Old and New School Boxing
When I first decided to write a sports column for the Fix I contacted many Fernie sports clubs and quickly learned Fernie was more than just skiing and mountain biking - much, much more. In fact there are so many sports clubs in Fernie, ranging from figure skating and dancing to curling, hockey and even arm wrestling, that there was no way I could write one article to cover them all. Each club is unique and has a special caliber of athletes with their own stories. I look forward to exploring all of them and sharing what I learn with you.
If there was ever a sport you could call old school, boxing would fit the bill. Dating back to Ancient Greek and Roman times, boxing was contested in the early Ancient Olympic games and has been held in every modern summer Olympic games (except in 1912) since 1904. Boxers are classified in specific weight categories ranging from just over 100lbs (flyweights) to those over 200lbs (heavyweights), of which the heaviest is recorded to be about 330lbs! Boxing matches or bouts range from 4 to 12 rounds of 2-3 minutes each. Boxers have incredible strength, stamina, speed and agility and are truly tough, talented athletes.
One of Fernie’s tough and talented athletes has started his own old school boxing club. Garth Rizzutto boxed, did gymnastics, played racquet sports, made the NHL (playing with the Vancouver Canucks) and even has a son that has won the Canadian National Wakeboarding Championships. Garth is also now a passionate and successful coach (having coached two past national champions) as well as an active referee in the sport of boxing.
You may have noticed a carved wooden sign above a glass door between The Bake Shop and the Guides Hut. Hours on the door list club training times, and on a Thursday between 7 and 8:30pm I went and checked it out. Downstairs is a huge space which Garth (also a carpenter) has fashioned (a section of) into a boxing club. An old ghetto blaster pumps out upbeat music, heavy bags hang from the rafters and there are ropes cornering off a small ring. About 15 people all of various ages are milling about. I was surprised to see the majority were in fact women, three of which I was informed were there for their first time. When I asked them “Why boxing?” they told me they heard it was a kick ass workout.
The session started off with some circuit training. Stations ranged from jump rope and step ups to one which consisted of flipping over a tire that looked about the size of the ones found on the green truck in Sparwood! Garth then spent time with the new students helping them with proper punching techniques and stance while some regulars sparred and worked on the heavy bag. One female member, who has been going to the club since May, was particularly inspiring. She had a huge smile on her face when talking to the new girls but when it was time to hit the heavy bag she was fierce and powerful. With about 20 minutes left in class Garth called everyone to hit the mats. He explained the remainder of class would consist of sit-ups. After they had done about 300 and were just over halfway done, I had to make an exit - I was late for dinner and my stomach was hurting form either hunger or sympathy.
Judging from what I saw, the girls had heard right about the kick ass work out. I would hazard a guess they woke up pretty sore the next day, and even worse the day after that. I also couldn’t help but notice they looked like they were having fun. Garth’s gym is full of lively banter and laughs. Knowing how passionate Garth is about sport and at what a high level he has performed and coached at, it was refreshing to hear him talk about the importance of overall fitness and health over competition. He has a few athletes he foresees being able to step in the ring but doesn’t pressure them if they don’t feel ready. He really promotes boxing in both a new school and old school way. An amazing work out for those just looking at getting in shape and proper technique and experienced coaching for those really interested in the sport. If I can ever figure out how I could escape the 500+ sit-ups at the end of the class I may just have to try and put on the gloves.
Hours of operation:
Monday-Friday 7-8:30am
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4-5:30pm
Tuesday & Thursday 7-8:30pm
Just $5 to drop in or call Garth for membership information - 250-423-0272.
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