CENTER OF THEIR WORLD BOXING PROGRAM GIVES KIDS HEART, SOUL AND DISCIPLINE.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

NEWHALL - Known as ``the sweet science'' by purists, boxing means more than jabs and hooks to the regulars at the community center's city-funded boxing program, where youths and adults learn fundamentals and discipline.

David Smith has been the boxing coordinator for Santa Clarita Community Center's nightly program for four years, and while some of the youths are now emerging as contenders, he's most proud of the program's neighborhood dedication.

``There's a lot of heart and soul that goes into boxing, and without the kids you haven't got a sport,'' said Smith, 37, his British accent rising above the bap-bap-bap serenade of gloves to leather.

Boxing is one of many programs the center offers, and like the arts and crafts and native dance classes, it provides an outlet for residents of all ages.

The two-hour sessions draw 25 to 50 people each weeknight - kids as young as 8 learning about body movement alongside adults who often use the time to exercise and unwind.

Donning the gloves is not an option until the proper fundamentals have been mastered, Smith said, adding that some participants avoid the ring in favor of the cardiovascular workout the punching bags provide.

But there are others who have made boxing and the center their main focus.

Newhall native Hector Guizar, 20, has trained at the center for six years and recently became Golden Gloves state champion. The 156-pound middleweight now has his eyes on higher prizes.

``It's the discipline. You have to teach yourself to be on a time schedule,'' Guizar said recently as he wrapped his hands for a sparring session. ``There's no telling what would have happened if this program wasn't here for us.''

Guizar and sparring partner Juan Ruiz Jr., a 21-year-old featherweight training for a May bout in Las Vegas, said the center's younger generation views them as role models.

``The little kids, like the ones going to the Junior Olympics, they kind of look up to us, so it kind of helps them to achieve their goals,'' said Ruiz, who got hooked on the sport five years ago.

The two are such inspirations that four boys from the community center, ages 10 to 15, are competing in Long Beach this weekend at the Junior Olympics Southern California regionals, a testament, Smith said, to the merits of the program.

``I always tell the little youngsters, you can't just go out there and start scrapping on the playground,'' Smith said. ``Fighting's not boxing. We teach basic fundamentals.''

Hope Horner, the community center coordinator, said the program provides an opportunity for boxers like Guizar to excel, but the benefits afforded to the area are equally important.

``Hector's a living example. He feels like he's grown up in the program and that discipline has carried over to other parts of his life,'' she said. ``But this offers (kids) a place to come and get involved in the sport, and some of the more experienced guys are role models.''

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5 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Aaron Matlen, 13, takes his turn on the punching bag at the Santa Clarita Community Center.

(2 -- color) Newhall resident Hector Guizar, 20, has trained at the Santa Clarita Community Center for six years and recently became Golden Gloves state champion. The 156-pound middleweight will compete in the nationals soon.

(3) Youths and adults learn the fundamentals and discipline of boxing at the Santa Clarita Community Center.

(4 -- 5) Trainer Carlos Campos, left, works with Mike Ortiz, 15, at the city-funded boxing program at the Santa Clarita Community Center. As part of his workout regimen, Golden Gloves state champ Hector Guizar, above, performs sit-ups with a medicine ball. Hope Horner, the community center coordinator, said the program provides an opportunity for boxers like Guizar to excel, but the benefits afforded to the area are equally important. ``This offers (kids) a place to come and get involved in the sport,'' Horner said.

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News