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Boxing, one of the world's oldest sports, has been around for thousands of years. Boxing, as well as other "combat" sports appear to be growing in popularity throughout the United States. Luis Hernandez is doing his part to encourage the growth of boxing, right here in Rutherford County.
He has organized a boxing tournament that will take place in the gym at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) on May 7 and May 8.
Employed by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and stationed as a resource officer at TJCA, Luis Hernandez loves his job. He helps keep the school safe, and is making a positive impact on those around him.
He is not simply a law enforcement officer. Hernandez is a role model and a friend to staff and students. About four and a half years ago, Hernandez organized a community boxing club that is housed at the school. TJCA administration allows Hernandez to operate the TJCA Boxing Club, which is open to the public, in the school's old gym.
Hernandez is 48 years old, and has worked 11 years in law enforcement. He is a native of Brooklyn, in New York City. He learned to fight years ago, in the gyms and on the streets of his old neighborhood.
"My dad was my trainer, in boxing as well as other sports," Hernandez said recently. "I learned to enjoy boxing. I know the benefits that come, from knowing how to box."
In addition to his extensive training, Hernandez fought in 13 sanctioned amateur fights. He won six, and lost seven.
"I was never knocked down in any of those fights," he recalled.
Hernandez teaches elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as some adults, at the gym which is filled with various boxing bags as well as weight lifting equipment. He has two assistants, Jarred Helton, and Jeff Queen. All three men are volunteering their time because they love the sport of boxing, and appreciate seeing the changes in the boxing students.
The students are from TJCA, as well as other public schools in Rutherford and Cleveland County, and even a few home school students.
Athletic skills, and passion, will be on full display at the club's third annual boxing tournament, on May 7 and May 8. The event will be at the school, located at 2527 US 221-A in Mooresboro. The tournament will start at 6pm each evening, with doors opening at 5pm. Admission is $5.
Hernandez says he saw a need, and decided to start the community boxing club.
"Kids need to learn to be tough. They need discipline, and need self-respect," Hernandez explained. "Training in boxing helps with all of this."
"I think this club is needed, and it is something unique in our county," he continued.
Enthusiasm for the boxing club is growing. Initially there was just a handful of participants. There are now at least 40 who train regularly, spanning all age groups.
Boxing, Hernandez said, involves much more than knowing how to throw a punch. His students learn the basic punches, but also footwork, timing, and learn how to pace themselves. To be successful, they have to have a level of cardio conditioning, and they have to overcome fear.
"They like it, because they get to hit something. But there is more to boxing than hitting," Hernandez said. "The more you train, the more confident you grow, and the better your boxing skills. You learn more discipline, and confidence. You get out of it what you put into it."
Hernandez emphasizes the importance of mindset to all his boxing students.
"You have to have the right mindset, the right attitude to be successful. We focus a lot on that," he said "We tell them that you can train, and you can consistently get better. And when you are prepared you don't have to be overcome with fear if you get into the ring."
"I want them to understand that their self-worth, their personal confidence, should not depend upon a social media post, or 'like.'" Hernandez continued.
Excitement is growing for the upcoming tournament. There will be a total of 40 fighters in 20 fights. Each will last three rounds. The males will compete in two-minute rounds with a one minute rest between rounds. The female rounds will last one and a half minutes.
Hernandez says all the fighters will be somewhat afraid, or anxious, which is normal.
"But after the fight, they will feel amazing. It's exhilarating," he said. "They will have done something that 99% of the population will never do. Face an opponent in a boxing ring."
Zach Emory teaches debate, rhetoric, and logic at TJCA. He also coaches the wrestling team. He began boxing training last fall. The 34-year-old will step into the boxing ring at the tournament, to face Hunter Haynes.
Emory says he started for the fitness aspects, and has come to enjoy it. This will be his first time in the ring.
Regarding the training, Emory was most surprised initially by the stress and soreness felt in his shoulders. But overall he feels healthier.
"And, I'm sleeping like a baby," he said.
Jayden Garcia is a freshman at TJCA. He is excited about the upcoming tournament. He has trained some in various martial arts, and hopes one day to eventually compete in mixed martial arts competitions.
Billy Oh, originally from South Korea, is a TJCA senior. This will be his third boxing tournament at the school.
"I started boxing as a freshman," Oh said. "I was interested at first for the fitness aspects. Stepping into the ring at the first tournament, was one of the scariest experiences of my life. But afterwards, the feeling was unreal. There is fear, and extreme excitement at the same time."
Oh won his first two fights. He expects to win the next one.
Hernandez says all the fights will be evenly matched.
"There will be no lopsided fights in this tournament," he said. "Everyone who fights has a legitimate chance at winning."
Hernandez is happy with his students, and says parents are reporting to him, improved grades, and better attitudes.
Boxing benefits the students and the adults.
"Boxing is like chess. You have to think," Hernandez said. "I tell all my students, the youths and adults, that with boxing there will always be someone better, so we have to keep working to get better. And there has to be respect and a healthy fear of your opponent. When you train hard, are prepared, and can be in control of your adrenaline, you are in a position to win."
For more information, visit TJCA Boxing Club on Facebook.
