Member of The Month
To make your pick for the next 'Member of the Month', email info@contenders.ca! Please include the first and last name of your candidate and reason for your selection, or how your pick inspires you!
May 2012: Robin McCombe
Our Member of The Month for May is Robin McCombe who has been with us for over ten years. Robin is the Office Manager of Smythe Ratcliffe Chartered Accountants, and when she is not working or not boxing, she likes to relax and have fun with her family and friends.
Robin’s favorite classes at Contenders are 12PM Training Camp on Tuesday and Friday which she says she has “a love/hate relationship” with. She always works very hard and often to the point where she cannot stay standing any more. It takes great mental strength for one to push her/himself so hard! Robin says “I have found that
as I get older it gets harder to maintain strength, but with boxing it has been possible.” She also credits her classmates for helping her stay in shape. “I love the lunch classes because all the women that attend are amazing and strong in themselves, which makes me push myself harder to keep up.” “I love all the trainers at Contenders. It’s like one big family. I feel like they always have my best interest at heart and they keep me honest when it comes to my workouts”, Robin says. Thank you Robin for being a part of Contenders family and letting us be a part of your fit life! When you see Robin at the gym, make sure to say hi!
April 2012: Craig Nakata
Member of The Month for April 2012 is Craig Nakata who has been training at Contenders for about a year. He takes 5-6 classes weekly, and always tries his very best, which is respected by many of his classmates. One of his classmates says
“Craig will always go beyond what an instructor demands of the students. If you ask for light weights he grabs mediums, if you ask for medium weights he will grab heavy ones and he will push himself past failure. Often if the class has an odd number of students he will willingly go to the instructor so he can do "double duty" on heavy bag routines. Prior to every class he is jumping rope; after each class he is doing pull-ups. As a result I have noticed a significant improvement in his conditioning and his power. His physique has changed so quickly. He is a perfect example of what a boxing regimen and Contenders can do for someone who is willing to learn and to work hard.”
Craig’s favorite classes at Contenders are Beginner Kick Boxing, for teaching new movements and helping h
im improve his techniques, and 6AM Beginner Boxing, for having a comfortable small class with the same familiar faces. One of his goals is to improve his strength, and to achieve the goal he has been doing chin-ups and choosing 5 – 10 lbs heavier weights than normal. He describes boxing at Contenders as a good way to stay healthy while having fun, and “everyone respects each other and you get a good feeling of accomplishment.”In his free time, he likes watching movies as well as studying different fighting styles and joint manipulations. Craig says “I started taking lessons because each fighting style is an art, but boxing is probably the most basic form of fighting. By no means am I saying it’s easy, but if I ever have to rely on self defense, I rather keep it simple and effective as possible.”
Advice from Craig
“Fatigue is the worst feeling while exercising, but the more you push past it the better results you end up with. Just keep in mind why you're here.”
March 2012: Rafael Reis
Our Member of The Month for March 2012 is Rafael Reis who has been with Contenders for over 4 years. He is the director of Reis Financial Solutions and has recently celebrated his 29th birthday. Rafael has organized some events for his fellow members to get together and bond, and he is also organizing Team Contenders for Tough Mudder race with Chantal Bourke.He likes boxing because “boxing equally requires both physical and mental strength. Regardless how much you have been taught, there is always a new lesson.” Rafael’s favorite class at Contenders is Hand Pads Class where he can work on his boxing skills, unwind from an intense day and hang out with his friends. As to his challenges and goals he would like to work on, he says “I need to improve my footwork and combos during sparring. I would like to increase my training so I am ready for the next White Collar Fight Night bout and eventually have my first amateur boxing match”. It will be great to see Rafael back in the ring of White Collar Fight Night later this year!
Rafael has never done races like Tough Mudder, and he would like to take on the challenge with his fellow Contenders. To get ready for the race, he is not only taking boxing classes, but also running twice a week adding five minutes to his total time every run. He is also planning to do BMO Half Marathon on May 6th. He is encouraging everybody to join Team Contenders and not to feel intimidated. He says “Anyone who is nervous to do the Tough Mudder, don't be. Team Contenders will start together and finish together; leave no soldier behind.” When you see Rafael at the gym, make sure to say hi to him! Thank you Rafael for your leadership!
February 2012: Michal Goldstein
Our Member of The Month for February is Michal (Mickey) Goldstein, who is an accountant and has been with Contenders for over 2 years. Her fitness and boxing techniques have improved so much since she started training at Contenders. If you work with Mickey in the class, you will be surprised to see the power that comes out of her slim body!
Mickey attends the morning classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, which are her favorite classes. She likes the morning classes because of her classmates, who she says are the best thing about doing boxing at Contenders, and the coffee they grab after the class. She also likes that size of the 6am classes are smaller and they are held in early time of the day when “my brain doesn't comprehend yet what I'm doing, and so I resist very little when Yo, Kevin, and Richard come up with their crazy exercises.“
When we asked her about the benefits of doing boxing, she said “you get a great workout without realizing it because it is so much fun. I'm also glad that I can now do push ups (I couldn't even do one when I started), and I don't feel intimidated anymore by all those other "fit" people at the gym, because now I know I can keep up, and I have a library of exercises that I can use when I work out alone.”
Mickey has various fitness goals some of which are to do better in the fitness challenge she is doing with her colleagues, to compete and compete Tough Mudder race this summer, to be able to do 5 pull-ups in a row, and to work on her legs, balance and flexibility that she considers her weaknesses.
As the advice for people who are new to the gym, Mickey says “make friends with the other regulars in the class. You're much more likely to stick to it when it’s not just a workout, but also a social thing (it also doesn't hurt to have a few people around who will give you a hard time if you miss a class). I'm not sure if I can give a specific piece of advice to someone - but if I can, I would advise Champ to wash his hand-wraps :)”
January 2012: Jenny Taylor
Our member of the month for January 2012 is Jenny Taylor who has been training at Contenders for 2 years. She is a Sales Representative for Okanagan Spring/Sleeman Breweries, and last year she kindly organized an event for Contenders members to watch Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight together at Metropole Community Pub.
She comes to the gym 4 times a week with a fun and positive attitude and inspires us by always working hard and being very fit. One of her classmates who voted for Jenny to be the member of the month says, “She can do all exercises in the core training class!” Her favorite classes are Richard’s Tuesday 5:30PM Conditioning Class and Sebastian’s Saturday 10AM Circuit Training Class because “both come up with some pretty creative (crazy) exercises.” She says that getting/staying fit, making friends, and ‘Kelly Ripa arms’ are the positive outcomes of doing boxing. When she is not boxing, she likes playing soccer and snowboarding.
She believes that the key to sticking to a workout program is “keeping it fresh – go to as many different classes as you can and keep learning. It also helps having a few people to call you out and make you feel guilty if you haven’t shown up for a while. "
As the tips to those who are newly starting boxing at Contenders in January, she says “ask questions, never drop your gloves while doing hand pads with Kevin, and no matter how many times Richard tells you he’s seen his grandma do that arm exercise with 30lb weights, stick with your 10 to 15lb weights.”
We are excited to hear that Jenny and Jarrod who is also a member of Contenders have recently got engaged. When you see them at the gym, make sure to say hi and congrats!
December 2011: Steve Hawkshaw
Steve “The Hawk” Hawkshaw, a 29 year-old Chartered Accountant at Davidson & Company, is our Member of The Month for December. He has been training at Contenders for about 3 years and had his White Collar Fight Night debut and a big win against a real estate agent, Jeff “The Real Deal” Weigel, from Fight Fit gym on Thursday November 24th. We admire his commitment to his training and courage to get in the ring in front of a big live audience. When we asked about his experience of WCFN, he said, “My nerves were on edge until I was in the ring (more specifically the 2nd round). As Iron Mike put it, it is easy to have a game plan until you’re punched in the face. Hearing the crowd, however, calmed me down and helped with the ‘stick and move’. Would I do it again? Do
n’t I have to defend my title?” He had a big group of friends and co-workers who were cheering and screaming his name throughout his fight, which made the event even more exciting. His next goal is “to find myself a nice ring girl, and settle down”, Steve says.
We would like to congratulate Steve on his victory. We look forward to seeing him in the ring again at White Collar Fight Night 11. We also would like to congratulate and thank his opponent Jeff Weigel for putting on a great fight with Steve and being a part of WCFN 10. Photo: Steve (right) and Jeff
November 2011: Jasbir Gill and Orwell Kowalyshyn
Jasbir Gill and Orwell Kowalyshyn are both secondary school teachers living in Surrey. They have been with Contenders for 2 and a half years and have shown us a great commitment to their training and health.They like boxing because "it keeps me in shape and has helped my body heel from my soccer career in England", says Jasbir. Orwell says "I like the strength, reflex and cardio conditioning that you get. I like how quickly these classes can make a difference in your fitness and weight goals. It's also fun and the classes allow you to go at your own pace. What you put in, you get out!"
Both of them name Conditioning Training Camp (Tuesday 5:30pm) as their most favorite class at Contenders. Jasbir says "it lets me test my fitness level each week". And Orwell says "it's always different and really tires me out by the end."
They manage to work out regularly despite the long commute they have to and from Contenders gym. Orwell says "it's about making time to do things that you enjoy and doing things that promote your health. There is a regular gym 3 minutes from my place, but I choose Contenders because it offers unique classes and an atmosphere that I don't get anywhere else. Despite having a busy fall schedule, I make time to attend two classes per week and then as my schedule opens up, I try to add an extra weekly class or two." It is important to manage our time well and work out regularly because "staying in shape not only helps your body but also your mind" says Jasbir.
As the advice to their fellow members, Jasbir says "stick with it and you will go far." And Orwell says "take a variety of classes. If one class starts to not be your thing, change it up for a few months by trying another one. Keep rotating among the different ones and you'll always enjoy it. Also, remember to laugh at Teddy's jokes during class."
Thank you both for being dedicated members! You both well deserve to be the Members of The Month!
October 2011: Charles Kwon
Charles Kwon has been with Contenders for about 3 years. He is 30 years old and works in financing/stock market. He trains about 4 times a week at Contenders and enjoys playing ice hockey and golf in his free time. He inspires us by not only working hard in every class he attends, but also by showing his great care for his fellow members. He is always encouraging and helping out his training partners even when he is tired.
His favorite class is Richard’s Kickboxing Training Camp. What he loves about boxing is the fact that he can learn how to protect himself. (“I can walk in any dark alleys and beat the crap out of anybody that tries to rob me” he says.)
When we asked what the positive outcomes of doing boxing are, he said “1) you lose weight, 2) yo
u lose weight 3) you lose weight” Since he started training at Contenders, he has lost more than 50lbs. And his biggest challenge right now is to lose the final 10 lbs.
We would like to thank Charles for letting us be a part of his weight loss journey. We also would like to thank him for being a big support for his fellow members. His positive attitude and kindness to others are something we can all learn from.
September 2011: Natalya Dorenko
Our Member of The Month for September, Natalya Dorenko (aka “Smiley”), is known for her hardworking attitude and her smiley face. She usually attends 5 classes a week, and her favorite classes are our Beginner Kickboxing Class and Kickboxing Training Camp where she gets to learn “a lot of new skills as well as a challenging fast-paced workout”.
Her fitness has been constantly improving since she joined Contenders in July 2009. She says, “I think I have become more disciplined and stronger, not only physically, but also mentally.” And she gives credit to her fellow members who encourage her to do her best in the classes and her instructors who inspire her.
Her goal in boxing/fitness are to get better at things that she is struggling with, such as
the exercises that challenge her balance, and to learn as many things as she can.
Keep up the great work and keep smiling, Natalya! :)
Advice from Natalya
Natalya says, “If you really want to achieve something, you will.” And this is how you do it. “Be consistent in attending classes, always listen to your instructor, be patient and try your best.”
August 2011: Dave Drummond
Dave Drummond, a 38 year-old certified financial planner and a father of two, is our Member of The Month for August 2011.Dave has been training at Contenders for 5 years and one of the regular members of our 12PM Training Camps. His favorite classes are Core and Upper Body Training Camps where he gets “good hard workouts with Kevin chirping”.
Dave participated in BC Bike Race in July, and completed this seven-day mountain bike race despite having some mechanical issues. He recalls, “the race was so much fun, but it was very hard. There was so much single track and it was all so good. The hardest part was Day 4, 65km from Earls Cove to Seachelt over the mountains, 7000 of vertical. A 7.5-hour non-stop day on the bike.”
We admire his physical as well as mental strength that kept pushing himself through this tough race. Congratulations Dave, on this great accomplishment!
July 2011: Garnet Samuel
A 20 year-old art student, Garnet Samuel, is our Member of The Month in July. He has been training at Contenders for 3 years and has become one of the top fighters of Contenders. Here is our interview with Garnet.
What is your most favorite class at Contenders and why?
Garnet: My favorite class is the Open Gym/Sparring class because that’s the class that helps you progress as a boxer.
What do you like about boxing and how has it been affecting you positively?
Garnet: I like the competition, the training and the feeling you get after a fight or hard sparring session, a sense of accomplishment. As a shy and reserved person boxing has helped me come out of my shell and has made me more confident about myself.
What was the hardest part of the preparation for your most recent fight?
Garnet: The hardest part in preparation for a fight was trying to make weight, quitting McDonalds, junk food & all that good stuff, waking up at 6am to run & living healthy. Pretty much being disciplined was the hardest part.
How do you feel when you get in the ring for a fight? What’s on your mind?
Garnet: I feel really nervous for a couple of minutes before a fight, a thousand thoughts go through my mind at that moment, like did I train hard enough? should I or should I not start fast? how good is my opponent? Then a couple of seconds later you start telling your self to be strong and to keep it gangsta (cool).
What is your goal in boxing?
Garnet: My goal in boxing is to be the very best that I can be, I think by doing so you exceed your expectations and accomplish more than what you can or hope to, do your best and everything will fall where you want it to.
Any comments/advice for your fellow members and those who are thinking of starting sparring?
Garnet: Keep your hands up. Always listen to your coach. Have respect for one another.
A hard-working and humble fighter like Garnet is a great example for other fighters to follow. Good job, Garnet!!
June 2011: Perminder Aujla
Perminder, a 20 year-old UBC student, has been training at Contenders for about a month. His frequent attendance and hard work in classes are what made him the Member of The Month for June.
He was looking for a form of exercise to help him get into shape when his friend and a member of Contenders, Kier, told him about boxing at Contenders. He came in to try out a class one day and “after dying during my first class, I wa
s hooked” he says. Since he joined Contenders, he has been attending about 8 classes a week and has lost around 10 lbs. His favorite class is Conditioning Training Camp on Tuesday 5:30PM which he describes, “the most excruciating class I’ve been to so far”. For now he is focusing on becoming fit, but maybe in the future, we will get to see him spar in the ring!
Keep up the good work, Perminder! And don’t forget to rest sometimes to recover from the hard workouts.
This is how Perminder stays focused on his goal of getting into shape!
“Try not to make excuses for not going to a class you were planning on going to. Plan beforehand to make sure you go to a class on that day if you have to miss the one you were going to attend. And watching the Canucks game is not a valid excuse to miss a day’s workout!”
May 2011: Carmen Turner
Carmen has been with Contenders since 2007. She is also a big fan of trail running and mountain biking. (She trains for big events such as 50 km Knee Knacker and BC Bike Race!) She likes 12PM Training Camp Classes because they provide not only the resistance training that she finds difficult to get from running or biking, but also a group of people who inspire her to push herself hard during the class.
We are very excited to have learned that she is pregnant with her first child and due at the
beginning of October. She says that she has been feeling great and able to keep her 5-6 days/week 
workout routine by making just small adjustments, such as avoiding some abdominal exercises, not running for more than 1 hour, and not letting her heart rate get too high during her workout.
We are sure that Carmen will make such a loving and active mom! We look forward to meeting her baby in October!
Tips from Carmen to Future Moms
“The fitter you can be obviously going into it, the better, and you can do a lot of the same things (obviously with your doctor’s consent) as you did before you got pregnant.”
April 2011: Garry Mancell
59 year-old Garry Mancell, aka “Old Garry”, has been boxing for over 12 years and has become one of the oldest and fittest members of Contenders. While working as a busy lawyer, he still manages to exercise daily to maintain his fitness.
He says that boxing at Contenders helps him improve his overall fitness and strength, and also provides a distraction from work in the middle of the day and social interaction with people from other occupations. His favorite classes are 12PM Training Camps where he describes, “Richard and Kevin keep introducing new concepts and push people to do their best, or just abuse them, as the case may be.”
When we asked for his advice to those who have recently started an exercise program and are struggling to stick with it, he said, “make exercise an essential body function. You always find time to eat and sleep. Regular exercise should be no different. Put your workout into your schedule and do not let people interfere with it.”
And to those who have been training with him, he says, “thanks for the camaraderie and don't take Kevin too seriously.”
Thank you Garry for being such a dedicated member and setting a great example for your fellow members to follow!