Boxing coach Tyrone Smith of Judah’s Pride Academy of Boxing is now based at Body By D in Gloucester Point and Yorktown.

Smith trains at the gym as a private contractor, which gives him flexibility to run his program in his own way. Smith’s goal is not only to teach others how to box but also to provide a place for them to better themselves physically and mentally.

Smith said he doesn’t need to know everything about his clients or their struggles when they first join, because it’ll show in their workouts. If someone needs to work on their anger, he helps them learn control through discipline and provides a safe way for them to release it.

Patience is important for learning boxing, said Smith. He tells his students to trust the process while training. The key is to train the conscious mind to dictate the subconscious mind into performing properly.

Smith says the conscious mind is like a drill sergeant, instructing the body how to move. The conscious mind trains the subconscious mind like a soldier learning to trust its instincts. It is one thing to know how to box and another to box.
Smith works with individuals 8 and up with some exceptions. He said he needs to meet with any kids below the age of 8 to see if they have the maturity to take his classes.

Judah’s Pride is starting a youth program in Gloucester with two classes, one for girls and the other for boys. Smith will be teaching the boys and fellow trainer Abby Golder will be coaching the girls. He said the kids don’t have to fight if they don’t want to but will train like a real boxer.

Teaching children how to box requires a different approach from how Smith instructs other age groups. He said kids can relate to sports. He uses examples of throwing balls and posture to relay the proper movements to them.

Smith refers to his senior clients as the Silver Foxes. He said they mostly focus on coordination and balance to help them stay fit and strong. Some are nervous about taking his classes because of fears they have of being injured or not physically able to box, so he has to pull them out of those fears.

The older group has embraced boxing as a form of exercise, said Smith. He said some Silver Foxes said they wish they knew to box when they were younger instead of following the aerobics fads they grew up with.

Smith said Judah’s Pride is an official Military Trusted business. Military Trusted puts businesses that may offer special rates or deals on the radar for members of the military. Smith is a former member of the Army himself and knows how to work with other service members. He works with them to remain calm and make smart decisions when in a fight.

For Smith, the biggest reason he trains is to help others better themselves. He said he wants to encourage positive change in his students and in his community. He does this by giving his students an outlet where they can improve their minds and bodies.

To find more information about Judah’s Pride Academy of Boxing and to contact Smith, go to https://judahprideaob.com/ or call Smith at 804-873-4313.