My name is Jake Kirshner and I first started boxing 6 months ago at Team Octopus Sandy Springs where I meet my now coach and friend Bryan Jensen. Bryan works with a Parkinson’s foundation called LDBF (Livramento Delgado Boxing Foundation) which helps the elderly have a fun and stimulating fitness class through boxing but also slows the symptoms of parkinsons. This foundation means so much to my coach and to my gym because they work hand and hand together, that I started recently volunteering. This would be my way of giving back to my coach, my gym and to these amazing people that I get to help. 

Here is a little more about the foundation: 

Founded in 2014, a non-contact boxing training workout that provides intense exercise along with the intentional mind-body, goal-oriented coordination that help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. In each class, participants will stretch and warm up, perform calisthenics and receive instruction in boxing training techniques using focus mitts, heavy bags, speed bags, and double-ended bags. It’s a chance to get some vigorous exercise in a fun and social environment. Separate classes are offered for people in the earlier stages of the disease (LDBF-I/II Classes) and those with more advanced Parkinson’s symptoms who need longer rest breaks, more individual attention, and/or seated or supported exercise (LDB- III/IV Classes).