RE d R iVER GOLd E N GLOVE s A Unique Workout Experience

BY MARIE LASKA // 5FOOT20 DESIGN LOUNGE

Fit, s trong, f ast … a nd s he h as a m ean r ight h ook! When people –especially women - think of the results they want to see from physical activity, the quality of their punch doesn’t necessarily come to mind. However, when it comes to considering the overall results of one’s workout, pound for pound the most intense, exhilarating and exhausting training sessions of one’s life can be found within a boxing club.

A t Red River Golden Gloves (RRGG) in Fargo, and for a mere $50.00 per month membership fee, individuals ages eight and up can train 3-4 times per week (with one hour sessions), in pursuit of either individual fitness and/or to compete as a member of the USA Boxing Association if they choose. As Fargo’s only amateur boxing club, RRGG hosts evening classes for both introductory and experienced boxers, basing its training on a circuit-style model with members rotating between different stations including sparring sessions. Through a variety of equipment and one-on-one coaching, a member is ultimately guaranteed an intense calorie-burning, strength-building experience, all while training at their own pace.

In the two years since its inception at 3301 15th Street South, RRGG has grown in both memberships and diversity. Conceived by Jesse Barbot, head coach and owner, RRGG offers a welcoming environment and is open to individuals of all backgrounds with its clientele ranging from doctors to IT specialists, and social workers to students. Describing boxing as “a sweet science,” Barbot emphasizes that the sport usually appeals to those who hold an innate competitive instinct and have some sort of athletic background. Boxing offers a level of intrigue that few other sports can match, as well as being, per Jesse, “one of the best forms of self-defense out there.” Each member is given an equal opportunity to improve in the sport, presenting a level playing field for both men and women and promising to give back exactly what one puts into it.

O n any given training night the club hosts a wide spectrum of experience, with regular members helping newcomers, and sparring occurring between those who have registered with USA Boxing. The 2012 season in particular showed a record number of female registrations, possibly due to Claressa Shields’ decisive gold medal win for the U.S. in Olympic women’s boxing in London.

E ven with increased awareness, there still exist some misconceptions about boxing, which may stem from comparisons to other combat sports such as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). For Barbot, this is “like comparing apples to oranges” as boxing, especially at the amateur level, is a very safe sport and incorporates headgear, gloves, hand wraps and mouth guards. Barbot also explains how a child is “much more likely to get hurt sitting in front of the television doing nothing” due to childhood inactivity negatively effecting bone density, coordination and overall strength. Barbot himself didn’t start boxing until age 16 and remained at the amateur level for the next 12 years, ultimately turning pro and fighting several more matches. Though currently retired, Barbot remains heavily involved in the boxing community.

Newcomers at RRGG will undoubtedly notice Barbot’s enthusiasm for the sport, but they may also get a sense of the club’s team-based approach, with connection and accomplishment instilled through intensive training sessions. For some of the club’s younger members such as high school students Amar Kova evi and Joey Suda, boxing is an opportunity to “stay fit, healthy and out of trouble,” as well as to grow one’s “self-confidence and pride.” Words of wisdom from these two seasoned boxers, who set strong examples of tenacity and the value of accomplishments earned through hard work. Both have made their mark at RRGG and know that as in life, boxing consistently demands one’s best efforts. For Amar, a Bosnian refugee and a leader amongst his peers, boxing is about learning the basics“keep your chin down, hands high and move your head” – while improving upon his overall athleticism: universal objectives at any level of the sport.

Additional i nformation, i ncluding t raining t imes, d ates a nd u pcoming b outs, c an b e l ocated o n R ed R iver G olden G loves’ F acebook p age, o r y ou c an c ontact J esse B arbot d irectly a t 7 01.412.1479. [ AWM]