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Dustin Johnson Shows Skill And Heart In Road To Glory

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Check out LA Boxing’s Dustin Johnson at the 1:00 mark.

BATON ROUGE – LA Boxing Baton Rouge’s very own, Dustin Johnson, recently returned from Milwaukee after competing in the nation’s most elite 8-man Muay Thai tournament, Road To Glory.

After suffering a broken foot in the second round against the very experienced and dangerous Muay Thai expert, Muhsin Corbbrey, Johnson battled through the pain but came up short on a decision loss. Showing much heart and skill between the ropes, Johnson can walk (or almost walk) proud of his performance.

The eight-man tournament awarded $20,000 and a multi-year contract with the premier kickboxing organization, Glory. The tournament included Cyrus Washington of Saginaw, MI; Shidokan Karate, boxing and Muay Thai expert Muhsin Corbbrey (pictured) of Tulsa, OK; Muay Thai champion Michael Mananquil of San Bruno, CA; battle-tested striking sensation Jose Palacios of Fremont, CA; rising star Jameel Massouh of Milwaukee; kickboxing star and police officer Dustin Johnson of Baton Rouge, LA; national and North American Muay Thai champion Ben Yelle of Marquette, MI; and six-time kickboxing and Muay Thai champion Troy Sheridan of Stouffville, Ontario, Canada.

GLORY World Series (www.gloryworldseries.com) is the world’s premier Kickboxing league, producing live events across the globe featuring one-night, 16-man ‘Grand Slam’ tournaments and 8-man ‘Slam’ tournaments, which are open to only the best fighters in each of six different weight classes. The fight series also includes events with traditional, single bouts.

With television deals spanning every continent, online live video streaming of all shows and the world’s largest online martial arts library, GLORY is one of the world’s most widely distributed sporting organizations.

Owned and operated by Glory Sports International (GSI), the organization has offices in the UK, Netherlands, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the US. Its personnel include an unprecedented mix of accomplished entrepreneurs and senior level executives from the diverse worlds of finance, sports marketing, television and martial arts fighting.

In 2013, GLORY launched the Road To GLORY tournament fight series to identify and develop new Kickboxing talent in the United States, Japan and elsewhere around the globe into future champions and superstars of the sport.

Don’t Weigh Heavily on Your Scale

BATON ROUGE—Find yourself obsessing over the scale on a regular basis? Stop! When you’re focused on exercising and eating healthy to lose weight or even tone up, many gym-goers rely entirely too much on the scale readings. Instead, judge progress through other means of measurement.

LA Boxing Baton Rouge’s personal trainer, Stacey DeJohn, said the numbers on the scale can often deceive someone who is trying to track their progress.

“I tell a lot of members to draw their focus away from the scale because it can be misleading, to a degree,” DeJohn said. “People either forget or don’t realize the differences in density between muscle and fat. A pound of fat has a much larger volume than a pound of muscle”

According to William D. McArdle of “Exercise Physiology”, 1 liter of muscle weighs 2.3 lbs while 1 liter of fat weighs 1.98 lbs. Of course this may vary due to numerous factors including race, being extremely lean, or being extremely obese.

DeJohn said people often use the scale as a tool for motivation. They may see one or two pounds slide off and it gives that person some reassurance that they are getting closer to their fitness goals. However, tipping the scale into the heavier direction does not necessarily mean you’re losing the battle.

“I often see clients increase in body weight and get discouraged. Yet, tracking their workouts in terms of reps, pace, and intensity, these numbers tell a much different story. Their energy levels are higher, their cardio threshold is increased, and they have much more strength,” explained DeJohn.

Checking your weight every morning and every night often leads to a motivational bust. “In the morning your body is dehydrated and nutrition deprived. Of course you’re going to weigh less in the earlier hours than mid-day after you’ve replenished yourself with fluids and food.”

Instead of driving yourself crazy over the fluctuating numbers of the scale, find simple alternatives to determine whether or not your fitness program is leading you down the right path.

“It’s more about what you see in the mirror and how your clothes fit than what the scale says. The numbers are not always 100 percent accurate in explaining the changes your body could be going through. You may not be happy with the scale but pleasantly surprised by the change in your waistline,” DeJohn said.

It’s important to take measurements of key areas, such as the waist, thighs, shoulders, and chest. These numbers provide an actual record and history of your progress. She also suggests taking a picture of yourself before you start your workout regimen, and then again at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks, and compare the pictures to see the change in your body.

“Since you look at yourself every day and you’re around the same people all the time, it might be harder to actually see the change,” she said. “But once you put the before and after pics side by side, it’s a whole different world.”

To discover more or get started on a fitness regime of your own, contact LA Boxing Baton Rouge at 225-291-5269 (Sherwood/Coursey) or 225-341-3105 (Perkins/Acadian).

Further reading:

Overcoming the Scale Obsession

5 Reasons to Break Up With Your Scale 

Dustin Johnson Hits the Road to Glory

BATON ROUGE—LA Boxing’s Muai Thai Specialist Dustin Johnson recently signed a contract enlisting him in one of the biggest opportunities of his life. On Saturday, May 11, Johnson will join seven other fighters from North America, in the Road to Glory tournament in Milwaukee, WI.

The tournament, starting with eight fighters, determines what single fighter will walk away with a prize of $20,000 and a contract to fight in Glory. Glory is the world’s premier stand-up fight league, featuring the very best kickboxers from around the globe.

“All of the guys in the Road to Glory tournament are world class fighters,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be hard, but I don’t care. That’s always been my mentality.”

As part of Johnson’s training for the tournament, he traveled to Amsterdam to train at Mejiro Gym, home to well-known fighters including Peter Aerts and Rob Kaman.

“Rob Kaman is the whole reason I got into kickboxing,” Johnson said. “Pretty much almost every single great kickboxer has come from Mejiro.”

Johnson was anxious to train at Mejiro because of its history and prominence in the fighting world, but he also wanted to put in the best training in preparation for the Road to Glory.

“The thing about Mejiro, it’s the most unassuming gym you’ve ever seen,” he said. “I can only describe the training as extremely spartan. You walk in, and when training starts, the door to the training room shuts, and once that door shuts, it’s balls to the wall.”

Training for the Road to Glory is different than training for a standard one-man fight.

“I could be fighting any one of these guys and each one has his own unique style, so I have to be prepared for anything,” Johnson said. “My stamina training is top priority because fighting three times in one night is ruthless.”

Johnson, along with the seven other fighters in the tournament, will be put into a drawing during weigh-ins the night before the competition. After weigh-ins, each person will find out who their first opponent is. The winner of the competition will have to win all three fights, each consisting of three three-minute rounds, under standard kickboxing rules.

“I could be facing a guy who is a great boxer in one fight and then a guy who is great with his knees the next, so I have to be ready for anything,” Johnson said.

Since his return from Amsterdam, Johnson has applied the techniques he learned at Mejiro to amp up his two-a-day training sessions.

“It’s the mentality that they take to training, even while you’re shadow boxing, you’re focused to do damage,” Johnson said. “It’s the mindset, when training starts, training starts, and you’re training to knock someone’s head off.”

While it is an honor to be asked to compete in the Road to Glory, Johnson is well-aware of the challenges that face him.

“The biggest challenge is the fighters themselves,” he said. “The best fighters are there and that’s the toughest challenge, but in my opinion, if you’re not actively seeking out the best opposition you can face, then you’re not a fighter, you’re just a pretender. I’m more likely the underdog in this, I know the odds are against me but if there’s a way to win this I’m going to find it.”

For Johnson, the Road to Glory is the test of his kickboxing career.

“I’ve always wanted to fight the best guys and be on the biggest stage,” he said. “If your goal is not to be a world champion or to be the absolute best you can be, you shouldn’t be doing it. I’ve always wanted to be competing on the world stage and this is my chance. It’s do or die.”

Thomas G Webb Set For River Center Event

BATON ROUGE—LA Boxing’s very own, Thomas G. Webb, enters the cage Friday May 3, 2013 on the USA-MMA Stacked 3 card against Baton Rouge’s Calvin Miller at the Baton Rouge River Center. The first bell is set to ring at 8 PM.

“My opponent is Calvin Miller,” Webb said. “We used to train together at Gladiators. He’s a good guy; personally, I have no problem with him. We’ve talked a few times about this fight.We both know it’s going to be an exciting fight.”

While Webb (5-0-0) is better known for groundwork and Miller (6-3-0) is known for stand up, their skill level combined with the local rivalry is what makes this fight one to look forward to.

With a laundry list of local standouts in his training camp at LA Boxing, including JC Pennington, Dustin Johnson, Michael Guidry, George Frangie, Josh Mancuso, and Doug Fournet, Thomas is confident his team and his training regimen will end in success.

“We are the best,” he said. “We have the best trainers here. We have the best in all aspects and we are a team, we train together.”

Although locals are looking forward to seeing a matchup between the former training partners, Webb said he is training for this fight like it is any other.

“It’s easy for me to separate things like that,” Webb said. “I’ve never, in my life, had a problem punching one of my friends in the face. I express myself physically, so I’ve never had a problem fighting friends. I know that in MMA, this is a business, and this is what I do for my business. i don’t have to be mad at him to fight him.”

Webb, a member of the armed forces since 2001, has been involved with combat sports since the age of 5. Premiering in venues such as USAMMA and Gladiator Promotions, Thomas has risen through the local ranks and quickly catching the attention of national promotions. He’s also captured titles in Grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournaments including The Houston Open, Louisiana State Tournament, and Gladiator’s Open.

Today, Webb assumes the Head Instructor role at LA Boxing’s Sherwood/Coursey location in Baton Rouge and coordinates conditioning workouts, personal training, and the mixed martial arts program. Thomas’ outgoing personality and love of the sport forms the perfect mix for entertaining, energetic, and challenging classes. His experience as a coach and competitor lends a deep understanding of what it takes to motivate others and assist them in reaching specific goals.

“The big thing about this fight is that it’s the two biggest gyms in Baton Rouge, which are pretty close together already, with a lot of past behind us,” Webb said. “I feel I have a lot to prove. Everybody wants to see who is the best. I feel I’m going to win and I’m pretty sure he feels the same way.”

To see Thomas in action, pick up your tickets to USA-MMA’s Stacked 3 by visiting www.usa-mma.org.

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Lamar Advertising Company Takes On LA Boxing Baton Rouge

THE LA BOXING INTRODUCTION - fundamentals & fitness

 LA Boxing takes on Lamar Advertising Company on March 22, 2013 at 2:00PM in what many Sweet Science pugilists claim to be “The Company Seminar of The Year!”

Get a taste of The LA Boxing Workout during this 1-hour Introductory Kickboxing seminar with LA Boxing Baton Rouge Head Instructors, Thomas G Webb and JC Pennington!

This seminar will cover the fundamentals of boxing and kickboxing while offering incredible full-body exercises to get the muscles fatigued and heart pumping. The Introductory Session will provide:

  • The Warm-Up
  • Technique; Footwork & Fundamentals
  • Partner Pad Drills
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Cool Down
  • Light Stretch

The workplace can be a stressful and physically taxing environment. Benefits of working out are far-reaching and play a vital role in improving one’s mental, physical, and emotional state. Insert an exciting, fast-paced workout designed by professional fighters and fitness specialists and you’re on your way to discovering a NEW YOU!

The Benefits

Burning a few calories is just the beginning. This Company Seminar offers many benefits including:

  • Genuine boxing, kickboxing, & self-defense technique.
  • A means of stress release that only LA Boxing can handle.
  • A team building experience your company will never forget.
  • Limited seminar sizes, ensuring our experienced trainers can offer one-on-one attention.

 

 If your company is interested in a unique, team-building activity that promotes health and self-defense in the workplace, contact LA Boxing Baton Rouge at the following locations:

  • Sherwood & Coursey: 225-291-5269 / batonrouge@laboxing.com
  • Perkins & Acadian: 225-341-3105 / acadian@laboxing.com

Weight Loss Decision Leads to Martial Arts Stardom – America Now


Copyright 2013 America Now. All rights reserved.

The jungle sounds and lion roars spilling from a small workout room at L.A. Boxing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana can mean only one thing: The Little Ninjas are hard at work.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Jessica Guedry puts the mini-martial artists through their paces.

Two years ago, Guedry admits she would not have made it through the first 10 minutes.

“I was about 260 pounds. I guess I was just looking for something, a way to lose weight and get in shape,” she says.

Guedry had tried diets and exercise on her own with some positive results, but after losing 50 pounds, she reached her weight loss plateau. That’s when a friend suggested boxing classes.

Gabe Miller, owner of L.A. Boxing, remembers the day Guedry walked into his gym.

“She was really shy. It was almost like she wouldn’t look you in the eye,” he says.

At 210 pounds, Guedry was not ready for the intense workout slugging heavy bags.

“I tried my first class. It kicked my butt for sure! I was hooked. From then on, I was in here five, six nights a week,” says Guedry.

Five months later, she was down to 160 pounds and the heavy bags were not enough of a workout.

“Trainers started noticing how good she was on the bags,” says Miller.  That is when trainer Josh Mancuso talked Guedry into climbing into the boxing ring.

“Oh my gosh,” Guedry says as she remembers that day. “Sparring; they punch each other.  I didn’t want to get a bloody nose.  I didn’t want to lose any teeth.”

From the boxing ring, it was a short hop to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which Guedry calls her life right now. BJJ is a sport of throws and chokes, and big guys grabbing all over each other practiced mostly by mixed martial arts fighters.

WATCH THE FULL STORY ON AMERICA NOW

Dustin Johnson – Dutch Muay Thai Seminar

Saturday, January 26th, LA Boxing’s Muay Thai Specialist, Dustin Johnson, will be instructing a 2-hour Dutch Muay Thai seminar at Higher Power Martial Arts and Fitness Center (13097 Burgess Ave, Walker, Louisiana 70785) in Walker, Louisiana from 3:00PM to 5:00PM. Whether you have an interest in getting started in Muay Thai or a Mixed Martial Arts seasoned veteran, this seminar is for YOU! Dustin provides incredible instruction and, through many years of endless training, is able to break down the details of elite striking for all students and participants.

Johnson, a Dutch style Muay Thai fighter and founder of the Acadiana Muay Thai Fight Team is regarded as one of Louisiana’s most elite strikers. His 14 years of Muay Thai experience and the shear desire to train and fight against the world’s best has led Johnson to compete in amazing venues all across North America, Asia, and Europe.

Collecting a professional Muay Thai record of 13-5 with 8 wins by way of knockout, Dustin continues to seek new challenges to test his competition prowess. Throughout his career Dustin has trained under many notable fighters including K-1 veteran Pat Barry, UFC veteran Rich Clementi, and U.S. Sanshou Coach Shawn Liu. Johnson continues to expand his knowledge and experience by frequenting Thailand to train and compete in select fight camps and stadiums.

Johnson currently lends his experience and expertise as the stand-up coach to the LA Boxing Baton Rouge Fight Team. His Dutch Muay Thai background offers a style that converts well in mixed martial arts. With a gritty style and the willingness to push training to the limits, Johnson ensures that every team member steps into competition more than ready.

I was 12 years old, sitting at my house, watching fights on ESPN. I remember watching this Dutch guy pick people apart with low kicks and punch combos. It was Rob Kama! I sat back and told myself…that’s what I want to do.

DON’T MISS THIS EXCITING EVENT! The seminar is open to all schools and will cover the basics of the Dutch method as well as applying these strategies to MMA and Kickboxing. Cost is only $20 dollars per person for the full 2 hours! Reserve your spot on Facebook by going to https://www.facebook.com/events/439523076114984/. Remember: shin pads and boxing gloves or MMA gloves required.

If your school is interested in hosting Dustin Johnson you may contact him through Facebook or email at DSJ5213@gmail.com.

 

GREAT Holiday Gift Idea!

Searching for that PERFECT GIFT for the holidays? Look no further! LA Boxing Baton Rouge is now offering an AMAZING Gift Pack to compliment your under-the-tree treasures.

Watch your fiends and loved ones light up when they unwrap their very own Boxing Gloves, Hand Wraps, and 1-Month Membership to Baton Rouge’s premier facility for boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and brazilian jiu jitsu! Their membership will allow access incredible amenities including:

  • Unlimited Classes
  • Free-Weights, Strength Machines, & Cardio Equipment
  • Online Nutrition Guide to Track Results

At LA Boxing, we focus on guiding each and every member to his or her fitness or training goals. We provide the most comprehensive instruction in a safe, clean, and exciting atmosphere.

Call or stop by today to get more information on our Holiday Gift Pack.

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Thomas Webb Set For Main Event At Belle of Baton Rouge

LA Boxing’s very own, Thomas G. Webb, enters the cage once again Saturday December 8, 2012 as the headlined main event against Houston’s Mitchell Hale at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Atrium Hotel. Doors open at 6:00PM with the first bell set to ring at 7:30PM.

This fight is real important to me because I’ve had several fall through in the past year. I’m just ready to get back in there.” Sidelined by injury, military duty, and opponent no-shows, Webb has focused on putting the obstacles in his rearview and setting his sights on the task at hand.

With a laundry list of local standouts in his training camp at LA Boxing, including JC Pennington, Dustin Johnson, Michael Guidry, George Frangie, Josh Mancuso, and Doug Fournet, Thomas is confident his speed, strength, cardio, and timing will fall right in sync by fight week. “The training is vicious,” Thomas stated, “but I love every minute of it. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to train with.

Seeking to extend his unblemished professional MMA record of 4-0, Webb happily accepted the challenge against Hale when presented the opportunity to take center stage before a hometown audience. “He’s a tough fighter. He doesn’t mind standing and trading but this is the MMA game. A fight can go anywhere.

Webb, a member of the armed forces since 2001, has been involved with combat sports since the age of 5. Premiering in venues such as USAMMA and Gladiator Promotions, Thomas has risen through the local ranks and quickly catching the attention of national promotions. He’s also captured titles in Grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournaments including The Houston Open, Louisiana State Tournament, and Gladiator’s Open.

Today, Webb assumes the Head Instructor role at LA Boxing’s Sherwood/Coursey location in Baton Rouge and coordinates conditioning workouts, personal training, and the mixed martial arts program. Thomas’ outgoing personality and love of the sport forms the perfect mix for entertaining, energetic, and challenging classes. His experience as a coach and competitor lends a deep understanding of what it takes to motivate others and assist them in reaching specific goals.

To see Thomas in action, pick up your tickets to FFC’s Season’s Beating at The Belle by visiting LA Boxing at 4520 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd, Suite 110 or visit www.felixslabadboy.com.

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LA Boxing Women’s Self-Defense Seminar

Baton Rouge can sometimes be a dangerous city. With crime rates on the rise, simply walking in your neighborhood or shopping around town can often leave one feeling vulnerable, unsafe, and afraid. Well…it’s time to fight back!

LA Boxing Baton Rouge is proud to announce the Grand Opening of their second location on Acadian & Perkins by hosting 2 Women’s Self-Defense Seminars with 5-Time World Muay Thai Champion and Former WEC Lightweight World Champion, Rob McCullough! Don’t miss out on either one of these amazing sessions of street survival skills as McCullough will lead you through situations of Evading An Attackers Strikes to Defending Yourself On The Ground.

Choose between 2 convenient locations at 2 convenient times for only $25! Session A will be held at Acadian/Perkins (3731 Perkins Rd) from 10:00AM to 12:00PM. Session B will be held at Sherwood/Coursey (4520 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd Suite 110) from 2:00PM to 4PM.

Register NOW by clicking the session of choice! Space is limited!

Session A – LA Boxing Acadian @ 10:00AM

Session B – LA Boxing Sherwood @ 2:00PM