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Magical Vibes at Domination Gym and Fight Club One-on-one with Head Boxing Coach Christo Smith

Magical Vibes at Domination Gym and Fight Club One-on-one with Head Boxing Coach Christo Smith

Author: Kasia Yoko
Date: 2023-04-28
Modern day athletes appear in all shape and sizes. Christo Smith is the head boxing coach at Domination Gym and boxing has been a passion of his for over thirty years. Boxing is a sport that has been around for thousands of years, becoming an official Olympic event in 688 B.C. There is even evidence of boxing matches occurring in ancient Egypt.

"The love for boxing and Martial Arts started early in my life," Christo tells The Bugle, "I was influenced by Rocky and Bruce Lee. It was a serious toss up between Irish Dancing or Boxing, as I was seriously impressed with Michael Flatly's Lord of the Dance performance."

Boxing is so much more than just a popular fitness trend for people who are trying to lose weight or get in better shape. There are deep psychological benefits that can be achieved with the elements of self-esteem and discipline. If you don't believe that boxing is a great workout, try punching something as hard as you can for three consecutive minutes and you'll find out how great of a workout boxing can be!

As a professional boxer, Christo was mentored and coached by South Africa's legendary trainers Stephen Castle and Jodi Solomon, before he moved to KZN. "I arrived in Durban two and a half years ago and joined Domination as a trainer and I just knew that this is where I belong." Says Christo, "With the full support of head coach Clint Walters, I continue to gain knowledge and develop my personal style of boxing. Domination felt like a family right from the beginning. There are no airs and graces, no funny clicks or egos, we are here to have fun. Here we are all brothers and sisters - a family."

Christo has had a charmed life; he started working selling hairclips at flea markets before he became a teenager. Christo enjoyed a range of career choices, from Radio DJ to actor; he managed a successful nightclub and even spent a few years as a professional magician. However another of Christo's passion is photography, he has always documented his life through the images on his camera roll.

Saturday morning at Domination is sparring morning. The atmosphere is electric, punches fly, sweat, grunting and cries can be heard, this is how these super fit individuals let off steam and improve their fitness levels. While Dominations is training some of the most talented South African boxers, their doors are open to novices and fighters of all levels.

"Our true hope is to grow the sport in Durban and to mentor more professional boxers." Said Christo, "We have the best trainers in Durban, we have all the age groups. We teach kids how to protect themselves. We give them lifesaving skills. We offer our students training in white collar fighting, who want to experience real life boxing."

With people like head coach Clint Walters, who has the most amazing wealth of knowledge, experience and skill, and owner Rocky Schaper who has a super vision for the future of the club and its members. Domination Gym and Fight Club is set for the super league.

While boxing is all consuming, Christo values his freedom to enjoy a life of personal freedom and peaceful existence, he shares his life with his two fur babies, The Fluff and Peanut AKA The Nut.

"Our doors are open to boxers and non-boxers. So if you want to try out boxing, MMA or Muay Thai or kick boxing, or if you just want to get strong. We invite everyone to come and have some fun with us, no matter what your fitness level." To find out more about Domination and the world of amateur and professional boxing contact Domination Gym on 083 229 0196 or email them on info@dominationffg.co.za or pop into the Gym at 20 Gainsborough Drive, Athlone, Durban North.