MANAYUNK

Written by Noel Bartocci, Researcher & Copywriter at Intuitive Company & freelance writer for Manayunk.com

Being a local, I’ve walked by Joltin’ Jabs on Main Street time and time again. I’ve heard the echoing noise of speed bags hitting boards and jump ropes whistling through the air. Heck, I’ve even cursed the Joltin’ Jabs emblazoned Hummer for getting that last spot in the parking lot.

Ever since moving to Manayunk, Joltin’ Jabs has been a one of those things I’ve always wanted to try, but never had. There was always tomorrow or next time since it’s so close. Well, it was time to stop dragging my feet.

In the ramp up to class, I wasn’t exactly sure what I needed to prepare. As I began to over think it and let anxiety sink in, I decided that I would go in fresh and just do my very best. Also, to ease the tension, a coworker agreed to be a guinea pig with me (to be fair, she was way more excited than me – no fear, that one).

As the class started to fill in (a cap of 10 people, keeping it lean and ensuring that everyone would get the same amount of attention), Joey gave us newcomers a quick rundown of where we should stand and how we are going to start. He did not overwhelm us with information, just reinforced that he would be communicating with us each step of the way. Sometimes an instructor will give you too much or not enough. I find the best for me is simply to get me set up and let me know that you’ll be there if I don’t/can’t follow. That’s the perfect leader in any kind of class - one that allows for determination to drive you and empowerment to shine through. That’s the kind of instructor you have in Joey.

Joltin’ Joey DeMalavez, owner and instructor, is the kind of personality that asks for nothing less than whatever you have in the tank. He’s more of a force of nature than anything else, with the decades of experience pouring out of every raspy command he yells. And he yells. There wasn’t a moment when it became excessive or intimidating, though. Joey isn’t concerned with shaming you into performing. Instead he shares an energy that is palpable making you genuinely want to impress him. Was the language PG the whole time? Not even a little bit. But, it was never vulgar. If anything, it felt right. When you’re pushing yourself harder than you ever have, there really are only a few words in the English language that capture that kind of emotion. Harsh and impactful words in any other medium, here, they just worked. 

There was something inherently exhilarating, challenging, and maddening about my 50 minute experience at Jolitn’ Jabs. Joey immediately lined us up and got our hearts pumping with a cadenced combination of jumping jacks, pushups, sit-ups, leg-lifts, planks, and more. While my chest was thumping, I couldn’t help but think how well he used the space in his gym. We were side-step running around the heavy bags, only to start a skipping in a serpentine fashion through them. There didn’t seem to be an end to how creative he got with the room. After about 10-15 minutes, it was clear that I had already pushed harder than most hour-long workouts. The energy in the room was so infectious, that you just couldn’t help but keep going.

Joey proceeded to group and rotate us into sections of the gym. Depending on your group, you jumped rope, worked the speed bag, heavy bag, or practiced your uppercuts. For us newbies, he pulled us aside, gloved us up, and taught us how to throw punches correctly. Jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and combinations. Little time was given to overthink and perfect, which was almost preferred. It was a rhythmic act, like seeing a dance move and doing your best to mimic it. Keeping to a beat was the easiest way to get it close to right. Joey then placed us into the rotation and we practiced our new moves on various bags.

Each crushing rotation was interrupted by an aerobic or strength training exercise. Then it was time for, “round two!” and back to the bag. The pace was relentless .To be honest, there really wasn’t any time to be tired. You just kept going. Joey and everyone else kept you rolling with the flow. Had everyone in that gym not been on the same page, it would’ve been very easy and understandable to quit more than halfway through. In that moment, it just didn’t feel like an option.

There is definitely a sense of unbelievable, “I just did that” after the class that I don’t think would be as powerful if Joey wasn’t the kind of motivator he is. You’re panting, sweaty, and borderline shaky, but you feel like you can keep going. Sure, that’s not advised, but you get the idea.

It’s a great workout, no doubt, but if it isn’t apparent in the paragraphs above, it should be said that at least 80% of the success of Joltin’ Jabs is Joey. He’s a gregarious, larger than life, personality that drives you to and through each step of the session. I can’t imagine I would’ve had a better time trying something so difficult anywhere else.

So, even though that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I couldn’t recommend it enough. Not just any boxing gym, though. I’m officially and understandably biased to Joltin’ Jabs. If you’ve ever been like me, walked by and thought, “that might be fun.” It is. Do it. Go.

Update: The soreness didn’t kick in until two days later. Honestly though, I was more proud than annoyed by it. It reminded me of what I had completed. I guess that’s what people mean by a “good hurt,” which had never made sense to me before. Thanks, Joey.

**Make sure you read Noel's other blog about his experience with yoga. Check it out here.