Walton Boxing Gym hosts charity grand opening
Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Kristen CoughlarEMC News - Walton Boxing Gym may have officially opened its doors last year, but the facility will publically celebrate its presence in downtown Kingston this Saturday.
Owner Jason Walton has been training athletes for close to 20 years. Four years ago, he moved to Kingston where he began to offer semi-private and private training to local athletes. "When I was 27 I had the chance to meet a Canadian champion, and I became his training partner and trainer. Over that span of time I acquired a lot of boxing knowledge, and after training for a year...I knew I wanted to stay involved in the sport, and I knew I had a lot to share from what I had gained from other trainers and professional athletes."
Last year, he opened his training up to the public with the opening of Walton Boxing Gym.
"We started off in a 2,500 square-foot private studio located on top of Shoppers. After two years of pretty good success at fulfilling people's objectives, we decided to expand right next door, obtaining another 2,500 square feet."
The now 5,000 square foot facility offers a private training area and a raw boxing gym.
Past pupils have included some of the Queen's Gaels, and Kingston native and amateur pro boxer Tyler Asselstine.
"He's done very well. He just recently won his eighth pro fight at the Bell Centre."
In addition to boxing, the gym offers MMA training, Yoga, Pilates and strength and conditioning training.
As part of the Grand Opening celebrations this Saturday, the gym will be offering free workshops to the public throughout the day, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
"We thought it was a good way to get people interested," Walton said.
Entry to the workshops will be by donation. Walton has chosen to make the celebration a fundraiser for the Kingston Humane Society.
In addition to any donations from the public, 25 per cent of any gym memberships purchased that day will also support the charity.
"What we've done is selected several charities. Not everyone can make it on one specific day, so in order to give everyone a chance to participate and learn about the sport, we basically will change the charity each month and offer a free workshop," he said.
These charity workshops will be hosted on the first Saturday of each month.
Additionally, Walton said that members of the public are invited to check out Walton Boxing Gym on Facebook and drop in on one of the scheduled classes. People can also call 613-544-8611, or drop by the gym at 122a Princess St. with any questions.
kcoughlar@perfprint.ca
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