Fighting the good fight

About a dozen young adults come together three times a week for a community boxing program at Lord’s Gym in Vancouver. The program is a partnership between Safe Communities Task Force, MFA boxing and Lord’s Gym.

“We’re providing an opportunity for kids in the area to learn a skill, and have an opportunity to get good at something and really see that when you put in hard work, commit to something, put time in. The results that you get are because of that,” said Josh Beaman, organizer and county Safe Communities Task Force program coordinator.

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Tony Adams, founder of Mind Fitness Attitude Boxing, center, leads a warmup during the beginning of boxing practice at Lord’s Gym in Vancouver on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. The community boxing program is a partnership between Safe Communities Task Force, MFA boxing and Lord’s Gym.

Brandon Billimon, 16, chats with Cris Martinez-Hernandez, 17, both of Vancouver, as they get ready for practice at Lord’s Gym in Vancouver on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017.

Meme Rengechy of Vancouver, 16, puts on headgear before sparring practice at Lord’s Gym in Vancouver on Monday, Oct. 23, 2017. “It keeps me in check,” said Meme. “They check on my grades and it really does keep me on check with my grades and my attitude change about it.”

Assistant coach Mariah Bridger helps Aaron Mino, both 18 and of Vancouver, practice proper form during practice at Lord’s Gym in Vancouver on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Mariah is a registered USA athlete, coach and official.

Billimon “Birdy” Billimon of Vancouver, 19, spars with Aaron Mino of Vancouver, 18, during practice at Lord’s Gym in Vancouver on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Birdy has participated in the program throughout the past three years and has encouraged his brother and many of his friends to join. “Looking back at it, boxing helped me with a lot, like self discipline,” he said. “Looking back at my mistakes, I made sure not to go back because I learned from them.”

Ke’Ohe Tubania, 15, left, and Caleob Sinner, 16, both of Vancouver practice resistance drills at Lord’s Gym in Vancouver on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017. Caleob said he lost interest in sports over the past few years but really likes boxing. “It gives me a reason to do stuff,” he said. “And to go to school.”

Students line up as they wait to practice a defensive drill with coach Tony Adams at Lord’s Gym in Vancouver on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017.