By Michael Prussick
A.K.A. Master Target
AFC Lifetime Student
The Little School That Could
Normally the articles I read in Black Belt and other magazines of that type feature the famous Martial Arts Teachers, Movie and TV stars that utilize fighting techniques in their shows. This story is a little different. It is about a school that has no uniforms, no belt system (unless you consider amateur and professional world championship belts), low monthly fees and open 7 days a week..
Since this is my story I can only start when I first began classes in Feb 99. The main reason I joined was to get my youngest son who was 14 at the time into something positive where he could let off steam and also get into shape. I made sure I was part of the class so I could basically watch him and I wanted to get into better condition. The reason I chose AFC Kickboxing, when I went to the school, which is local to my house, I noticed a Boxing Ring right in the school. The owner, Tommy Bottone told me that they have sparring every Friday night. When you learn the basics of Kickboxing you can also spar. I figured this would be great for my son because he though he could kill the world.
The first night we came in for class I noticed some of the students (I didnt know they were fighters at the time) pounding away at the heavy bags. They looked like pretty rough kids, but everybody was friendly. We start by stretching before the class begins. Then Tommy yells, Start Running! So for about ten minutes everybody runs in a circle, with your hands up protecting your chin. I really didnt understand the reason for this cardio warm up at first. Everything Bottone instructs you to do, play an important part in the overall training regime. Then we do light calisthenics and then the fun starts. We learn the basic punches, kicks, proper stance from both sides( we learn all techniques from both sides, which enables you to switch to south paw and actually Block and land kicks and punches), side to side movements and general ways to Block and Slip attacks from your opponent. I found my leg muscles hurt for the first few weeks. I really loved the workout. As the class continues (remember this class is only one hour) we learn how to close the gap to get closer to your opponent without letting him know or we could do light contact sparring on the floor or maybe we could finish off the class with self defense or some rounds on the bag, shadow box or jump rope. No matter what Bottone teaches he will always tell you, He has more. Sometimes the class will be longer so he can show you more.
Like any sport, Kickboxing is something you have to take seriously and dedicate yourself to training. If you really want to excel in the sport, AFC gives you the opportunity to get in shape or do a little light contact sparring. You can come down on a Friday night and do full contact sparring in the ring. You never have to worry about being put in the ring with somebody who will try and hurt you. Bottone and Keith Youngs are always there to make sure it wont happen. As your skill level increases with time and training you will be able to spar at a higher level. If you spar with Bottone or Youngs, they will always make you increase your level of performance. If you want to go further (Bottone always has more) you can set up to fight Amateur. If your goals are sky high and Bottone believes youre ready, you can fight Professional. As much as this is fun and exercise for me, it is a dangerous sport, if you dont stay in shape and train you can get hurt. That is why Bottone makes sure all the people that spar at A.F.C have the right equipment before they enter the ring. Safety First is the motto at AFC.
The most amazing thing I see at AFC are the children who train in the kids class. Bottone who is really a little kid at heart, seems to be happiest when he is teaching them. They are not a pampered group , they learn the same things the adults learn. The kids pickup and learn the techniques much quicker then us older guys. Like the adults we also have kids that fight at the amateur level.
You never have to fight at AFC. Young and Old, Boys and Girls, Men and Women come to AFC to get into shape. If you only do the class a few times a week you will be in better condition than 95 percent of people in the USA.
Bottone is a one-man band. As a Middle and Super Middle Weight Professional World Champion who is also the owner and Head Instructor at AFC. He could stop there and still be quite busy. Bottone always has more. He is also the coach of Team USA and has taken American fighters to the Ukraine and Greece. He also gives seminars on fighting techniques and goes to local schools to give kids a positive direction in life. Bottone is also a Manager and Trainer of world-class fighters. One of our fighters Keith Youngblood Youngs just won the World Professional Lightweight Championship, he is also an instructor at AFC. He is the most explosive and exciting fighter you will ever see. Thats only if you watch in slow motion because he is that fast. Chrissy Yandoli, Womens Tri State Champ is a 19-year-old knockout both on and out of the ring. 15 year old John Gilliam amateur fighter all types of fighting, 120 lbs. of raw power. This kid will be around for a long time. Plus many other top fighters at AFC (look them up at WWW. RingofFirekickboxing.com).
This school is not just about Tommy Bottone. I learn from many of the other students at the school. Bottone has also created Ring of Fire Productions. We are up to Ring of Fire VIII on November of this year. Tommy doesnt usually fight on his own card because he has to devote so much of his time to his fighters and the overall direction and control of the event. He always has a well-run production. A diverse fighting card showcasing Amateur, Professional, Kickboxing, Grappling and a few exhibitions and demonstrations.
With all of this on his plate he still made time to go to Texas to be with Chuck Norris on Walker Texas Ranger Legends show. Tommy believes in training and dedication to the sport. That is why he is at the top of his game all of the time.
August 2001 Master Target works out at AFC kickboxing three times a week. I never miss Friday night sparring sessions. Its a beautiful thing when at 45 years old I can step into the ring with someone half my age and twice my speed, ten times my technique and I still consider myself a winner every time I step into the ring.
AFC Kickboxing and Ring Of Fire Productions: World Champion, Tommy BEE Bottone Owner, Instructor, Producer and Fighter. I have never read an article in any major Karate Magazine about Tommy Bottone or AFC kickboxing school. With the amount of Professional and Amateur titles that have come out of a school that has been around for only about five years I hope my story is only the beginning.
A.K.A. Master Target
AFC Lifetime Student
The Little School That Could
Normally the articles I read in Black Belt and other magazines of that type feature the famous Martial Arts Teachers, Movie and TV stars that utilize fighting techniques in their shows. This story is a little different. It is about a school that has no uniforms, no belt system (unless you consider amateur and professional world championship belts), low monthly fees and open 7 days a week..
Since this is my story I can only start when I first began classes in Feb 99. The main reason I joined was to get my youngest son who was 14 at the time into something positive where he could let off steam and also get into shape. I made sure I was part of the class so I could basically watch him and I wanted to get into better condition. The reason I chose AFC Kickboxing, when I went to the school, which is local to my house, I noticed a Boxing Ring right in the school. The owner, Tommy Bottone told me that they have sparring every Friday night. When you learn the basics of Kickboxing you can also spar. I figured this would be great for my son because he though he could kill the world.
The first night we came in for class I noticed some of the students (I didnt know they were fighters at the time) pounding away at the heavy bags. They looked like pretty rough kids, but everybody was friendly. We start by stretching before the class begins. Then Tommy yells, Start Running! So for about ten minutes everybody runs in a circle, with your hands up protecting your chin. I really didnt understand the reason for this cardio warm up at first. Everything Bottone instructs you to do, play an important part in the overall training regime. Then we do light calisthenics and then the fun starts. We learn the basic punches, kicks, proper stance from both sides( we learn all techniques from both sides, which enables you to switch to south paw and actually Block and land kicks and punches), side to side movements and general ways to Block and Slip attacks from your opponent. I found my leg muscles hurt for the first few weeks. I really loved the workout. As the class continues (remember this class is only one hour) we learn how to close the gap to get closer to your opponent without letting him know or we could do light contact sparring on the floor or maybe we could finish off the class with self defense or some rounds on the bag, shadow box or jump rope. No matter what Bottone teaches he will always tell you, He has more. Sometimes the class will be longer so he can show you more.
Like any sport, Kickboxing is something you have to take seriously and dedicate yourself to training. If you really want to excel in the sport, AFC gives you the opportunity to get in shape or do a little light contact sparring. You can come down on a Friday night and do full contact sparring in the ring. You never have to worry about being put in the ring with somebody who will try and hurt you. Bottone and Keith Youngs are always there to make sure it wont happen. As your skill level increases with time and training you will be able to spar at a higher level. If you spar with Bottone or Youngs, they will always make you increase your level of performance. If you want to go further (Bottone always has more) you can set up to fight Amateur. If your goals are sky high and Bottone believes youre ready, you can fight Professional. As much as this is fun and exercise for me, it is a dangerous sport, if you dont stay in shape and train you can get hurt. That is why Bottone makes sure all the people that spar at A.F.C have the right equipment before they enter the ring. Safety First is the motto at AFC.
The most amazing thing I see at AFC are the children who train in the kids class. Bottone who is really a little kid at heart, seems to be happiest when he is teaching them. They are not a pampered group , they learn the same things the adults learn. The kids pickup and learn the techniques much quicker then us older guys. Like the adults we also have kids that fight at the amateur level.
You never have to fight at AFC. Young and Old, Boys and Girls, Men and Women come to AFC to get into shape. If you only do the class a few times a week you will be in better condition than 95 percent of people in the USA.
Bottone is a one-man band. As a Middle and Super Middle Weight Professional World Champion who is also the owner and Head Instructor at AFC. He could stop there and still be quite busy. Bottone always has more. He is also the coach of Team USA and has taken American fighters to the Ukraine and Greece. He also gives seminars on fighting techniques and goes to local schools to give kids a positive direction in life. Bottone is also a Manager and Trainer of world-class fighters. One of our fighters Keith Youngblood Youngs just won the World Professional Lightweight Championship, he is also an instructor at AFC. He is the most explosive and exciting fighter you will ever see. Thats only if you watch in slow motion because he is that fast. Chrissy Yandoli, Womens Tri State Champ is a 19-year-old knockout both on and out of the ring. 15 year old John Gilliam amateur fighter all types of fighting, 120 lbs. of raw power. This kid will be around for a long time. Plus many other top fighters at AFC (look them up at WWW. RingofFirekickboxing.com).
This school is not just about Tommy Bottone. I learn from many of the other students at the school. Bottone has also created Ring of Fire Productions. We are up to Ring of Fire VIII on November of this year. Tommy doesnt usually fight on his own card because he has to devote so much of his time to his fighters and the overall direction and control of the event. He always has a well-run production. A diverse fighting card showcasing Amateur, Professional, Kickboxing, Grappling and a few exhibitions and demonstrations.
With all of this on his plate he still made time to go to Texas to be with Chuck Norris on Walker Texas Ranger Legends show. Tommy believes in training and dedication to the sport. That is why he is at the top of his game all of the time.
August 2001 Master Target works out at AFC kickboxing three times a week. I never miss Friday night sparring sessions. Its a beautiful thing when at 45 years old I can step into the ring with someone half my age and twice my speed, ten times my technique and I still consider myself a winner every time I step into the ring.
AFC Kickboxing and Ring Of Fire Productions: World Champion, Tommy BEE Bottone Owner, Instructor, Producer and Fighter. I have never read an article in any major Karate Magazine about Tommy Bottone or AFC kickboxing school. With the amount of Professional and Amateur titles that have come out of a school that has been around for only about five years I hope my story is only the beginning.
