Dual Degree in Business Administration and International Relations student Quentin Emiliano De Las Peñas had been boxing for five years before joining IE University and had truly fallen in love with the sport.
However, when he first arrived he found that there was no boxing club to allow him to pursue his passion. He was determined not to stop training and lose all the years of hard work he had put into the sport, and so he decided to reach out to the sports administration team. From then on, he began working to create a club that would both allow him to keep boxing and give him an opportunity to share his passion with fellow students.
Help was at hand
IE University provided Quentin with everything he needed to get the club off the ground. They even helped him find a suitable gym and got in touch with its owner so the club could train there. Of course, there were certain guidelines he had to follow, but the rest was left up to him.
Unfortunately, Covid has taken its toll. Quentin has been forced to create new guidelines and rules to keep everyone safe during the training. It’s mandatory to wear masks, students must have a green passport, and everyone has to have their own equipment, as it can’t be shared. Luckily, the team is still able to train, but things aren’t quite what they used to be.
More than a sport
Quentin believes that boxing is a sport that teaches students discipline, hard work, and iron determination, all of which serve to benefit the academic side of things. The nature of the sport itself makes it a great addition to any IE University student’s schedule. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends from other departments.
On the whole, the club is relatively easy to run. Quentin takes care of most of the organization and makes sure that the members stick to the rules of the club at all times. He also creates weekly timetables so people can join different sessions according to their changing schedules.
Sounds like your idea of fun?
The majority of the classes offered by the club focus on various boxing techniques. One week you might focus on footwork, punch speed, and power, and the next might include some endurance work and takedowns. Classes are designed to be diverse so students never get bored. There are even optional sparring sessions on Saturdays that give members the chance to train with their peers and put into practice what they have learned in weekly classes.
Anyone interested in joining the club is invited to a test lesson to get a feel for how everything works. All you need is a water bottle, sports mask, and a towel. They’ll happily provide the gloves and bands for the first time around. Quentin also recommends bringing a friend along if you’re feeling a little hesitant. The good news is that the club is open to anyone and everyone, with no level of experience excluded. Boxing isn’t for everyone, but who knows, it might be just what you’ve been looking for.