Reading Inner-City Boxing Club

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to photograph a boxing club located in Reading, PA.  It is the Reading Inner-City Boxing Club and they basically serve the youth in that area teaching boxing, to be champions-inside the ring and out.  Darnell Molina, the head coach of Reading Inner-City Boxing Club is tasked with that responsibility along with the support of Coach Felix , Jami, and Molina's immediate family.  Luckily this opportunity was not without Jami, the secretary and mother of one fighter training at the gym for being the liaison.  I saw her photos streaming on my news feed in Facebook and was instantly impressed by how much the gym looks like a family.  I wanted to capture that because I feel so strongly that nurturing a young being requires more than a belonging in a biological family, but it is a belonging to a group that isn't necessarily obligated to do so.  It helps establish and validates an identity.    

The gym, given by the city of Reading.

Everyone trains, boy or girl. It doesn't matter.

I walked in and I noticed there was a lot of young kids who are training. Darnell Molina, the Head Coach noted that there is less in attendance than usual and the gym is typically filled with kids.  Today's training regime consisted of circuit exercises for the kids, while the juniors emphasized sparring later in the evening. 

The intensity!

Laughing or ab rolling, it's still an abdominal workout.

Rapid fire punches drill.

The intensity again!

I never seen a kid so crazy for crunches.

Stretching.

Coach Molina likes to pretend WWE sometimes.

Meanwhile Sammi, one of the junior fighters at the gym works with the routine bob and weave rope.

The whole family that night.

The kids took the first half of the gym's night and now the older kids come in to train.

While everyone is warmed up, one of the more experienced fighters share his time to nurture a future champion.

Focused.

After warming up, it's time to suit up for a night of sparring.

Boxer, Prince anticipating sparring.

A fighter appreciates some memorabilia on the wall.

This was exactly the vibe I was experiencing being there.

Head Coach being attentive.

Anticipating to spar next.

His corner waiting.

Well, let's begin....

These young ones practice touch-up, a lighter form of sparring.

One of Coach Molina's biggest responsibilities is that each fighter deserves their fair share of training and instruction.

As Coach Molina leads in sparring, the others practice on the bag or shadow box.  Coach Felix is there to provide additional instruction to ensure everyone is worked with.

Another trainer giving instructions.

Back at the ring, reach is the overriding factor in the engagement.

Molina's mother helps with encouragement with one of the fighters.

I love how the younger ones help the older ones gear up.

Smile one for the camera.

Sportsmanship.

Sparring continues into the night.

Girls rule.

Coach Felix smiles one for the camera!

I want to thank Coach Molina, Coach Felix, Jami, Molina's family, and the kids at the gym for being so welcoming.  This gym is just solid with it's own relationships and I became part of the family after I left.  I hope to visit them again and take more photographs.  

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