Meet two feisty St. Andrews residents, Janine Pitts and Peggy Sue Mullen, who treated me to my latest adventure. Recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Janine has her clever daughter-in-law to thank for this unique discovery: a boxing class offered under the auspices of Rock Steady Boxing, a non-profit organization helping Parkinson’s patients. Initially, Peggy Sue was only Janine’s cheerleader, but became so intrigued by the class that she bought pink boxing gloves and joined the class.

Janine whisked us off to a class, held at the Village Baptist Church in Destin and taught by John Chapman, former US Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion, also a Parkinson’s patient. Besides teaching the class, Chapman is a former ER nurse and a certified Personal Trainer. He explained that boxing improves coordination, exercises the brain (to memorize various moves,) encourages breath support, and strengthens the core of each student. His slogan: “Chapman’s Champions—Where Everyone’s a Champion.”

The class meets every Monday and Friday at 9 am and since it is sponsored jointly by Chapman’s foundation and Rock Steady, each session costs only $20. I asked Janine what she likes about the class and she mentioned the camaraderie, swapping medical details with others in the same situation, and learning a new vocabulary. When I asked about the challenges, she laughed and said, “Getting up early enough to go.” 

As the class began, I watched Janine and Peggy Sue square off as they practiced their moves and breath control. Other members of the class, some visitors from elsewhere and others dealing with different life challenges, did the same as they paired off, working their muscles and their brains. After the session, Janine finished the class by completing some stretches. As she said, “I came for one thing and found another. I found a family.”

If you, or someone you know would benefit from this class, contact John Chapman at: johnchapman32548@gmail.com.