In this video, The Arena’s Barak Sekander and Coach Charles Martinez share their thoughts on the journey from gym member to one of our representing fighters. This Saturday at The Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Barak will be stepping back into the ring for his 2nd Kickboxing bout.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:
Barak Sekander:
My name is Barak Sekander. I started training at The Arena little over two years ago. I just kept showing up two years later and now fighting for the gym and can’t believe this is actually a part of my life.
Charles Martinez:
Barak came here as just a regular gym member. Came in, started jumping into the classes, did all of his time, did everything where I took all my ridicule, stayed, kept showing up through the torture and then had his first IKF official amateur kickboxing fight three months ago, won by knockout in the first round. He’s fighting again Saturday. Same show IKF show at the Four Point Sheraton.
Barak Sekander:
Tough love is the best way to describe Chuck. He cares about your training and you can definitely see that. Absolutely one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with and I’ve done sports my entire life.
Charles Martinez:
Our classes here are built to take someone from no knowledge all the way through competency and into competition. Barak’s just another example of that and I tormented that kid so I don’t know how he stuck around, honestly.
Barak Sekander:
Really lucky to be here. I never would’ve thought I’d be a fighter.
