It's been a busy couple of weeks, and I hope you all had a Happy and safe Halloween!

Almost 3 years ago, I began a journey to improve my health, physical fitness, and self defense skills.  I ended up at the most incredible Boxing/MMA Gym, American School of Martial Arts, now known as American Top Team Savage.  There, I met some amazing people.  One of them was my Boxing coach, John Rafuse.

As a Professional Boxer, "Rapid" Rafuse held the USA New England Welterweight Title twice, and in 1986, went the distance with "Irish" Micky Ward, no small feat!  But my favorite thing about John is his intense love of the sport, and his uplifting spirit.  Ask him how he is, and you'll always be told, "I never had it so good!"  He knew exactly what motivation I needed (heavy Boston accent: "You hit like a girl!"), and his drills have become my favorites (uppercut, hook, right hand!).

On October 22nd, he came briefly out of retirement to take on his first (and only, according to him) Professional MMA Fight.  Savage Entertainment put on an incredible show!  Royce Gracie was there!  Every fight was one of the most intense I've seen, but John's fight was by far the fight of the night.  It seemed like everyone in the crowd (myself included) was screaming for him, and he delivered!  He fought a guy 20 years younger than him, and won the fight in the very first round by Knock Out.  He dedicated the fight to his brother, who had just undergone a Liver Transplant, and asked that we all consider becoming a donor.

Here's a few images from the night - a few of my favorites from John's fight, and some bonus images of Royce Gracie, who is by far the most down-to-earth celebrity I've ever seen (well, I haven't seen many, but still).  Enjoy!

If you want to watch the video, here is the only video of the fight that I can find (I would be the one screaming as the video appears to have been shot right behind where we were sitting).  Video credit goes to Richie Strege: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2479523262801

Love,

Christine

PS: I'm an organ donor Johnny!!!