A former pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who wanted to expand his horizons and take his experience to the next level has opened a boxing gym in Strand.
And just four months into Corné Blom’s new venture, he has already coached a boxer for a debut win in a white-collar boxing match – a form of boxing mostly for complete beginners, many of them in “white-collar” professions, who train as fighters with the possibility of competing in boxing competitions. They learn technique, participate in sparring sessions and undergo regular strength and conditioning training.
For the better part of the last decade 35-year-old Blom has poured his free time and energy into fitness, describing it as a natural progression, pursuing kick-boxing as a means of setting goals. He has since fought several amateur bouts and at least four professional fights under the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) banner.
Over the past two and a half years Blom worked at a gym in Strand before having the desire to grow on his own.
“And that’s how my wife Tracy and I decided to open Knockout Centre. It’s not just about fighting,” he stressed. “This is a boxing gym, but more importantly a means to get into shape, pursue personal goals, lose weight, be part of a family and provide the base towards a healthier, focused lifestyle.”
Tracy adds that the gym is for people from all walks of life, all races, genders and backgrounds. “Whether you come in just for fitness, to exercise or whether you want to start sparring, it’s entirely up to you,” she said.
One of the gym’s regulars, Phillip Cronje, initially started out at the gym as a means of staying fit. “I was too small for rugby, and this place welcomed me with open arms. I started with the basics of fitness, but my interest in boxing really grew and I soon after started sparring.”
He was involved in his first boxing match at the beginning of June, an encounter which he won.
However, Cronje’s journey has been about more than getting into the ring.
“It’s about a mindset change and mental preparation. This gym changed my attitude and allowed me to pursue something I never thought possible,” he related. “Being here is about building confidence, becoming part of a family and has made me see the world differently.”
Cronje has now enrolled as an assistant coach at the gym.
According to Tracy, fighting is not for everybody and the gym has a strong focus on fitness, technique, cardio and functional exercises, along with amateur and white-collar boxing and kick-boxing classes. “It’s a family-friendly, fully equipped gym, and we want to help people grow and share in their journey. We look out for and support one another.”
The gym has seen significant growth and has made an impact since its launch in February. “It’s rewarding when we see one another succeed,” Blom pointed out.
V Knockout Centre is located on the corner of Fabriek and Newton streets in Gants Centre, Strand. For more details, follow the gym’s Facebook page or call 076 802 7573.
