ORANGE PARK — When you walk through the doors of Smiley Academy of Martial Arts at 2 p.m. every Sunday, you will always find a group of individuals determined to turn their pain into power. …
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ORANGE PARK — When you walk through the doors of Smiley Academy of Martial Arts at 2 p.m. every Sunday, you will always find a group of individuals determined to turn their pain into power.
Although from various walks of life, they all have one thing in common —Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system.
The Parkinson's Foundation said that around 1.1 million people in the U.S. live with the disease, with that number expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.
Although its cause is unknown, it's characterized by symptoms that range from tremors and slowed movement to rigid muscles and poor balance, according to the Mayo Clinic. As a slow onset condition, symptoms gradually progress and can vary.
There is no cure.
Each one of the individuals is affected by PD. The time of diagnosis for some reached double digits, while others were diagnosed as recently as a few short months ago.
But it doesn’t define who they are. In fact, it makes them even stronger.
Strong enough to pack a mean punch.
As members of Jax Hope’s Parkinson’s Support Group of Orange Park, they recently began their boxing program at the dojo on 1540 Wells Road.
For around one hour, the free class invites individuals with PD and their supporters to come out and get active.
Jax Hope President Gregg Hummer said martial arts instructor James Smiley welcomed them with open arms. On their third session so far, he said it’s been nothing but motivating.
With boxing gloves in hand, and led by Smiley, the group is guided through various exercises to keep them active and moving. Beginning with simple stretching and some dancing, the class then ups the ante with shadowboxing combinations.
Ultimately, the group is then challenged to mitt work with a trainer and later try their hand at a punching bag and an obstacle course.
Hummer said that boxing has been a proven benefit to individuals with PD. According to the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area, boxing therapy can contribute to increased strength, improved hand-eye coordination, better cognitive processing, and improved posture and balance.
“I see improvement in their condition if they’re regularly active in boxing," Hummer said.
Hummer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago. He said the program has helped him progress not only with being active but also being social. Another benefit, he said, is being around others who are going through the same thing.
Hummer said the class continues to multiply.
“The numbers are growing every week, which is a good thing,” he said.
The program has been years in the making. Hummer said that initial attempts to start the class were put on hold due to the pandemic. But after persistent requests to get it up and going again, they were able to contact Smiley and make it happen.
“When we asked him how much, he said, ‘You know what, I’m going to do it for free. I’m going to donate the time at the gym and donate my time, because I believe in your cause and I know that boxing helps,'” Hummer said.
While Jax Hope supplies the gloves, Hummer said the support group supplies the matching T-shirts.
For anyone interested in joining the club, Hummer said to show up and be ready to have fun. For more information about the support group and upcoming events, visit orangeparkparkinsons.com or jaxhopeinc.org.