Pat
Coach
When and where did you first step into the ring?
Officially? In Q Rules with Laura yelling to keep my damn hands up during the trial period the week before Queensberry opened their doors fully. Unofficially? Dollar store “boxing” matches on the beach when I was 14 with my friends growing up.
What are you up to outside of the ring?
Outside the gym my “real job” is working as a Firefighter for Halifax. My home station is just around the block from the studio. Born and raised in Dartmouth, I also love to spend time outdoors, at our cottages, taking photos, or chill movie nights.
How did it feel the first time you got punched in the face?
Frustrating. Instantly everything I was taught flew out the window and for a moment all I wanted was it to be my turn to hit back. With time I learned that sparring is just playing back and forth, usually with a friend on the other side of the ring from me.
What is your favourite part of training?
Getting lost in the workout. Muscles burning. Sweat in your eyes. Can’t get enough of it. Plus it’s hard to beat the group at our gym.
What makes a good boxing coach?
Someone who can make you forget how bad that round hurts. Or better yet, make you laugh through it, even though the tunnel vision is kicking in.
What’s your favourite combination?
Big fan of leading with a solid jab-hook then mixing it up. Also a sucker for landing a good rear hook to the body or head, as hard as they can be to land.
What’s on your typical playlist?
Love to mix it up. Run the Jewels, Beastie Boys, Childish Gambino are always solid. But sometimes you just need to burn out with some Queen.
What kind of drills can we expect from your class?
We love to get your heart rate up with solid combos with varying levels and offence defence. But always expect some sort of brutal strength training mixed in, with lots of options to work to your level.
Who’s your favourite boxer or athlete?
I grew up paddling on Lake Banook, so most athletes I know well are actually ones I grew up around, raced with up to the Jr Worlds level, and then watched continue on to race in the Olympics and World Championships. As for boxers? Gotta go with Mike Tyson. But I’m not talking Tyson in his prime. I’m talking old man Mike Tyson, funny guy in movies, no more biting ears, went vegan, but can still give a freight train a concussion.
How do you think boxing enhances your life?
Boxing has been a game changer for me. I haven’t felt a passion for a sport like this for years. It’s given me the drive, motivation, and excitement I’ve lacked for years with working out. Not to mention I’ve made some of the best friends while sweating all over these heavy bags. I’m hooked and can’t get enough. As far as I’m concerned I’m a boxer for life now.