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Photo credit: Denise Meltzer

Coach: @kjem (Kristina Ejem)  with  TEEN GJWB CLASS

ed·u·ca·tion (ĕj′ə-kā′shən)⁠
n.⁠
1. The act or process of educating or being educated. 2. The knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process.⁠
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TO BE EDUCATED IN THE SPORT OF BOXING:⁠
It is one thing to think you know the physical sport.⁠ It is another to understand ALL aspects of the sport from a competitive, business, and/or even developmental lens. Boxing has so many layers and is just as much mental as it is physical - hence the name sweet science.
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GJWB’s mandate from the beginning has been to teach girls and women of all ages the REAL sport of boxing, and you know we will always bring the FUN! ⁠
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The better we understand the sport AND the business- the better your boxing journey will be. ⁠
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Education and understanding the roles in boxing and where it can grow for us is the driving force to empowering women within the sport. Coach Kristina didn't have anyone inviting her to the table so she jumped into as many roles in boxing over the years as possible and created a table of her own. We know there are many of you all over the world doing the same - so it's time to assemble our collective.
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#TEAMGJWB You need to see one to be one.
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Coaches & GJWB partners Kristina and Helene were tired of the old adage 'shrink it and pink it' for women's gear. So they created the GJWB line of gear to fit women properly because boxing and most sports seem to forget we aren’t just small men. Article linked HERE.
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Our longevity in the sport depends on women being able to #protecthepretty with functional gear and YES we have added the fashion to it so we can be cute while kicking-A$$. ⁠

men·tor (mĕn′tôr′, -tər)⁠
n.⁠
1. A wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

2. Mentor Greek Mythology Odysseus's trusted counsellor, in whose guise Athena became the guardian and teacher of Telemachus. To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher, especially in occupational settings. V.tr. To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher to (another person).⁠
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GJWB boxing mentorship is necessary but so is sponsorship and opportunity. As an amateur fighter, professional fighter, coach, official or in any role it is important that we have someone to ask questions and get advice from. These mentors and sponsors need to be male and female representatives from all corners of the sport.⁠
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TEAM GJWB will consist of a global group of ambassadors and mentors.

If you have any questions for us or our mentors, please ask away in the comments below. 👇 

am·a·teur (aməCHər)⁠
n.
1. a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid rather than a professional basis.⁠
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box·er (bŏk′sər)⁠
n.⁠
1. Sports One who fights with the fists as a sport.⁠

At GJWB becoming a boxer begins with the FUNdamentals and the foundations of amateur boxing.

The first steps on your journey to boxing for REAL may begin with: a club show, tournament, or corporate charity event. From there, an amateur boxer would work towards participating in boxing at the collegiate level, the Provincial, State or National Team, Olympics games, Pan American Games, Commonwealth games, and within another association. 

Did you know: an athlete is not legally allowed to spar unless licensed by the governing body and has taken a specific medical to show that you are fit to take punches which will happen when in a ring? WHY? You don’t play boxing.

FUN FACT: Women's boxing first appeared in the Olympic Games at a demonstration bout in 1904. Fast forward women’s boxing ONLY became an Olympic sport in the 2012 London Olympics.

There are 11 amateur female fight weight classes from: light flyweight (up to 106lbs) to super heavyweight (201+ lbs). The Olympics currently have 5 female weight classes and is set to add 1 more to make it 6 for 2024.

The amazing thing about boxing is there is a weight class for everyone at any size! Being able to fight at any weight - now that's inclusivity! 

If you're looking to reach a certain fight weight, check out our other blog post here! 

Female Ring Announcer & TEAM GJWB member: Yvette Raposo

an·nounc·HER (ə-noun′sər)⁠
n.⁠
One that announces, especially a person who introduces programs, reads announcements, or provides commentary on television or radio.⁠
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Women in the boxing media, commentating, and announcing world seem to be few and far between to the general public, but they are there and HAVE BEEN THERE working hard in the boxing game. ⁠
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TEAM GJWB will be shining a light on them all.
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The future where 'all female cards' exist that include female referees, commentators, and announcers is on the horizon.⁠
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This future is bright and is the only one we are here for. Oh yeah and equitable pay....that too!⁠
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The female voice in boxing is getting louder and GJWB will be the megaphone  for it. ⁠
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Who is your favourite female voice in boxing?

Official: Lee Smith (TEAM GJWB member) Photo credit: Boxing Ontario

Boxing official: The third (WO)man in the ring. ⁠
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The role of the official or referee is to give instructions to each boxer and determine:⁠
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+when to start/stop a count when a fighter is down⁠
+ when a foul/warning/or points should be taken away⁠
+ signal when the round is over⁠
+ if the fight needs to be stopped due to a fighters health and call a TKO⁠
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An official is definitely not always appreciated but they play a starring role in the drama of the match and most importantly the safety of the boxers. ⁠
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Did you know that taking an official course can help to learn exactly how points are given, taken away and what the judges are looking for? We recommend all athletes and coaches take the course. For anyone in Ontario - Boxing Ontario courses can be found HERE.

Cut (Wo)Man: The third (WO)man outside the ring. ⁠
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Responsible for preventing and treating physical damage to a fighter during the breaks between rounds. You can take a cut course HERE with Boxing Ontario, coaches Helene & Kristina have their Level 1 certification and look forward to getting their Level 2.⁠
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This may be the most underrepresented role for women. It may not be the job for everyone especially if you are squeamish, but it is definitely one of the most important to a fighter while in the ring in order to helping them #protecthepretty literally. ⁠
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Education and representation matters. ⁠
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Did you ever thinking about taking either of these courses? Will you now?!

Carolyn Redmond (TEAM GJWB member) vs Gisela Noemi Luna Photo credit: Jeff Lockhart

n.

Professional boxing - boxing for money
Boxing, pugilism, fisticuffs - fighting with the fists

Professional boxing (or prizefighting) bouts are fought for a purse that is divided between the boxers as determined by a contract. Most professional bouts are supervised by a regulatory authority to guarantee the fighters' safety. Most high-profile bouts obtain the endorsement of a sanctioning body, which awards championship belts, establishes rules, and assigns its own judges and referees.⁠
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There are 17 female professional weight categories from Light minimum weight (102lbs) to Heavyweight (200+lbs). ⁠
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The pay disparity is real just like in most professional sports for women, BUT when we stand together for change by supporting females in the sport at all levels, things will change, it has too. As the saying goes...divided we fall united we stand.⁠
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Coach Kristina fell in love with boxing watching Christy Martin on a Tyson card with her dad back in the early 90s. Seeing her in pink shorts ready to rumble made Kris think 'I can do that too'. Thank you to all the amazing pro-boxers out there being an inspiration to a new generation. We need to see one to be one. ⁠
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Currently women are still competing in 2 min round formats, but fighting for 3 minutes like their male counterparts. It is just another archaic rule based on gender biases. ⁠
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Give us a 👊👊👊 below if you are ready for 3min professional rounds!⁠

Photo credit: Denise Meltzer

coach (kōch)⁠
n.⁠
In Sports a person who trains or directs athletes or athletic teams.⁠
A person who gives instruction or guidance: a boxing coach; a life coach.⁠
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A boxing coach is someone who is licensed by the governing body of their province, state or territory. ⁠
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Boxing is a lifelong journey and you really should mentally plan to have many coaches in your life. The hope is to learn the different aspects of your sport, let their mastery become a part of yours as no one coach is the same. Also no single coach knows everything and to support you as a boxer your coach should allow some input and collaboration for the benefit of your progression where possible.⁠
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There should always be a mutual respect in the relationship. If that's not the case you might want to think about finding that coach who has your best interest at heart. ⁠
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GJWB is creating a network of female and female supportive coaches, boxing leaders and community that want growth in the sport through positive gender equity.⁠
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Our coaching philosophy at GJWB is technique is the rule, not the exception. Style is something you develop as you grow, and progression over perfection is the only way to become a better boxer or person for that matter. ⁠
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What is the most important thing a coach has taught you?

team (tiːm) ⁠
n (sometimes functioning as plural)⁠
A number of persons associated together in work or activity: such as: a group on one side (as in football or a debate) b: CREW, GANG⁠
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TEAM ⁠
GJWB ⁠
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Is a community first and foremost. Even though boxing is an individual sport, it takes a team to make a fighter. ⁠
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The best fighters have a solid team behind them. ⁠
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GJWB wants to be that TEAM for all females in the sport. When we connect and support each other there is nothing we can’t do together. ⁠
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Teach the sport⁠
Connect & find sparring partners ⁠
Support each other with money by watching fights⁠
Create opportunities⁠
Grow the boxing community ⁠
Job creation within the sport⁠
Educate - Develop - Connect ⁠
Be one so they can see one⁠
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Empowered women - Empower women ⁠
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We are doing this to create a better present day in boxing and we are seeing it move in the right direction finally but we have a long way to go. We are doing this for the future for our lil stars of boxing.⁠
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We have put together a fantastic group of Ambassadors & Mentors for our TEAM. Each of which brings their own experience, personality, role within boxing, and passion for driving the sport in the best direction.

We can't wait to introduce you to the stars of TEAM GJWB as we will continue to grow and be the world’s largest female boxing community!

We will be posting profiles of each of them over the next few weeks so stay tuned. 

**By following us here - you are already part of the TEAM. If we haven’t said it yet - WELCOME!! :) **

GJWB is a PROUD sponsor of the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame Awards - taking place August 14 2021

It is an honour to help celebrate this decorated list of twenty-four international inductees from 2020 & 2021. They are boxers and women's boxing enthusiasts who have paved the way for us to continue to do what we love and create the future women's boxing deserves.

This will be the seventh induction celebration and the largest in the history of the IWBHF. This Hall of Fame dinner, induction ceremony and reception will be taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada August 14th at the Orleans Hotel & Casino. The evening kicks off with a meet and greet session for the honorees and invited guests, followed by the IWBHF tradition of having every female boxer sign the historic 7’ ft. high historical pioneer banner.

Guest speakers include: Christy Martin, Layla McCarter, Bianca Gutierrez, Daisy Lang, and Graciela Casillas.

For anyone in the Las Vegas area or if you were looking for the perfect excuse to go to Vegas - Details and tickets can be found on the website by clicking here.

Or reach out to us directly for more information by emailing us: info@girlsjustwannabox.com.

WHO IS Sue "TL" Fox? 

Sue is the amazing Founder/Chairwoman/& President of the IWBHF (pictured below) and the creator of the WBAN network. The Women's Boxing Archive Network where she reports on our sport daily and continually shines a light on all women in the sport of boxing. She has been a fighter and is always fighting for equality and equity for women in the sport we love. Sue herself is a Hall of Famer, former World Class Boxer, rated #1 in the world in 1979, and creator/founder of WBAN™. She was named in the Feb. 2012 Commemorative issue of Ring Magazine as one of the Top-Ten Most Influential female boxers of all time. In 2008, USA Boxing presented an award to Fox for her contributions in developing the sport. Since its inception on the internet back in 1998, WBAN has become the world’s leading authority for resource and information in all things female boxing!

GJWB would like to thank Sue as she is an 'OG' of the Girls Just Wanna Box movement and she has paved the way for us. We thank you to the moon and back Sue for all you have done in the sport and continue to do through WBAN and the IWBHF!

Stay tuned for our full coverage of the event - we will go LIVE on IG and totally boxing girl geek out!  Hopefully Sue has time to go LIVE with us along with the inductees and special guests!

The Webster definition of a role model is: a person whose behaviour in a particular role is imitated by others.

Being a role model is a very serious and impactful job, but on the other hand, it is also an extremely rewarding and fulfilling job.   

As adults and coaches, I understand our influence on our young girls, teens and even the adult women we coach. As much as we teach the sport of boxing to improve their physical fitness and boxing skill, we are responsible for guiding them through a comprehensive healthy lifestyle which may include: nutritional advice, mental strength and fortitude, self love, and the importance of overall health to help them in their daily lives while forming habits to last a lifetime.

In 2013, Coach Kristina was introduced to the Fast & Female by her dear friend and Olympian boxer Mandy Bujold. She fell in love with all of it and shortly after became a R.E.A.L Role Model with Fast & Female – an organization whose mission is to keep girls healthy and active in sports; a mission that GJWB also embodies. Fast & Female introduces self-identified girls aged 8-14 to inspiring athlete role models at non-competitive, fun-filled events all over North America. I joined the program later in 2018. R.E.A.L Role Model refers to: Relatable, Empowered, Active Leaders.

41% of girls age 3-16 don’t participate in any sport. Without the introduction to sports, they are unaware of the benefits. Especially for girls in that age group it is vital that they are exposed to women in sport – whether these women are: athletes, coaches, sports broadcasters, officials, Olympians, nutritionists, therapists, etc – to show options for when they go grow up. There are many opportunities to be involved with sports outside of going to the Olympics and many opportunities and careers after the Olympics. Without visible women in these roles it may seem unavailable, unachievable or not even and option. You have to see one to be one.

Coach KJEM and I have been VERY lucky to partner and work on Fast & Female champ chats and other events (including virtual!) to introduce boxing to girls and help encourage them to stay in sport. Sport not only has physical benefits, but also helps young girls and teens develop the confidence, leadership and teamwork skills that are essential for life.

        Studies from Ernst & Young have found that 94% of women who hold C-suite level positions are former athletes - proving the correlation between athletics and leadership. 

Having had many opportunities to be at these events, it is extremely rewarding to see the spark in these girl’s eyes as they learn how to throw punches, have fun, make new friends, and allow us to share our personal experiences in the boxing world. I know first-hand how boxing has changed my life and I just want to encourage these girls to stay active in boxing or any sport!

In the sport of boxing specifically, we need to see more females in all areas: athletes, coaches, cut (wo)man, officials, referees, announcers, commentators, promoters, etc. There are many different path options for girls and women to stay in the sport of boxing as a career even if/when they are not competing. Without these role models we may lose these girls to another sport or career path.

As the community pillar of GJWB and Level 5 of our program, we have a network of women within the sport to assist girls with any questions, sparring, clubs, connecting with other athletes, and more. It is our goal to bridge the gap and help our community with their boxing journey - wherever it may take them! This is also something GJWB will continue to do with the ambassador program launching in 2021. Please sign up to our newsletter below to stay up to date on that program and all things GJWB.

Do you have any role models in your life? How have they influenced you through sport or general life?