Hit Me with Your Best Shot
Residents gather for boxing demo
STORY AND PHOTOS
BY STEPHEN VRATTOS
On Wednesday evening, July
26, about a dozen greenhorns
joined a handful
of NST boxing aficionados for a
hands-on demonstration by Rich
Rizo and Lenny DeJesus from the
UFC Gym in New Hyde Park.
DeJesus who’s been a boxing cornerman
for more fifty years, has
worked such premier fighter as
Roberto Duran, Hector Camacho
and Manny Pacquiao. He and Rizo
helped the more ambitious don
gloves and utilize the proper technique
when punching, serving as
guinea pigs for the fledgling fighters.
Some of the seasoned vets among
the bunch gave the two instructors
a run for their money, walloping
the protective mitts each wore, in
some cases eliciting a hearty growl
and stoppage as the two flexed
their phalanges to get the circulation
going again. Residents also
paired up for some cordial sparring
under the watchful eyes of Rizo and
DeJesus, while others took to the
punching bag or tried their hand at
the speed bag, with nonparticipants
observing from the fringes
The boxing gym is a unique
resource, which should not be overlooked.
The skills used in boxing
help men and women of any age
with their hand/eye coordination,
stamina, breathing, balance, in addition
to staying physically fit. And
one need not be a powerhouse; the
skills and movements are beneficial
to both muscular and meek alike.
The gym is located on the corridor
leading to the indoor pool.
Residents interested in using the
equipment need to check-in at the
reception desk to get the key.
UFC Gym instructors Lenny DeJesus and Rich Rizo
To all the girls I've "gloved" before Eye of the tiger Punching the speed bag
May the best Linda win Rizo teaches the basics
52 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ September 2017