Every ending has a new beginning…

Every story has an ending, But in life. Every ending has a new beginning…
My name is Jacob Arthur and I am 29 years old. My life has taken another turn! Knowing I have always had a passion for sport and after supporting a good mate last year in his boxing debut I thought I’d give it a go. So I pursued my calling. Nervous and excited I had no idea where to start, but when MTB asked me to do a corporate fight I reckoned that was a sign. Knowing from my mate’s experience, and how the training had worked out for him, I decided I would do whatever it took. But our shift work did not work with the boxing club classes so I needed to seek help outside from MTB. I asked they could recommended someone for me to try. He mentioned Strini from Physical Impact and told me that he had heard a lot of good things about him.

At Christmas 2015, I weighed in at 104.8 kgs.

I contacted Strini and he gave me a time when we could meet. Our first meeting was a little daunting.  I felt silly when he asked me 30 questions and I only gave him about 5 answers. He explained that we would be going on a journey. He started me off by skipping until he told me to stop, so I did. Personally, I have seen a 4 year old skip better than me, so I don’t know what he thought when he saw me. He just looked at me and said “we” had a long way to go. In the next few days I did some technique sessions and a few classes and then he put me on the boxing bag and said “hit the bag as hard as you can until I tell you to stop, try to make a hole in the bag or break the chains holding it up.” About 5 minutes into smashing the bag I thought to myself, “God help me. What have I gotten myself in to!” He just stood next to me and asked “what are you doing?” I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

I realised then what he meant by, “we have a long way to go”. He recommended doing lots of classes to get my fitness and technique up to speed. The classes pushed me further physically and mentally than I ever imagined possible. I was getting shown up by people over and under my age. This inspired me to try harder and be above the entry level at least. Having people like Strini, Ben, Ruth, The Russian, Hal’e, Jordan and the rest of the CREW kept me honest and accountable. This gym is more a family than just your ordinary place to train. I have also met a special someone through this journey and am very excited for her to be a part of my life.

So, 5 months later and 15kg lighter, weighing in at 89 kgs I had my first fight on 7 May 2016. It was a challenge alright. The first round felt like I was punching a solid block of wood, a strong opponent, it was hard. When I got back to the corner after the first round Strini said “just focus and listen for my voice,” that made all the difference. The next two round were like playing a chess game. I won by unanimous decision. Victory tastes fantastic.

A huge thank you to family and friends. A special thanks to Strini and his beautiful family that supports this life style for everyone to become successful. He has a saying that resonates with me, “go out and make it your best performance not your best competition.”

What an experience! I’m already looking forward to the next challenge.