Unique kickboxing classes held several times a week in the rural community of Leon, Iowa. Volunteers teach a variety of classes each week, including boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, or more depending on the instructor. Regardless of the class, the community refers to it as a "kickboxing class". The group has been around for a year without a real home or even a name. Despite lacking a stable location, name, or resources, the group sometimes has more than 40 people attending classes each week. The attendees are diverse and don't usually like what you'd find in a fight gym. Local health professionals often refer people to these classes to improve their physical and mental health. Referrals are often made to individuals who are overweight, diabetic, victims of assault or domestic violence, or struggling with depression/anxiety. The courses are open to anyone and are open to the general public, so there is a wide offer.
Over a year ago, I was asked by a group of women (some of whom were victims of domestic violence) to start self-defense classes. Tigers Den MMA instructors taught these initial classes. Because of the value to the community, we just didn't let the course die while instructors came and went. Currently there are classes for children, women, young boxers and people with chronic illnesses. Teyonni Walling, 24, is a unique personality and an outstanding student in the class. She attends or helps in almost every class every week. When nervous newcomers first walk in, Teyonni is a calming and accepting presence. Nervous faces are usually those of girls, women, or people with health problems. Most first time classes tend to be intimidating. Your presence often helps ease those tensions and makes people feel more comfortable. Teyonni has experience with peer support in the mental health field, which is helpful to the diverse populations that attend these "kickboxing classes."
Teyonni will be the first member of this unusual group to compete in a martial arts competition at an amateur kickboxing competition on March 18 in Dubuque, Iowa. She recognizes the opportunity this presents for the entire team. . She is "one of us" to a group of people who may not be the right fit for every gym or training group. Most of the contestants come from gyms filled with experienced athletes and trainers. When you come from a place where the road is already well trodden, it's hard to understand what it's like to not have that advantage. It's hard to be the first to step into uncharted territory. Teyonni will be away from home on March 18, but she represents a larger group, many of whom face their own personal challenges. She's mentally and physically ready to compete, but it's a win-win for Leon's "taekwondo class." Teyonni hopes to inspire and encourage others on the team to take on bigger challenges and see what they are truly capable of.
Teyonni will participate in the debut of the Kickboxing card of the Senior Federation. You can learn more at
https://midwestpkf.com
https://www.facebook.com/Premium-Kickboxing-Federation-1566891423605074/
