A Champion is Created!

Alexander "The Great" Enriquez

FIGHT NIGHT with Alexander “The Great” Enriquez.

It’s another Sunday afternoon. The gym is closed, and as we turn the keys, all three of us know we’d rather be at the beach, at the park, or eating cheeseburgers. But like devout churchgoers, we are here.  For my brother George and I, it is a Sunday ritual to train our fighter Alexander “The Great” Enriquez.

He is about 125 pounds, quiet, serious and has never fought; all reasons people might assume he is paltry. At first, I wasn’t sure if his unassuming nature was a form of arrogance or respect. I couldn’t read those green eyes of his. But as time went by, I learned he has the heart of a lion and the determination of a wolf.

“How are you feeling?” I ask him.

“Good,” he responds, and I nod. 

We all know where we’re going and somehow not just for the day. Alex steps on the mat, I rush to the office computer to see what the NFL is doing, and my brother puts on some coffee. The Pats are winning, the air smells like caffeine and I soon hear the familiar tick tock tick tock of Alex’s jump rope.  As seconds wind up to minutes and the bells of the timer bob and weave into our ears and subconscious minds where the stillness is - I believe we make time move.

Stiff jabs rip the air, introductions to combinations of hand movements bound by fists, followed by graceful angles of cutting and moving that have us lost in the paradoxes of blind mirrors and shadow boxing with no shadows. The slip ball, lateral movement, sit ups, pushups, bag work… his warm up.

Eventually I get off the chair and put on the gear. I’m getting too old for this, but I want to give him some good sparring. So we step into the ring.

“Don’t hit my head. I want you to do only body sparring” I tell him - as I’m still feeling the pain of a car accident a few months ago. He nods. I lift my shirt and show him a bruised rib and hip, courtesy of yesterday’s training session and his left hooks.

 “I’m coming for you, cause of this,” I tell him and put on my gloves. “I’m gonna knock you out.” He smiles that freaky mouth piece smile. My brother readies the camera. We record it and my brother points out our errors afterwards on the TV, while we deplete the boss’s supply of waters and peanuts.

“Don’t throw punches you know won’t land!” “Keep your hands up!” “Look at me in the eyes!” “Don’t circle into your opponent’s power!” we pop off instructions. We bark out praise and criticism. I punch his face. We do this for 18 minutes. 

He listens, he implements and soaks up every word the way canvas soaks up blood on fight night. After this, he will run three miles on the treadmill. I push him as the wheels spin, eight miles an hour, then ten miles an hour, I put him on full inclines that reach in and try to rip out his lungs. I stand still next to the machine, but chase him worse than a hound chases a fox or a ghost a live soul - till he almost falls off.

“If you fall off, you will break your arm or your foot, and your six months of training will be for nothing” I tell him as he limps dangerously close to falling off the treadmill. He tries to tell me he has a cramp, but he has no air left in his lungs. The treadmill is hurting his insides, but I am sure he is doing the same thing to it; all his sweat, puddles and pools, fall on this machine rusting up its bolts. He will break it someday, or at least that’s what I tell him.

Fight night is Friday. “Friday, Friday, Friday” I say like it is not a day on the calendar but the end of the world. “You need to hurt this man.”

Our first fight was cancelled, as our opponent got cold feet. Three weeks later we drove over an hour to a gym, but were not put on the card, and now it is finally here. We have a scheduled fight for sure.

“Are you nervous?” I ask him. “Yes,” he tells me, and I admire him for his honesty because I was nervous the first time I fought.  “That’s OK,” I tell him. “I want you to be nervous. You eat eggs in the morning, to gain power for training, and a few minutes before you step into that ring, you will eat the nervous and you will have power for winning.” He nods. He listens, he soaks up every word.  My brother starts talking to him now. He teaches him combinations and secrets of the sweet science, something I watch play out in front of me, over and over and over and over.

I won’t describe all of Friday to you. Not the way I lived it anyhow, for it would take too long. But I will tell you Alexander’s family is there. A few diehards from the gym are there. We are there. And Kobi Julian – the owner of XTC gym – is there. She smiles proudly and I catch her admiring “her fighter.” I give her a thumbs up as we plan where we are going to film our fight from. 

The night is electric. Somebody has already been knocked out; he beat the count, argued with the ref for stopping the fight, and then stumbled towards his corner - before collapsing on his face, untouched; doctors rushing to see if he is OK.  

After three bells, Alex lifts the trophy, and he looks at us and smiles - the biggest smile ever. He exits the ring and is hugged and kissed by all who love him. He doesn’t want us to cut his wraps off, not yet anyway. He is 1-0 now and wants to savor this moment like a glass of wine.

Later as he sits in the car, still with his hands wrapped, he asks my brother “how did you know I wasn’t breathing?” My brother smiles and pats his head. “Take the day off tomorrow, Sunday, we will do it all over again.” And we do.

Since writing this article, Alex is now 2-0. He won his second fight by TKO in the second round. If you have ever wanted to compete, or simply learn how to box, please come and inquire at XTC gym.

XTC GYM 2131 Colorado Boulevard Eagle Rock CA 90041-1221

info@xtcgym.com    +1 (323) 259-9009

 By: Evangelos Giovanis

Be Happy!

         This weekend I had an encounter with my dear friend, who sounded a little down and I decided to write my blog for those of us who at times are sad, and think the world is against us. 

        Just remember that negative emotions can be toxic.  Prolonged sadness can lead to a state of depression, which can itself be life-threatening.  Depression is linked to the development of heart disease and is a risk factor for heart attacks. Too much fear can cause people to become house-bound, have unrelenting head aches, and develop ulcer and high blood pressure.

        The good news is that positive emotions, including happiness, can transform one’s life. You can’t be too happy.  So if you find yourself in a happy moment, be thankful for it, and hope it continues beyond 25 minutes.  Something as simple as listening to music, hearing birds chirping, watching butterflies float in the air, gazing into the night sky.

        Remember, life is too short not enjoying it…..be happy and transfer  that happiness to others around you, they probably need it as much as you do.

       This “rough” time will come to pass and one day we will look at it and think of it as an amazing experience that made us stronger and better fighters in life.  So my dear friend hold on tight, for the wind will lift you up your sail once again and take you safely to the shore where amazing things awaits you!!!!!

Embrace Optimisim

Why does optimism matter?  Because if your future looks rosy, being happy in the present is easier.  Beyond the simple reality that optimists are happier people (and happiness is what you are striving for), optimism has other benefits as well:


* Optimists enjoy a greater degree of  success than pessimists do, because they believe they can achieve it, therefore they make smart decisions, and work harder to get to it.

* Optimists tend to set more specific goals than pessimists do.  The more specific and concrete your goals are, the more likely you will be to achieve success.  For example, if you need to loose weight, set attainable goals, 2 lbs a week is more achievable and getting there is easier, than a pessimists who needs to loose 50lbs and believes there is no way I can do this in one month.  This is mathematically and physically impossible. 

* Optimists are more self-confident than pessimists are.  They believe in themselves more than fate.  They do not look for the "magic pill".

* Optimists persist and persevere.  They are not quitters!  They schedule their workout routine, they don't leave it to " I will get to it later attitude".


* Optimists welcome second chances after they fail more than pessimists do, because they expect to achieve a better result the second time around. If they miss one or two training sessions, they make sure they make it up ASAP.  If they cheated on dessert, they substitute more healthy foods for the next few outings.


* Optimists cope with stress better than pessimists do.  Pessimists worry, optimists act.  A person with coronary heart disease who is pessimists "hopes for better health".  The optimists heart patient leaves a little to chance and starts an exercise regimen. 


So at the end, being optimist will get you closer to your happiness in life.  And if your health/fitness level stops you from being  happy, join a fitness program that suits you and make sure you consult your physician in advance.

The Art of Capoeira

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chegado and I have been training the art of Capoeira for 14 years, each of us stumbled upon the art in different ways but stayed for the same reason, it is truly a captivating art.  It is an art form that challenges you physically and intellectually.  Each person that trains Capoeira is drawn to it for their own specific and personal reason, it develops  your rhythm, strength, agility, reflex, as well as your musical, acrobatic and dance skills.  But for most, it is the history, the tradition, the cultural and the profound sense of community that are sticking points. 

Capoeira is the art of survival, with a history that dates back more than 500 years to the slave trade in Brazil.  It was and is an art of empowerment, a celebration of the African roots in Brazil; from the music to the movement it tells the story of a people oppressed, enslaved and later liberated through their strength and will.  

We made the decision to pursue the art form professionally because we believe Capoeira is a vehicle for positive change and cultural enrichment.  The art form promotes diversity, understanding, creativity, health, and discipline for youth and adults alike. Northeast Los Angeles is a vibrant and eclectic community that appreciates and searches out cultural diversity in the arts and we are blessed to have found our home here.

 

 

Recognize the Importance of Rituals

 Much of everyday life is made up of rituals-established, predictable, patterned behaviors that structure the day.  There are morning rituals (brushing your teeth, showering, reading newspaper), midday rituals (everything from the so-called "power lunch" to a simple sandwich in your office), and evening rituals (a cocktail or two, dinner at 6:00 pm, a few minutes of intimate time with your spouse, and -if you are lucky---sex).

 

Rituals are a form of structure that actually make life flow more easily.  They are mindless- you do them without thinking. Perhaps most important of all, they orient you as to where you are and what you should be doing.  Rituals are like an invisible watch- if you are taking a shower, it must be morning! Without rituals, every day is a new day full of unpredictability, uncertainty, and the possibility of unhappiness.

 

Here are some examples of what rituals you can incorporate into your life:

• Exercise first thing in the morning, join a gym with group classes, and make sure the instructors are certified and know their discipline.  Being in a group environment motivates you to keep going, and you have a partner who is accountable.

• Sitting for a few minutes of quiet contemplation, in meditation or prayer. 

• Getting a professional massage once a month.  Relieve stress from your body and relax your mind.

• Browsing through your favorite bookstore every Saturday morning (you gotta hurry before they close them all down)

• Checking in via email or text with loved ones once a day.

• Taking an afternoon nap.

• Enjoying some quality, one-on-one time with your pet.

• Spending five minutes every day reflecting on all the things you have to be grateful for.  Count your blessings.

Don't become a slave to rituals; otherwise they become tedious.  If something more interesting comes along at the same time you normally take your afternoon nap, go for it!  You can always nap tomorrow.

In the Face of Challenges, Rivise Your Life Plan

Major life challenges and trials disrupt your life and force you to redirect your energies, interests, and commitments.  But how do you do that? It's not easy to revise your life and move into a positive, more satisfying future.  But these steps can get you moving in the right direction:

• Create a positive mindset by sitting quietly with your eyes closed while opening your mind to the possibility of hope, optimism, and creative behavioral change.  Take ten exaggerated breaths, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth while silently repeating the word relax each time you exhale.

• Identify a short list of valued life goals-for example, being closet to your family, becoming a more spiritual person, reconnecting with old friends, and getting in shape. Goals give you a sense of direction in terms of the changes you want to make.  Basically, you are deciding what you want your life to stand for from this point on.

•  Surround yourself with people who have positive energy, who can push you and direct you toward your goals.

• Decide what the incentives are for you to reach these goals.  What is the end game?  Will you have greater peace of mind?  Will you be happier? Will you live longer?  Be specific.

• Ask yourself how committed you are to achieving each goal.  The more committed you are, the more successful you will be.

• Ask yourself how confident you are about making these changes.  Commitment and confidence are not the same.  You can be committed, but not all that confident- or, the other way around.

• Consider what specific things you would need to realize each goal.  Where would you start?  How much support do you need?  If you have several goals, which one do you begin with?  Make it easy on yourself-start with the smallest, easiest thing and work your way up to the big changes.

• Identify any obstacles to meet your objectives.  Do you have physical limitations that might interfere?  Are other people's attitudes holding you back?

• Begin-Just Do It.  It does not matter what you do; the important thing is that you just do something. Change takes effort, so you have to persist, even when going gets tough.  There is no easy way to accomplish change.  Change also takes time, so be patient.  As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day."  You Cannot reconstruct your life in a day either.  Focus on the destination, but enjoy the journey.

• Reward yourself for whatever changes you make no matter how small.  If changes is rewarding, keep at it-if it isn't, quit.  It's just that simple.

Put Your Mind to Work for You

What is it that you want in life?  

A debt-free life, new friends, a loving partner, a knock-out to die for healthy body, plenty of money, a new car, or the dream job- whatever the person desires will manifest. When someone decides to accelerate the process and works out a plan to allow for that manifestation, myriad opportunities begin to present themselves.

 

A person who wants to get to the next level, whatever the goal might be, needs only to change his or her mindset and be aware that the opportunities for manifestation of his or her desire will become more commonplace.  It is as if the universe is working with you, putting wind in the sail of your dream ship to take you anywhere you want to go and give you the experiences, relationships, money, wealth, and things you most desire.

 

Fernando Reis

Fernando Reis, who teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitu here at Xtreme Training Center, has changed his mind set, moving forward full force to manifest his desires and dreams, has this to say, "The personal development program 'Your Wish Is Your Command' dramatically improved the quality of my life. In only a few months after I started listening to the CDs I tripled my income, I  have better relationship with everybody around me, I re-connected with my family, and found myself excited about what is coming to my life in the future. I feel truly empowered."

 

             What is stopping you from reaching the next level of your life?

Why Fitness Is So Important When You Have Cancer

Why Fitness Is So Important When You Have Cancer

By: David Haas

Struggling against cancer can be an extremely draining experience- mentally, physically, and emotionally. The diagnosis itself can come like a punch in the gut, and the treatment can leave you feeling fatigued, anxious, or depressed. The good news is that there are things you can do to help. Getting in shape is one. The cancer and the treatments for it are only one factor in how you are feeling. Science is telling us that our fitness level has a greater impact on our energy levels, mood, and overall health than was previously known. Let's take a look at just a few of the benefits that come from adding regular exercise into your treatment regimen when you are battling even a serious cancer like mesothelioma.

Mood Boost

Exercise boosts energy levels. One of the ways it does so is by reducing levels of a stress chemical in your body called cortisol. Cortisol is usually referred to as the "fight or flight" substance. It is there to put your body into danger mode in the case you are confronted with a highly stressful situation like a fight. Anxiety raises cortisol levels. But it isn't good to constantly feel anxious and places an additional burden on your already stressed body. When you exercise, cortisol levels are reduced and the anxiety you were experiencing is replaced by feelings of calm and contentment.

Energy Levels

Another reason to start exercising is that you will increase your energy levels. A common complaint heard among cancer patients is lack of energy. The treatments help with the cancer, but healthy cells are also affected. Fatigue can be alleviated through regular exercise. Of course, there will be a short period of tiredness immediately following your exercise. But over time, it pays off in the form of increased energy levels throughout the day. Your investment in exercise will pay dividends and allow you to get more done, in spite of your illness.

Increased energy is usually seen soon after beginning an exercise plan. And if you should miss a few days, you will definitely notice it in terms of reduced energy. Make a commitment to exercise and you won't regret it.

Better Sleep

One often overlooked benefit of exercise is improved sleep. Your body wants to active. You will sleep better and longer when you exercise regularly. Studies have shown that people who regularly exercise experience better sleep and less daytime fatigue. Your body desperately needs that sleep to heal itself. You will also be less irritable and have more energy when you sleep well.

Do make sure, however, that you get your exercise in several hours before your bedtime so that you don't have trouble falling asleep afterwards.

Redirect Your Energy!

Spring is around the corner. New life is starting everywhere.  Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and trees are blossoming.  What about you?

Dealing with adversity takes a lot of energy-physical and psychological-especially when you see your circumstances as beyond your control.  Initially, what little energy you have can easily end up being channeled into  negative thoughts, feelings, and actions, which keep you from moving forward with your life.

Here are some very simple steps that you can take to redirect your energy: 

•  Shift your time frame- the benefit you are seeking has to do with future, and not the past. Sitting around ruminating or sulking about the past will only keep you “stuck” where you are-in the state of perpetual distress. 
•  Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t.  When and “accident” occurs in your life and stops you from your routine, look at it as an opportunity to get done  the things that you put on hold for a while.  Think about ability rather than disability and you will feel a whole lot better.
• Be productive in both thoughts and deeds.  Reliving a not so pleasant situation that happened to you  years ago day after day is counter-productive if you are looking for a way to achieve a moment of happiness.  Resisting all efforts to get you back into the mainstream of life3 is also counter-productive.  Better to think “what can I do?” and then do it.

Happiness starts with a healthy body!

              

   Happiness is an important part of life-no less than anger, sadness, and fear.  It begins with life itself: what mother does not recognize the look of happiness on the face of her newborn? Human beings are wired with an innate, neurological potential for happiness, but whether this potential eventually becomes a reality depends on how we choose to live our lives.  In other words, happiness isn’t an accident, and it isn’t a gift from other sources- it is the gift you give yourself!

                 

                  If you are like the majority of the population, you are far too passive when it comes to experiencing happiness.  You wait for it to find you instead of exercising your right to pursue it.  It is because most people are passive when it comes to happiness that happiness seems so elusive!  Face it: We live in a proactive world, people don’t wait for freedom- they fight for it.  Wealth is no longer something you inherit- you can create it.

                

                 People are living longer now days.  Why? Because we are learning that we can improve the  quality of our life through the everyday choices we make.     Being healthy and staying in shape does not come in a bottle any more.  You need to make a conscious decision to be active and exercise regularly at least 30 minutes a day five days a week.  Jump on the XTC wagon and  make the best decision of your life and see how fulfilling and happy your life will be when you are healthy and active.