parents and siblings have been picking him up from the gym. Dad wasn't there yesterday, but his mom showed up with two girls who looked like the boy's older siblings. He appears to be the only boy. His mom looks so young. I wonder if she is even thirty years old yet.
I told Steve and the guys that I put my name in to try out for the Windy City Rollers, a local all-female roller derby league. "Oh, shit!" Junior exclaimed. "I bet your boss had something to say about that," Steve grinned. Les had told me earlier that he thought I was "bent on self-destruction". Sometimes I get the feeling that my boss never takes chances and has always lived his life as carefully as possible. A friend on a childfree message board I frequent wrote after I announced it there, "It amazes me that you're this soft-hearted, kind Christian woman who can beat the shit of anyone easily. I love that for some reason!" I got a good laugh from that.
Put feelers out on a masters boxing group, letting people know that the Chicago Golden Gloves start next month, and registration will be soon. I would love to get a match this year, but I've been disappointed repeatedly. Even if I only managed to convince some male masters boxers to get involved, I will be satisfied. The local LBC has got to recognize that masters boxers do exist and promote the tournament to us a little better than they have been.
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