Big lessons found in kids’ boxing class

Parents of children participating in the kids boxing class at Costa Mesa’s Training Zone are certain that instructor Jonathan “JB” Brown has a touch of magic.

They say they are stunned by the progress their kids are making under Brown’s guidance.

Sean Canova, co-owner of the fitness center on 17th Street attributes part of Brown’s magic to the respect he shows students.

“He simply talks to them just like he would any other client and doesn’t put limitations on them because they’re children,” Canova said. “He expects more of them and as result they perform better.”

The mini-boxing class, which began about a month ago, is much more than punching lessons. It is a form of exercise promoting fitness, agility and balance, according to Brown.

“There’s a level of fun, fitness and discipline in the workout, which teaches them something they can take home,” he said.

The club started when a couple dads working out at the gym decided they wanted something besides electronic games to keep their two boys occupied while they waited.

Brown, who is training to be a professional boxer and who is also a personal trainer at the gym, agreed to give it a go. Word spread quickly about the boxing for kids, and the new class took off. But then Brown was faced with taking on a 3-year-old girl.

“I was hesitant about a child who could barely talk and with such a short attention span,” Brown said.

However, in a matter of a few weeks, little Arlene learned how to serve up a jab-cross-hook, remember an elbow hook and jab left when she didn’t even know what left meant.

The class has eight to 10 students who range in age from 3 to 10. Brown is using the difference in ages to help in his instruction by engaging the older kids as role models.

“So that the kids aren’t running around like crazy, I instruct the older kids to keep the younger ones in check,” he said. “They like feeling like leaders. It’s crazy how it works out.”

Parent Luciana Freire said that with kids seemingly hooked on games, the class acts as a counterbalance.

“Boxing is good for kids this age,” she said. “It helps them focus and spend energy.”

Brown greets each of his students with a fist bump.

“I want to reach out to them as a friend and build relationships through trust. That way they will listen to me,” he said. “Every time I have the class, it makes me happy.”