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Posts Tagged ‘kickboxing’
Dustin Johnson Hits the Road to Glory
Monday, May 6th, 2013
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.”
The Office Workout
Tuesday, April 9th, 2013
BATON ROUGE—The average person spends at least 8 hours of their day at the office, but health experts say even a short amount of exercise (or movement) can improve your well-being.
According to an article in The Star, “Ten Ways to Work Out at Work,” there are easy ways to get moving during the 9-5 hours.
1. Check your screen. Avoid bad posture by making sure your computer screen is at a position that won’t put strain on your head and neck.
2. Take the stairs. Skip the elevator and take the stairs at least twice a day, skip a few steps while you’re at it.
3. Change your commute. Ride your bike to work or park in the spot furthest away from the office.
4. Combat computer slouch. Strengthen your rhomboid muscles (the ones that squeeze your shoulder blades together) by stretching your arms straight out from your sides and up, squeezing the shoulder blades.
5. Move. Take a walk around your office or step outside for as long as 15 minutes for each hour of work. The short breaks are good for your body and will even keep your mind energized throughout the day.
6. Shadow box. Throw a few air punches or walk briskly around your office to get the blood flowing.
7. Core workout. Work your core while sitting in your office chair. Tighten and release the stomach muscles, tightening for 10-20 seconds, resting for 30, and repeating.
8. Leg workout. While sitting in your office chair, raise one leg as high as possible, hold for two seconds, and release. Switch legs. Repeat on each leg 15 times.
9. Break time. Every time you take a bathroom or a coffee break, commit to doing a set of squats or pushups.
10. Change up the desk. Invest in a standing desk or swap your office chair for a yoga ball.
Further reading:
Discovery Health: 10 Office Exercises You Can Do Secretly
Washington Post: 12 Office Exercises
Photo source: How to Work Out Secretly at the Office
LA Boxing To Open New Location In Baton Rouge
Thursday, July 26th, 2012
Baton Rouge, LA (July 5, 2012) – LA Boxing Baton Rouge, acknowledged as the area’s leading authority on health, fitness, and martial arts announced today that a deal has been signed to open the newest LA Boxing location in Baton Rouge, LA situated at 3731 Perkins Road, on the corner of Perkins and Acadian.
The new facility, scheduled to open its doors in late September, will provide all the same amenities and classes offered at the original, newly expanded gym on Sherwood Forest & Coursey including; Group Boxing & Kickboxing Classes, Weights & Cardio Equipment, Personal Training, and Mixed Martial Arts.
“I can’t express how excited I am about this new location,” said Gabe Miller, owner of LA Boxing Baton Rouge. “We’ve worked hard to make this happen and the project is finally moving forward. This simply proves the community has a true interest in getting fit, learning real self-defense and martial arts and are willing to invest in a healthier lifestyle.”
LA Boxing focuses on effective, efficient, and exciting boxing & kickboxing workouts that give members the ability to burn up to 1,000 calories in the hour-long classes. These group sessions, taught by instructors with professional/amateur fighting experience, are filled with individuals of all fitness and skill levels and, although intense in nature, members are encouraged to workout at their own pace.
Beyond its calorie-killing classes, popularly known as The LA Boxing Workout, franchise owners claim the benefits afford more than just a change in physical appearance. “When you leave our gym you have a change in attitude. There’s something about the type of training we do that just lets you release and overcome all the stress and problems on your mind,” explained Miller.
For those interested in more than just the cardio and conditioning aspect, LA Boxing also provides comprehensive Mixed Martial Arts training with focus in jiu-jitsu, muy thai, and boxing for beginners and even advanced practitioners.
LA Boxing is also promoting Presale Specials on memberships at their new location. Click the link below to find out more.
Jerry Odom Gives His Two Cents…
Monday, November 14th, 2011
Personal Recommendation
“I recommend LA Boxing on the corner of Sherwood and Coursey (phone (225) 291-5269). After wasting money on regular gyms and attempting to get back into martial arts for fitness I tried here.”
Laugh, Cry, Get Results!
Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Thomas Webb – Mixed Martial Arts Instructor
A Baton Rouge native known in Mixed Martial Arts for solid striking and explosive ground skills, Thomas Webb joins the LA Boxing Team as a multi-dimensional Instructor, Fighter, and Training Partner. His involvement in combat sports began at the age of 5 in Taekwondo and carried over into wrestling at Baton Rouge High School. Finishing his senior year as a City Champion, 3rd in State Championships, and 2nd at the renowned Lee High Classic, Thomas continued to sharpen his grappling abilities at the UNO Wrestling Club.
In 2001, Webb joined the armed forces and immediately took an interest in Army Combatatives. After serving tours in Afghanistan, Haiti, and Germany Thomas submerged himself in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts; training under notable fighters such as Tim Credeur, Pat Barry, Alan Belcher, and Rich Clementi. Taking center stage in prominent venues including USAMMA and Gladiator Promotions, Webb fought his way to 3-3 amateur and, undefeated, 3-0 professional records. Thomas has also captured titles in Grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournaments including The Houston Open, Louisiana State Tournament, and Gladiator’s Open.
Webb’s outgoing personality and love of combat sports 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. Thomas is available for one-on-one training upon request.
Jessica’s Story – How She Lost 50 Lbs!
Monday, September 12th, 2011
Meet Jessica, an 18-year-old college student studying Biological Engineering from Central, LA. Similar to so many others, Jessica was a member of another local gym yet found no direction or motivation to make a change in herself.
Jessica began her journey with LA Boxing Baton Rouge in early November 2010. Extremely hesitant and unsure of what to expect, she was encouraged by her cousin to try a class.
Almost a year later and 50 pounds lighter, Jessica continues to reach new heights! She recently gained a Personal Training certification and is always excited to share her success.
Jessica’s story echoes so many others that finally decided to make a change. Call or stop by LA Boxing today and DISCOVER A NEW YOU!
Basic MMA Technique 1
Monday, August 8th, 2011
LA Boxing Instructor, Andrew Sall, and member, Ashley, demonstrate fundamental mixed martial arts techniques often used throughout basic classes. Sall utilizes a 1, 2, 3, 2 combo with slips and a duck. He finishes the series with sprawl drills and a jab/cross burnout.
LA Boxing Baton Rouge offers a wide variety of classes and training that accommodate any fitness or skill level. Whether you’re looking to lose weight and get in shape or step into elite competition, LA Boxing Baton Rouge has the facility and training that will help you reach your goals!
Extreme Workouts in Baton Rouge
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
For one month Rick Portier of Channel 9 News set himself on a course to discover the most Extreme Workouts in Baton Rouge. LA Boxing happened to hit his list. Follow Rick as he enters a typical Kickboxing Class with trainer and Muay Thai fighter, Mark Stars.
The Main Cause of Insomnia
Monday, November 29th, 2010
In many opinions… the main thing that keeps us tossing and turning at night is worrying about not going to sleep. Sure there might be other reasons for sleeplessness; chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, partner disturbance, too much coffee… But at the end of the day you’re lying there worrying about how you’re going to get through the next day if you don’t get to sleep *right now!*
Worry and the stress it causes, are by far the main causes of sleeplessness, and the sad part is, the more we worry, the more wide awake we feel. But what can we do about it? We have to empty our conscious minds of worrying and stressful thoughts (yeah right! Easier said than done!)
Stress and worry can affect your sleep quite dramatically. It can be an isolated stressful incident which keeps you awake for a few nights, or the stress and worry may be chronic. Once they become a habit, certain situations will then always cause you to become stressed. Worry in particular can become a habit and like any habit, is very difficult to break (just ask us smokers, um… ex smokers out there!) But it can be done. You have to train your mind to either let go of a thought, or replace one thought with another.
If you suffer from insomnia, whether you’re having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, stress could be the cause. Your sleeping problems can then cause more stress which in turn makes it even harder to sleep. How can you stop worrying and stop this vicious cycle? The most important thing is to try and work out what you are telling yourself when you are worrying about something. We talk to ourselves all the time whether we are aware of it or not. What thoughts are going through your mind that are causing your bad feelings?
For example, you may be sitting in a traffic jam thinking, “I’m going to be late for work if this stupid traffic doesn’t start moving soon. Then I’ll be rushing around all day trying to get everything done! Which means I probably won’t have time to buy a proper lunch and I’ll have to grab something quick and greasy! Well there goes the diet …”Enough! Why torture yourself with this rubbish? Make it a habit to stop these thoughts as soon as they start. How? Just substitute them with better thoughts! Have a list of thoughts that make you feel good and think about them instead! This will reduce stress significantly and with practice, it will get easier and easier.
If you’re having trouble doing this, try doing it in two steps. When you catch yourself worrying, say “STOP!” Picture a big red stop sign right in front of you. Concentrate on this until it breaks you train of worrying thoughts.
Then you can start thinking your pleasant thoughts, a movie you enjoyed, a present from your children, whatever makes you happy!
Your mind is extremely powerful – put it to work for you and not against you! And always remember that a one-hour boxing or kickboxing class with us at LA Boxing in Baton Rouge will do wonders for you in relieving your stress!!
