Fight night fever at the Friedberg JCC

The Friedberg JCC in Oceanside was abuzz with energy as boxing enthusiasts of all ages gathered for a unique training session that transformed the back gym workout room into a mock boxing arena. Under the guidance of North Merrick resident Steve Solomon, participants donned headgear and took their places in makeshift corners, engaging in live sparring among spectators that brought a sense of realism and thrill to their practice. Participants pushed their limits, honing their skills and building their fitness levels. “

“It’s such a great workout,” said Adrien Resto who sparred with Solomon in the evening. “I’m more in it for that workout and for the fun. I’m better than I was the first day I did it.”

For Donald Santiago, whose son Gabe is the youngest member of the class at 15, the program is more than just a workout. Donald was one of the spectators at the sparring night.

“It’s how we build confidence,” Donald said of The Friedberg JCC in Oceanside was abuzz with energy as boxing enthusiasts of all ages gathered for a unique training session that transformed the back gym workout room into a mock boxing arena. Under the guidance of North Merrick resident Steve Solomon, participants donned headgear and took their places in makeshift corners, engaging in live sparring among spectators that brought a sense of realism and thrill to their practice. Participants pushed their limits, honing their skills and building their fitness levels. “

“It’s such a great workout,” said Adrien Resto who sparred with Solomon in the evening. “I’m more in it for that workout and for the fun. I’m better than I was the first day I did it.”

For Donald Santiago, whose son Gabe is the youngest member of the class at 15, the program is more than just a workout. Donald was one of the spectators at the sparring night.

“It’s how we build confidence,” Donald said of the boxing class. “Even if it’s small steps, even psychologically. The fear of getting into a ring and possibly being punched, but when you’re here training and you’re learning how to defend yourself; it builds a state of confidence. ”It brings a sense of realism to the practice. Even though it’s a mock ring it’s full contact. It’s very good. It’s healthy. It’s a good environment.

22-year-old Garret Reed of Merrick was an all-around athlete when he attended Calhoun High School and on his first day of the JCC boxing class, he stepped into the ring to spar with Zach Solomon, Steve’s son.

“I like fighting, it’s fun to me,” he said. “It’s been a while since I boxed and I want to compete one day, I just don’t have the cardio for it just yet.”

Reed is no stranger to the Solomon family, having attended Calhoun High School in Merrick with Zach and trained with Steve while he was in school.

“He used to train with me for a while at my house and he’s got natural talent,” Solomon said.

Steve Solomon, a respected figure in the local sports scene, even at age 65 Steve still competes in the boxing scene and stepped into the sparring ring on a sore Achilles tendon and still held his own.

His boxing classes, which are open to JCC members and non-members, have made waves as the JCC boxing program continues to rise in popularity and caters to a wide range of participants, including those with special needs and Parkinson’s disease. Steve’s approach combines rigorous training with fun, mixing obstacle courses and varied exercises with traditional boxing techniques. With individuals who have aspirations to compete and have a shared love for the sport, the JCC boxing class is filled with a community of individuals striving for personal growth and excellence in the ring.

“Boxing has helped a lot of people,” Steve said. boxing class. “Even if it’s small steps, even psychologically. The fear of getting into a ring and possibly being punched, but when you’re here training and you’re learning how to defend yourself; it builds a state of confidence. ”It brings a sense of realism to the practice. Even though it’s a mock ring it’s full contact. It’s very good. It’s healthy. It’s a good environment.

22-year-old Garret Reed of Merrick was an all-around athlete when he attended Calhoun High School and on his first day of the JCC boxing class, he stepped into the ring to spar with Zach Solomon, Steve’s son.

“I like fighting, it’s fun to me,” he said. “It’s been a while since I boxed and I want to compete one day, I just don’t have the cardio for it just yet.”

Reed is no stranger to the Solomon family, having attended Calhoun High School in Merrick with Zach and trained with Steve while he was in school.

“He used to train with me for a while at my house and he’s got natural talent,” Solomon said.

Steve Solomon, a respected figure in the local sports scene, even at age 65 Steve still competes in the boxing scene and stepped into the sparring ring on a sore Achilles tendon and still held his own.

His boxing classes, which are open to JCC members and non-members, have made waves as the JCC boxing program continues to rise in popularity and caters to a wide range of participants, including those with special needs and Parkinson’s disease. Steve’s approach combines rigorous training with fun, mixing obstacle courses and varied exercises with traditional boxing techniques. With individuals who have aspirations to compete and have a shared love for the sport, the JCC boxing class is filled with a community of individuals striving for personal growth and excellence in the ring.

“Boxing has helped a lot of people,” Steve said.