Today we’d like to introduce you to Rudy Gonzales.
Rudy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began as a victim to gang violence as a youth(12 y.o.) in Corpus Christi, TX. I was jumped in the project housing we lived in at the time by a local gang because I was walking through their “turf.” I remember the feeling of helplessness during the ordeal. Afterwards, I sought help from friends I knew that were in martial arts at the time; it fueled me to challenge myself over the course of the last 30 years as a student/competitor and now as coach and Owner of Empire Boxing Club in Spring, TX.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a student and competitor, I’ve had numerous injuries, from cuts to sprains to broken bones, resulting in surgery.
As a coach over the years, it’s been a constant learning experience managing all types of personalities and physical fitness levels. Also, the ups and downs of both losing competitions to losing members that grow out of the sport.
As a business owner, I’ve had to deal with the stress of competing businesses trying to close me down, the recent passing of my father, the uphill battle with my daughter’s medical issues, and the constant supervision she requires. All the while, my own health has begun to decline…
The struggle is real…
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I instill confidence in those who are seeking it through Boxing and Kickboxing. My goal is to help pave a path for students without one; their success outside of the ring is more important to me than success in the ring. If success in the ring is their passion, then I will do all that I can to see it through.
What sets me apart are the class-style instructions; this ensures everyone learns at the same rate. Most gyms cater to a select group while the others are left to the wayside; I instill more of a ‘private school’ approach instead of a ‘survival of the fittest’ approach.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My wife has always supported my decision to pursue coaching rather than staying at a 9-5 I was unhappy at, so without her, I would have never chosen to pursue this. Once I did, I couldn’t have done it without the support of my longtime friend, Grant. He was there for me from day 1. My clients, which most have become like additional family members that continue to motivate me to be better and make strides to grow Empire Boxing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Empireboxingclub.com
- Instagram: empire_boxing
- Facebook: @empireboxingtx
Image Credits
Foo Dog Media
