Perspective
Sparring Outside the Classroom Emory Law Boxing Club formed to work out and relieve stress
Emory Law Boxing Club members spar with Xavier Biggs (center) in the ring at the Decatur Boxing Gym. The club formed this spring with Professor Paul Zwier’s help.
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high-pitched bell sounds. Members of the Emory Law Boxing Club stop warming up and put on their gloves. Some take their place inside the 20x20 ring. Fourteen members work on their “time to fly” moves with Xavier Biggs, younger brother of 1984 Olympic champion Tyrell Biggs.
law. This creates a great way to get to know these kids. Of course, they notice when I don’t show.” Inside the ring, students dance in and out of a circle with Biggs pulling them out one by one to correct pivots and technique. “Be light. Quick on your feet.” Students joke until it’s their turn to work with Biggs — then they begin throwing punches in a controlled manner. Another high-pitched bell sounds. Club members change places. Those outside the ring take their place with — SHANIA STAHL 09L Biggs. He pulls Zwier out to work the pads. The bell sounds again. Students take Controlled chaos prevails in the gym on New Street in Decatur, Ga. off their gloves and start cooling down. Music blares. “We were promised if we trained Professor Paul Zwier and forthat we would become ultimate mer visiting student and Fellow human weapons,” says Shania Stahl 09l, one of five female club members. Alex Barney 08l with the Center for “It’s a great way to have fun and stay Advocacy and Dispute Resolution formed the club in January as a way to in shape. Besides we’re learning a great skill.” work out and reduce stress. A few members, like Barney, Lynsey “Alex sent out an email saying I was starting the club,” says Zwier, Barron 09l, Eric Retter 10l and JD with sweat dripping. “It is harder Costa 09l, have boxing experience. and harder to find times to hang out Barron wanted to lose the baby fat with the students and not talk about from her recent pregnancy. “Nothing
“It’s a great way to have fun and stay in shape.”
really motivates me like this!” Alyssa Parson 10l joined to get outside Gambrell Hall and have fun with fellow students and professors. “I wanted to punch Zwier in the face,” says Michael Karamat 10l. And no, he hasn’t punched the professor —“yet.” For Pamela Rosen 10l, a jd/mph joint-degree student, the club is the highlight of her week. “It beats sitting in the law library!” Jason Esteves 10l agrees, “It’s a creative, innovative way to get in shape and relieve stress.” Barney conceived of the club after joining the Decatur Boxing Gym. He talked Biggs into forming the coed class — the only one at the gym. “I took a year off from law school and worked in Liberia,” Barney says. “While there I worked with the Liberian Olympic boxing coach. When I got back, I wanted to keep going. It’s a great stress relief, and I knew the students would enjoy it. “Last night was the Barrister’s Ball,” Barney says. “Half these guys were up until three in the morning and they’re still out here today.” If you are interested in joining the club, contact Barney at abarney@ emory.edu for more information. — Wendy R. Cromwell Emory Law Boxing Club Members JD Costa 09L Lynsey Barron 09L Matthew Reichstein 09L Shaina Stahl 09L Zack Atkins 09L Daniel Maland 10L Patricia Cordero 10L Jason Esteves 10L Mike Rosenblum 10L Adam Balthrop 10L Eric Retter 10L Pamela Rosen 10L Michael Karamat 10L Alyssa Parsons 10L Professor Paul Zwier Fellow Alex Barney 08L
summer 2009
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