Sometimes life-changing moments come from something as simple as a TV show.
For Paul Averill, the longtime owner of Averill Martial Arts Academy, the trajectory of his life changed after seeing a Kung Fu broadcast in the 1970s. Seeing that made him want to not only practice martial arts, but also start his own studio and teach.
“This guy can kick.” [butt]But he had a philosophy of life and a way of self-disciplined about everything,” says Averill, the wandering protagonist played by actor David Carradine, Shaolin monk Kai Chan Kein. Ta.
Back in 1981, Averill realized that his life lacked any philosophy and thought he could improve his self-control, he said. Averill decided it might be helpful for him to take up martial arts, and that's exactly what happened.
After being promoted to assistant teacher at Concord Martial Arts Gym, where he started as a student, the owner decided to move to Connecticut in 1987. Averill, the highest-ranking student there, kept the martial arts studio running in the owner's absence. In 1993, Averill's was separated from his previous business and started as his LLC.
“I always had a full-time job and then I always had a martial arts job,” Averill said. “But it ended up being my full-time job, and it was like, my full-time job actually became my side hustle.”
Averill's is located on Main Street and offers classes and training in boxing, kickboxing, and tai chi. Averill has coached Golden His Glove winners and has seen clients compete in regional competitions, Olympic trials, and national championships.
He trains almost all levels and ages, from children to 80-year-olds, and made it clear that everyone is welcome. This gym focuses not only on developing title winners, but also on developing well-rounded individuals.
Averill said that for people who lack confidence, trying something like boxing is a great way to gain confidence. At the same time, the growing popularity of watching mixed martial arts on television has led some new students to believe that they will be able to fight like a professional in no time.
“I've seen people come in and say, 'I'm going to be the next greatest fighter in the world, blah blah blah,' and then a few hours later say, 'I'm going to be the next greatest fighter in the world, blah blah blah.' [are] I'm like, “Well, I have a lot to learn.” So it could go either way,” Averill said. “It can really empower you and help you grow. It can also give you a reality check and get you in the right place.”
The workout is HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), which combines cardio and strength training to practice boxing fundamentals and techniques. Averill said students do not need to be in shape to begin boxing classes and participants can use the gym to get in shape.
Mental benefits include discipline, self-confidence, and overall toughness in the face of adversity. Averill said learning to perform under pressure and walking with added confidence that he can protect himself will help him in his daily life. Averill said his ability to remain calm and focused in difficult situations is “huge.”
Concord resident Ken Sansone and his 14-year-old daughter Ada have been attending classes since the holidays.
“It was really fun. I love going home and talking to my wife about what we did. I think we learned a lot together,” Sanson said. “I think that was for the best.”
People take up boxing and kickboxing for a variety of reasons. While improving fitness is natural, Averill said newcomers may also join because they are feeling some kind of tension in their lives.
He has had many people speak directly to him about taking up boxing or kickboxing to overcome unique challenges. Some say he's been working directly with Averill since day one, telling her he's been working on things like losing weight, quitting smoking, staying clean and dealing with mental health issues.
“I've had guys come to me with issues like that who have won titles in boxing and kickboxing,” Averill said. “And I just turned myself into a productive member of society and had a family and kids and really moved in a positive direction.”
Sometimes those challenges are very difficult.
Averill added that last year, a student and great athlete who regularly went to the gym but was battling mental illness took his life.
The gym community was shaken. Averill said he always tries to bring up the importance of mental health in class. His business logo will be featured on T-shirts for this year's NAMI Walks rally, an event focused on mental health that members regularly participate in as a team.
The gym community is incredibly strong, and not just physically. Averill said members check in and encourage each other about the progress and efforts they notice. But we don't stop there, we also compliment each other's band T-shirts and ask about our weekend plans.
“That community influences everything we do,” Averill said. “Someone will say, 'This week I'm going to build a deck.' [here’s] That’s my plan,” and the other four said, “That’s my plan.” [this] So our family is like that. ”
It’s this community that Averill has been grateful for during COVID-19.
“For me to navigate [the pandemic] Working with the help of this community has been amazing. So I really appreciated the community here,” Averill said. “We did things online, people came together for online classes, and then, I don't know, it was pretty amazing to see that kind of effort.”
Averill believes that many people have a different idea of boxing gyms than the reality. Averill says the hardest part of boxing and kickboxing is the first day, when you don't know what's going to happen and you think you're going to get beat up by a bunch of people who are bigger, stronger and way better than you. you. That's not the case at all.
Averill hopes the welcoming social environment will keep people coming back.
Sansone and her daughter Ada said they both feel like they are making progress. She and Ada have enjoyed horseback riding since she was a child, but the two wanted to try something new.
“I like the atmosphere,” he said. “You'd think it would be quite intimidating to try to learn a completely new skill like this with a bunch of people, but some of them are very experienced and have been doing it for literally years. Some people do. But we didn't have that.” I think that's what we like most about it, because everyone is so welcoming and the atmosphere is that you can tell that everyone is having a great time. ”
Sanson said he really enjoyed learning boxing with his daughter.
“I thought it was really great,” he said. “Actually, I think it was last week, we were doing a drill where the point was to set up your right hand with a jab, and Ada did it, and she hit it right under my ear. And I got really good at it. And I was really great.'' That was the point of practice, so I'm proud of her. ”
Averill's extensive training experience allows the gym to offer additional programs such as Tai Chi classes and extracurricular programs when specialty classes are taught. That's why some people drive more than an hour to train at his gym.
“I've been in this job for 40-odd years, and I've been really fortunate to train with some world-renowned people along the way,” Averill said. “I don't know if it was just luck or God's plan, but I had a lot of good experiences.”
While Averill believes it's important for everyone to have the skills and confidence to protect themselves, he also emphasized the responsibility that comes with learning moves that could potentially hurt someone.
This balance is found throughout Averill's philosophy and trickles down into his coaching. Of course, Abar Ile enjoys watching his students get in shape and become stronger athletes, both physically and mentally.
“But the greatest reward is seeing people thrive,” Averill said. “If you leave this earth and you've done something to save one, two, three, or however many lives, I don't think it's a bad life.”
