Inland Empire Boxing Instructor: Ernie Mena

I basically grew up in a boxing club, watching and mimicking my uncle and cousins training since I was too young to fight. Even though I was little my grandfather would throw the gloves on with me and let me throw a few punches at the mitts which kept me wanting to fight even more. Finally, at the age of 8, I got my chance. My grandfather started to training me harder and showing me the work ethic it took to be a fighter. I went on to compete in various competitions and tournaments.

I learn as much if not more from my students as they learn from me. My philosophy is for both student and coach to improve and evolve as fighters and humans.

When I was 14, my uncle went pro and my grandfather hardly had time to train me. So I joined wrestling, winning city and league tournaments, and going to State competitions with my high school. Even though I loved wrestling, boxing was still in my blood. After high school, I went on to join the Army Reserves meeting new people and joining their Boxing camp part-time and I started competing again in various boxing tournaments.

I encourage everyone to think outside the box and explore, yet always remind them to be "brilliant at the basics". A coach should never stop their own self development, as this is one of the most important qualities of a good or great coach. If you stop learning, you stop being a coach and become a static tradition.

Accomplishments

• Golden Gloves Champion
• All County Amateur Champion
• Junior Olympics 2nd place
• Silver gloves 2nd place
• Future Stars National Championships
• A.F. Unit Champion

I love to teach and pass down the knowledge that I have acquired and also the faces of my students when they have acquired this knowledge.

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