By: J. Chevonte’ Alexander
Life is like a boxing match. Defeat is declared not when you fall, but when you refuse to stand again. ~ Unknown
One of the world’s oldest, and most celebrated sports, boxing, has proven to be popular among many people, for a variety of reasons. From its emergence in ancient Greece, through early 18-century England where it was considered the “gentle” art of self-defense, boxing has continually been refined and perfected.
Amateur boxing is also growing exponentially. Whether doing it professionally, for fun or for fitness, boxing is becoming very popular.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that doctors “vigorously oppose” youth boxing because of the risk of head injuries like concussions. But trainers and boxing supporters say it teaches young people discipline and work ethic better than any other sport. Many kids in urban areas join boxing gyms to learn how to defend themselves, and end up getting in fewer fights in school and on the street, they say.
Stress relief. Humility. Self-assurance. Improved self-image. Mental fortitude. And, becoming a better person and athlete. This and more are all the benefits of boxing, and Ninth Dimension Sports Circle supports every aspect of boxing and is teaching children and adults of all ages the benefits of the sport.
Richmond Gym Uses Boxing as Teaching Tool for Teens
http://www.wric.com/story/25980921/richmond-gym-uses-boxing-as-teaching-tool-for-teens
Ninth Dimension Sports Circle is a boxing organization specializing in the fundamental and amateur Olympic-style boxing. The non-profit, homegrown in Richmond, Virginia, Ninth Dimension prepares youth and adult athletes to follow their dream of representing Team USA. Ninth Dimension allows boxers to compete in state, regional and national tournaments, and they are trained to become amateur boxing champions. Ninth Dimension Sports Circle has hosted seven state tournaments and boxing shows, really putting Richmond on the map for being known for elite boxing athletes. Coach Omar Aleem founded the non-profit in 2007 to help the community and to make a difference.
Their mission is to enable local metro Richmond athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the state of Virginia and nationally. They strive to encourage, teach motivation, guidance and inspiration to build character and strength. In addition, their members will learn discipline and respect where they can utilize these skills in the community, home, work, and school. The responsibility of Ninth Dimension Sports Circle is not only to produce accomplished boxers, but also to develop young men and women to be productive adults in their communities.
Ninth Dimension sports is certified with the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. In addition, the gym is sanctioned with the USA Boxing Association.
“Nine is the highest single-digit number in the decimal system.” comments Aleem. “Which is why we titled it Ninth Dimension, because we believe we provide the highest level of talent and training in our area.”
Coach Omar Aleem is a certified and licensed coach through the United States Olympic Committee. He has eight years of Level 2 coaching certification. In addition, Coach Omar is a Level 1 official. Coach Omar has experience in the field of martial arts and self-defense. Under Coach Omar Aleem’s guidance and training, two boxers have moved forward to the pro ranks of boxing, and two boxers have made it to the Olympic trials. Recently, there were several boxers who participated in a “Belt Blast” boxing tournament in Algiers, North Carolina that won their divisions among 100 participating boxers.
Promo Video for Ninth Dimension Sports Circle
At Ninth Dimension Sports Circle, everyone is welcomed regardless of his or her financial status.
“We are thankful that we are able to offer athletes the opportunity to develop their skills in a positive environment,” says Coach Aleem. “This is due to the help we receive from individuals and businesses within our community.”
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. ~ Muhammad Ali
The boxing family serves youth and adults in the city of Richmond and surrounding counties. The organization currently works with 127 young men and women. Coach Omar’s sons, Immanuel Aleem and Moshea Aleem, are pro boxers and have fought on ESPN2 and Showtime.
Immanuel Aleem recently had a boxing match against Michael Noriega during their ESPN Boxing bout in Rancho Mirage, CA, and Moshea Aleem and Edward Cordova during their ESPN Boxing in Rancho Mirage, CA at Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa on April 24, 2014.
The youth involved with Ninth Dimension travel all over the USA for tournaments and matches. Their past travels have taken them to Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Missouri, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
To continue building the Ninth Dimension legacy and improving their impact in the community, the organization needs the community’s support and assistance. They are in need of an event building for training and hosting boxing shows for the youth and adults. They are also in need of donations for new safety equipment, shoes, uniforms, boxing gear, USA member’s passbooks, and assistance with traveling expenses. Finally, the gym is in need of a passenger van or bus to use for traveling to out-of-town events, and many parents are unable to afford the expense of driving to and from the events. They would like help to provide many inner city low to moderate- income youth an opportunity to participate in the program who cannot afford to pay USA fee, club dues, or purchase equipment to give them the same opportunities that are provided to the upper class communities.
They would like the support of the public with donations of any type. Also, they hold tent sales outside of the gym to sell merchandise to gain profit for the gym.
Physical Benefits of Boxing Fitness
• Strength and endurance gain – No strain of weights, but all the benefits (Strength & endurance are natural by-products of boxing training)
• Low impact on joints, but high intensity
• Cardiovascular improvement in less amount of time than many other regimens
• High energy and calorie expenditure in shorter amount of time
Mental Benefits of Boxing Fitness
• Provides variety in your exercise regimen
• Time-effective way to train
• Empowering and boosts self-confidence
• Challenging, as each class is different
• Requires focus and thinking
• Great for the mind, especially as we get older
See more of what Ninth Dimension Sports Circle is doing for the community…
“If you’re not working, that’s an automatic no-no,” says Coach Omar Aleem.
Coach Aleem is helping youngsters throw a punch in the right direction.
“I can see a kid come in here with his pants down, low grades, and … you know, looking tacky, need some direction, and what I try to do is offer that.”
Ninth Dimension Sports Circle is a boxing organization specializing in the fundamentals of boxing.
Rafiq Keys in training for National Championship 2015 to qualify for 2016 Olympic trials.
Ninth Dimension Sports Circle offers the following things:
1. Ninth Dimension Sports Circle program is offered to males and females.
2. The instruction provided is for beginners and advanced participants.
3. The program teaches the fundamental and advanced amateur boxing program including all aspects of Olympic-style boxing.
4. Ninth Dimension Sports Circle focuses on technique and conditioning.
5. The goal of the program is to train the participant to reach a competitive level.
6. USA Boxing and Amateur classes and ages include:
a. Junior Olympic (Ages 8 to 16)
b. Novice (Ages 17 years of age to 40, with 10 bouts or less)
c. Open (Ages 17 years of age to 34, with more than 10 bouts)
d. Masters (40 years of age and up)
And with every punch, the goal is to get gold.
“(I am) making champions out of them. You have to give more than 100 percent.”
To find out more information about Ninth Dimension Sports Circle and how to get involved, please visit: http://www.ninthdimensionsportscircle.yolasite.com/.
