Studying the Sweet Science with 'Mr. Miyagi'

The Miyagi Boxing Gym looks like a conventional gym on the outside and even
on the inside, but the lessons learned and the style of boxing is so much more passionate and heartfelt. Owner Mack Kurihara retains such a specific love and passion for boxing and he seems blissfully dedicated to be able to teach everything he knows to all of his students.

The gym gets its name from the fact that Kurihara, 79, resembles the character of the same name from the Karate Kid film franchise. But he also posesses a similar philosophy on life -- and an equal capacity for kicking some butt when necessary. But when it comes to training others, whether it's kids looking for some exercise and discipline, or one of the many world champs he's mentored, Kurihara makes sure his students still keep their own identity.

"Even though I have trained them, I will teach no one everything I know," Kurihara said. "If I teach them everything I know, then they carry my legacy, not theirs. If they know everything I know, then my legacy becomes nothing. It will no longer be mine, and I want to keep my legacy."

At first, Kurihara got into boxing so he could defend himself from childhood bullies; in fact, the gym's program offerings include a program to teach kids about bullying. But Kurihara eventuall found a deep and true affinity for boxing because it was so simple and pure. Kurihara does not view boxing as just a sport, or as a man beating a man, but he views this as a type or art – he views it as a means of discipline.

“The only way I know for certain that I would train anyone personally at my gym is if I know that they have heart, a brain to think, and dedication, otherwise they are wasting their time and my time,” Kurihara said.

The Miyagi Boxing Gym is located at 18928 Brookhurst St. Miyagi’s boxing gym was officially opened on May 5 to sign up for lessons, and on May 7, lessons began inside the dojo.