Boxing Academy: Life Lessons, One Round at a Time

Boxing Academy: Life Lessons, One Round at a Time
Ray Bettinelli's non-profit BCBA in Lindenhurst teaches discipline and respect to kids between the ropes, and beyond.

Use any boxing analogy you want; it can be applied to everyday life. That's what Ray Bettinelli learned when he boxed as a child, and they’re values he carries to this day.

There, kids as young as 10 learn the fundamentals of amateur boxing, though the goal is hardly to become the next champion fighter.

"It's to build better young people," said Bettinelli, who grew up in Bay Shore, and moved to Lindenhurst more than a decade ago, after spending time living in South Carolina.

Round One

However, it wasn’t easy getting the academy off the ground, he said, and his battle to open it rivaled any heavyweight fight. When it opened seven years ago it operated “underground” for several years because of opposition from local leaders and residents about having a boxing gym in the village.

Eventually word got out, and through years of zoning and parking issues, threats of fines and neighbor concerns regarding noise and safety, BCBA has persevered, and can finally operate openly.

"We've gotten along to get along," said Bettinelli, who believes what’s important isn’t only what happens inside the ring, but also outside.

In fact, students must finish their homework, so Internet access is available in the gym. They can participate in community service projects. They must also follow rules in and out of the gym, and bullying, disrespect, drugs can get one kicked out of the program.

And that program is called DRIFT, which contain the tenets by which Bettinelli lives: Devotion, Respect, Integrity, Fairness and Temperance. Students pay a one-time-only fee to join, and once they complete the program, they receive free gym membership till they're 18.

"This is the metaphor that boxing has given life, how you have to fight, not in a violent way, but in a positive, giving way," Bettinelli said. "You fight for a good cause, you fight for what's right, and those things we can get through to kids through the sport of boxing."

One Lindenhurst child he reached was Chris Bauman, Jr. Chris, Sr. was a first responder on 9/11, and has suffered severe health issues since that day.

He was devastated at seeing his father struggle, so to help him, his mother enrolled him at BCBA, “which completely turned his life around,” as she wrote to the village board, according to Bettinelli, during his struggle to keep the academy open.

Round Two

The struggle continues, now for a different reason. The down economy may force BCBA to close this September. Though Bettinelli’s staff work on a volunteer basis, the bills do mount.

To help, a benefit show is set for tomorrow at the Boulton Center in Bay Shore, featuring local comedians and musicians. All proceeds will go to BCBA, along with other worthy Long Island non-profits.

"Let's do it ourselves," he said about the July 17 benefit. "If you want it done right, step up; otherwise, it ‘ain’t’ going to happen."

Those interested in attending tomorrow can visit KO Shows’ website (another Bettinelli brainchild), or call 631-412-3686 for ticket information, he said.

Editor’s Note: Lindenhurst Patch will be on hand to bring you all the highlights of tomorrow’s show. Click here for a preview.