Defying Gravity
Like many of those who first decide to take up boxing, I was initially hesitant about the types of individuals that I would encounter at the gym. At first, I imagined that I would be surrounded by chiseled, battle-hardened fighters who all had less than 8% body fat, mean dispositions, and inexplicable penchants for pain. In essence, I was really worried about running into blood-crazed versions of Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino, or something resembling this guy:
I’m happy to say that my experiences so far at the Wardance Studio and with the individuals training with Chuck are light-years away from my initial expectations. My interactions with everyone at the gym have been predominately positive and supportive, especially when it comes helping me rid myself of the devastating twerking affliction.
One of the aspects that I have come to love about the studio is the eclectic bunch of individuals comprising the facility. Just recently, I was able to do some mitt drills with a bad-ass, female boxer who also happened to be a concert pianists. Although I was quite hesitant to hit her, she didn’t let my shortcomings hold her back; I felt her landing blows for a few days after that session.
Along with these sorts of interactions, I was lucky enough to witness an event that should’ve been considered a physical anomaly. I saw Big Will in a Jeet Kune Do sparring session (context is everything in story). For those who don’t know Big Will, imagine that the offsprings of a Mr. Universe winner and a NFL linebacker got together and had a baby, and that in some weird and inexplicable way, that baby got into a jar of tiger’s blood. If that baby were to grow up, he’d be half the size of Big Will and would probably ask Big Will to train him. Anyways, I remember how much in awe I was watching Big Will pull off some of the most ridiculous and mind-boggling roundhouse kicks against his sparring partner. For a man the size of Big Will, you would be surprised by how feather-footed he is. Watching this event was like experiencing a David and Goliath story where you’d be okay with David losing, and maybe even start cheering for Goliath, if no one was looking. The whole time I was watching the two of them spar, I kept thinking to myself, “Damn, this is probably how entomologists must have felt when they first witnessed bumblebee flight. It defies all gravity!”
In sum, I’m so happy that I was able to find this gym and meet the individuals that make it unique. Never have I sweat and laughed so hard while trying to get fit.
Thank you again Big Will for making me laugh and leaving me flabbergasted.
Musings by Brian W., Gentleman and Amateur Boxer.
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