In hindsight, the cage for mixed martial arts training in the middle of the floor might have intimidated new visitors looking for a new way to work out. After all, just because you want to train like a fighter, doesn’t mean you want to hear the steel doors close on you and your peers.

John Deters, owner of the LA Boxing in Peachtree City, moved the cage and the mixed martial arts training to a space next door. He also made the decision to hire Scott Sebastian as the general manager. Sebastian is a former boxer with tons of experience in training athletes, boxing and otherwise. These decisions show a renewed focus for the gym, which has been open for close to a year, one that hopes to show both men and women the benefits of training to box and kickbox.

“There is no contact during any of the classes,” Sebastian said, adding that there is some controlled, light sparring for interested individuals after Saturday’s boxing class. All of the classes are taught by former or current professionals or top amateurs with a background in the field.

Sebastian, who comes from a long line of boxers, has trained boxers in the area for a number of years. His uncle, Billy Soose, was middleweight champion of the world in 1941 and memorabilia from Soose’s career, as well as Sabastian’s, adorns the walls of the facility. Most recently, Sebastian helped form Sweat City Boxing in Atlanta and worked with a number of high-profile local fighters and celebrities looking for a great workout. Sebastian’s boxing background was important for Deters and L.A. Boxing because L.A. Boxing is an official sponsor of USA Boxing and is the official boxing, health and exercise club of USA Boxing.

L.A. Boxing in Peachtree City still offers mixed martial arts training and muay thai, but their goal is to introduce area residents to the fitness that comes from training through boxing and kickboxing classes.

Cardio kickboxing is a one-hour program that starts with a short jog and some stretching, followed by some shadow boxing. The class then puts on the gloves and starts working on one of the 30 bags in the facility. The instructor will teach some offensive or defensive combinations and then the class will get into the main part of the class, hitting the bags with the combinations. The class ends with some strengthening of the legs and calisthenics. During that one hour class, students burn between 800 and 1,000 calories.

“The class offers resistance training,” said Sebastian. “Students are learning the proper techniques and are hitting the bags, not just swinging at air.”

The cardio kickboxing class is increasingly popular and LA Boxing plans on adding a women’s only class soon, as well as an early morning class with what Deters calls a “spin class atmosphere.” The early morning class will be a high energy class with music and lights, designed to start people’s day with an energizing workout.

The classes are also open to area youth and Deters feels that they are a perfect alternative to karate classes.

“You don’t get this type of workout in karate, but you still learn self-defense, discipline, respect and decision making skills,” said Deters.

There are plans for the Peachtree City location to participate in a youth boxing league with other L.A. Boxing facilities. The group will feature 15 individuals ages 8 and up and each member will have to train for at least six months before competing. LA Boxing in Peachtree City will also serve as the location for International Fight League (IFL) tryouts.

L.A. Boxing will also have a free self-defense seminar for women on Tuesday, Apr. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Students will learn about situational awareness, escapes and strikes.

“There really is something for everybody here,” said Sebastian. “There are monthly membership appreciation days and great comradery among the students.” Sebastian and Deters also talked about how involved L.A. Boxing has been within the community, serving as a sponsor for the Cattle Baron’s Ball and helping fundraisers for Promise Place and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Membership fees at the LA Boxing in Peachtree City have been dramatically reduced. It is now $59 a month for an individual or $49 a month, per person, for a couple that signs up together.
“This is a place for people of all ages, male or female,” Sebastian said. “It’s a great workout for everybody.”

For more information on LA Boxing in Peachtree City, visit http://www.laboxing.com/peachtreecity or call 404-LABOXKO.

login to post comments