Boxing club auditions for new TV show
Ready for their 15 minutes of fame, members of the Burbank Boxing Club were recently invited to audition for a new documentary-reality TV series.
The show’s premise called for individuals who are ambitious, motivated, spirited and resourceful under pressure–all qualities a fighter must possess, which made a perfect opportunity for the casting associates to scout out the talent in the club. And since Burbank, California is just a quick jump over the hill from Tinseltown, it made sense to invite the local boxers to audition in hopes of becoming the next reality star.
In a city where meeting “actor-slash-waiter” types is commonplace, the request was for everyday people, not aspiring movie stars. Details of the show are being kept under wraps, but the call was for real-life boxers who also have regular jobs and working skills outside the ring who want to participate in a documentary/reality series. The program sounds like a cross between “Survivor” and “Big Brother.”
The club members–men and women of all ages and various skill levels–certainly fit that bill. The real-life boxers welcomed the chance to become “reel-life” boxers. Their wide range of jobs offer a full variety: Greg, an attorney; Danna, a sci-fi novelist; Lou, a working stuntman; Gerasim, a former weightlifter from Armenia and current taxi cab owner; Luis, a singer and musician, David, a banker; RC, an emergency medical technician; Pete, a film editor; Jennifer, a drummer; 
Cesar, a firefighter in training; and George, a pro boxer are just a sample of the various careers the members have once the gloves are off.
While the glittering lights of Hollywood may have beckoned, the fighters at this special open house were business as usual, giving it their all while working out under the guidance of BBC coach Steve Harpst. The trainer, who was approached with having his club audition for the TV show, explained, “We’ve got a lot of talented people in the club. I thought it was a good idea; a chance for the members to have a unique experience if they’re chosen.”
The coach, heading into his 12th year with the club he founded, adds, “I’ve really seen the program grow and expand. Now we’re in a new Club Room–having this home base is great.”
As the group went through the fundamental boxing drills of jumprope, shadowboxing, focus mitts, heavy bags and speed bags in their new facility, the challenging workout made everyone forget about being the next “Rocky Balboa.” An additional benefit of the club is the community aspect and the support system it builds as all different ages and levels learn to work together.
There was no resting on their laurels while the fighters wait to be discovered; one of the BBC “commandments” of gym rules is: “Thou shall not sit during class” if you are participating in the workout. And if for some reason you forget this, there’s a clear reminder with all the rules printed on a bright red poster next to the boxing ring.
Harpst has seen many boxers come and go through the doors of the club, many staying in contact with their coach who was voted Burbank’s Best Fitness Instructor in 2008, “Some original members were just teens when they started out and now they’re married with kids of their own, so maybe in a few years we’ll have a second generation of the Burbank Boxing Club.”
Like the individuals in the club, reasons why they thrive in the club atmosphere are just as varied. Some choose boxing to get in shape, to stay in shape, to learn new skills or to get stronger overall. There are many inspiring stories of club members of not only losing weight but also gaining confidence and strength through the 2-hour workouts. A bonus is the camaraderie they form with each other while working together.
And there is never any pressure to compete in amateur or pro bouts. For trainer Harpst, the reward is the progress they make along the way, “Working out with the club helps them improve conditioning skills. They get in shape and become better athletes overall.” The club continues to grow and has even produced a Silver Medalist in the Police Olympics and Junior Olympics district champs.
The BBC is enhanced by sponsors, donations, and fundraising efforts spearheaded by Harpst, with T-shirt, hat and bumper sticker sales assisting in buying new equipment. And the club’s annual anniversary picnic, held in the summer, is always a big draw. Through the years, there have been special guest appearances by boxing notables, including cutman Joe Chavez, comedian and boxing aficionado Adam Carolla, fighter Bobby Chacon, female referee Gwen Adair and cutman Chuck Bodak.
Harpst and his stable of fighters have several events lined up in the next couple of months. The coach, who boxed in his youth, says, “We have the Golden Gloves and a Bell Gardens show in March and in May, I’ll be taking a team up to Canada for an International competition.”
So is there a future TV star in this room of sweaty boxers? Which one will go on to find fame in or out of the ring? We will all have to wait and see. But if instant stardom doesn’t materialize for anyone in the club just yet, at least they are assured of getting an empowering workout in the process!
Photos by Michele Chong