An eleven-year-old boxer named Brave spelled out his name for a visitor as he talked about boxing one recent summer evening at The Bridge Boxing Club (TBBC) in Fullerton. Asked whether training at the gym helps him with school, he responded simply, “I don’t know, but it keeps me out of trouble.” Brave said he has been boxing since he was 7, and he wants to continue.
“I’m comfortable here,” he said. Adding that he thinks other kids should try the sport.
Later, during practice with coach Ricky Quintero, Brave offered a glimpse of the boxer he may become as he jabbed at the double-end bag and then returned to the classic boxer’sstance. The two dozen-plus kids, ages 8 to 17, come to TBBC twice a week to condition and practice fundamentals. The coaches lead them through an hour of warm-ups (jump rope, stretching and calisthenics), then another hour of boxing circuit training or team challenges…