Semper Fit on Okinawa promotes hard work with boxing

Photo By Sgt. Heather Golden | Senior Airman Sergio Sanchez, 24, from Kadena Airbase and an Oxnard, Calif., native, executes fast and powerful body punches during a bag drill at the Camp Foster Field House.  

OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.18.2009

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - "Face the pain," says Gunnery Sgt. John D. Brown Jr., as participants struggle to showcase their skills during a boxing workout at the Camp Foster Field House. Three times a week, participants build on the fundamentals of boxing.

"Ultimately, the goal is to train participants to have the skill set to actually compete," said Brown, 37, the instructor for the program. Brown is with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

This skill set consists of basic footwork, punching, defense, counter punching and a better understanding of conditioning necessary for a boxer to survive in the ring, said the Perry, Ga., native.

The program is open to everyone, however, the primary intent is to train dedicated, determined participants, he added.

"He doesn't waste his time on people who don't want to fight," said Lance Cpl. Camden Milby, 20, a boxing student, with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Milby said his motivation to box now comes from being without the sport for too long. He has been anxious about not boxing ever since he joined the Marine Corps. The Boston native has no problem getting to practice, but this it is not the same for everyone.

"Unit mission is an obstacle for many because we know mission comes first," Brown explained.

Although work schedules pose an obstacle for some boxing enthusiasts, other contenders make it to practice regardless of many time-consuming or physically-draining activities.

"It's hard to train in the morning, and it's hard to balance boxing with college," said Cpl. Parmar Arjun, 19, from Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st MAW, a West Palm Beach, Fla., native.

Arjun instructs Marine Corps Martial Arts Program classes in the morning and has college classes but still puts forth effort to make practice and train hard, he said.

Arjun said his motivation comes from his aspiration to get on the All-Marine boxing team, and he wants to "see different aspects of life."

Participating as a contender is not the only way to contribute to the program. "We need more coaches," said Brown.

More boxing coaches would allow the program to hold exhibition events and help train the participants, said Brown.

"It would be nice to see Saturday Night Fights in Okinawa," he said.

For those interested, Brown coaches every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6-8 p.m. The program is open to service members and non-service members of all ages.

Brown warns people they need to be tough because boxing is a sport for contenders.

"If someone is not serious and does not want to stay and train ... they can see their way out," said Brown as he pointed toward the exit.

• Date Taken: 09.18.2009
• Date Posted: 09.22.2009 21:22
• Story ID: 39158
• Location: OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JP