John Spehar
Trainer & Co-Founder
John Spehar has been involved in the fighting arts for over 25 years. During that time he has enjoyed success as a student, competitor, teacher and coach. Starting as a boxer at age 12, Spehar boxed in many regional competitions including The Silver Mittens (15 and under), The Golden Gloves (16 and over) and served as a sparring partner for several top New England professionals. The highlight of his amateur boxing career came in 1981 when he stopped Waterbury's Fredrico Ortiz to win the Connecticut Middleweight State Championship.
An accomplished Martial Artist, Spehar holds Black Belts in Korean -American Tang Soo Do and Komushin Ryu Jujitsu and was a member of Benny "The Jet" Urquidez's world champion kickboxing team from 1990-92. It was at the Jet Center that he learned the art of Muay Thai Kickboxing under such Thai boxing standouts as Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunnigham and Australian knockout artist Stan " The man" Longanidis. His professional record finished at a respectable 7-2.
In 1993, Spehar founded the New England Karate Academy in Connecticut . There he incorporated traditional martial arts with the practical skills found in Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing. The result was a streamlined system that took the best from each art and evolved into an effective and efficient program. It was here that Spehar created innovative children's program such as "Stranger Danger" and "Bop Trog". These accomplishments did not go unnoticed. In 1996, he was given a lifetime achievement award and inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame for his innovative contributions to the martial arts. Currently, John is working on his level 3 coaching certification through USA Boxing and has just completed the inaugural season as boxing coach for the United Hockey League's New Haven Knights.
While working as a personal trainer, Spehar began to notice the growing popularity of "Tae Bo" and "Areobox" type fitness programs. The emergence of these products created both excitement and awareness of the great physical benefits Boxing/Kickboxing offered. It also created a more educated consumer. Unlike previous years, the fitness enthusiasts were now able to distinguish the difference between actual Boxing/ kickboxing versus aerobic activity with punches and kicks added to give a "kickboxing" feel to it. During this boom, a growing number of fitness enthusiasts were left wanting a little more. While traditional Boxing/Kickboxing programs are still offered, the facilities are at times not the highest quality and the level of attention is not very personalized. Not to mention that in this day and age, very few fitness enthusiasts are willing to risk black eyes, broken noses and the associated head trauma for a new fitness routine. Consequently, a personalized and result oriented alternative was needed.
This was the beginning of Fighting Fitness! John Spehar brings 25 years of experience along with his unique mix of humor, effectiveness and dynamic training methods to help you achieve your fitness goals in fun, safe and exciting way. So keep reading and find out why with Fighting Fitness, you don't have to be a Professional fighter to look and train like one!
John Spehar has been involved in the fighting arts for over 25 years. During that time he has enjoyed success as a student, competitor, teacher and coach. Starting as a boxer at age 12, Spehar boxed in many regional competitions including The Silver Mittens (15 and under), The Golden Gloves (16 and over) and served as a sparring partner for several top New England professionals. The highlight of his amateur boxing career came in 1981 when he stopped Waterbury's Fredrico Ortiz to win the Connecticut Middleweight State Championship.
An accomplished Martial Artist, Spehar holds Black Belts in Korean -American Tang Soo Do and Komushin Ryu Jujitsu and was a member of Benny "The Jet" Urquidez's world champion kickboxing team from 1990-92. It was at the Jet Center that he learned the art of Muay Thai Kickboxing under such Thai boxing standouts as Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunnigham and Australian knockout artist Stan " The man" Longanidis. His professional record finished at a respectable 7-2.
In 1993, Spehar founded the New England Karate Academy in Connecticut . There he incorporated traditional martial arts with the practical skills found in Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing. The result was a streamlined system that took the best from each art and evolved into an effective and efficient program. It was here that Spehar created innovative children's program such as "Stranger Danger" and "Bop Trog". These accomplishments did not go unnoticed. In 1996, he was given a lifetime achievement award and inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame for his innovative contributions to the martial arts. Currently, John is working on his level 3 coaching certification through USA Boxing and has just completed the inaugural season as boxing coach for the United Hockey League's New Haven Knights.
While working as a personal trainer, Spehar began to notice the growing popularity of "Tae Bo" and "Areobox" type fitness programs. The emergence of these products created both excitement and awareness of the great physical benefits Boxing/Kickboxing offered. It also created a more educated consumer. Unlike previous years, the fitness enthusiasts were now able to distinguish the difference between actual Boxing/ kickboxing versus aerobic activity with punches and kicks added to give a "kickboxing" feel to it. During this boom, a growing number of fitness enthusiasts were left wanting a little more. While traditional Boxing/Kickboxing programs are still offered, the facilities are at times not the highest quality and the level of attention is not very personalized. Not to mention that in this day and age, very few fitness enthusiasts are willing to risk black eyes, broken noses and the associated head trauma for a new fitness routine. Consequently, a personalized and result oriented alternative was needed.
This was the beginning of Fighting Fitness! John Spehar brings 25 years of experience along with his unique mix of humor, effectiveness and dynamic training methods to help you achieve your fitness goals in fun, safe and exciting way. So keep reading and find out why with Fighting Fitness, you don't have to be a Professional fighter to look and train like one!
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Jenni Keenan-Shettleworth
Trainer & Co-Founder
Jenni Keenan-Shettleworth is a life-long fitness enthusiast who brings the rare ability of finding real fitness solutions to real fitness challenges. Determined to break the cycle of what her family euphemistically termed big boned, Shettleworth embarked on a journey that included fad diets, in-home exercise equipment and supposed miracle supplements; with little success.
Throughout this process, she became a powerful advocate of proper diet and vigorous exercise. This eventually led her to her boxing coach and now business partner John Spehar. After another monotonous workout on the treadmill, Shettleworth noticed Spehar taking some of his clients through the boxing workout that is now featured at Fighting Fitness Performance Centers. Intrigued, she began boxing training and was amazed with the results. In one workout session she was able to achieve cardio vascular strength, fat loss and great stress relief. She was hooked!
After several months of training, Shettleworth, wanted to share her new found knowledge with others. In January of 2006, she earned her Personal Trainer Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In February of 2007 she completed the requirements for her level one USA Boxing coachs certification. She is currently training in the art of Muay Thai in order to offer individuals even more training options.
Jenni shares her own life experiences and impressive credentials with clients from all walks of life. Her personalized, fun and scientific approach compliments whatever her clients goals are; everyone from brides-to-be to competition level athletes benefit from her fun and scientific fitness insight.
Most recently, Jenni recieved a bronze medal in the Northeastern NAGA tournament
Jenni Keenan-Shettleworth is a life-long fitness enthusiast who brings the rare ability of finding real fitness solutions to real fitness challenges. Determined to break the cycle of what her family euphemistically termed big boned, Shettleworth embarked on a journey that included fad diets, in-home exercise equipment and supposed miracle supplements; with little success.
Throughout this process, she became a powerful advocate of proper diet and vigorous exercise. This eventually led her to her boxing coach and now business partner John Spehar. After another monotonous workout on the treadmill, Shettleworth noticed Spehar taking some of his clients through the boxing workout that is now featured at Fighting Fitness Performance Centers. Intrigued, she began boxing training and was amazed with the results. In one workout session she was able to achieve cardio vascular strength, fat loss and great stress relief. She was hooked!
After several months of training, Shettleworth, wanted to share her new found knowledge with others. In January of 2006, she earned her Personal Trainer Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In February of 2007 she completed the requirements for her level one USA Boxing coachs certification. She is currently training in the art of Muay Thai in order to offer individuals even more training options.
Jenni shares her own life experiences and impressive credentials with clients from all walks of life. Her personalized, fun and scientific approach compliments whatever her clients goals are; everyone from brides-to-be to competition level athletes benefit from her fun and scientific fitness insight.
Most recently, Jenni recieved a bronze medal in the Northeastern NAGA tournament
Mike Bakis
Trainer
Mike Bakis joined the Fighting Fitness team in 2009. Prior to that, he studied Krav Maga, ground survival and tactical edged weapon training. His efforts were rewarded when he received his level III advanced Haganah certification and assisted in training the National Guard stationed at Camp Rell.
Mike continued to train and excel in several disciplines including Western Style Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Ju-jitsu. These combined skills helped him evolve into an accomplished mixed martial artist. His determination and competitive spirit was demonstrated in several high-profile events such as; Fury in Fight Town, King of the Mat III and the North American Grappling Association’s Northeast Championships.
As a Fighting Fitness instructor, Mike is a powerful motivator. His high-energy, synergistic approach to training helps members reach both their fitness goals and their personal ones as well. He constantly seeks to improve his knowledge base and teaching skills. He is currently working towards his level III USA Boxing coaching certification and his proficiency levels in self-defense and Brazilian Ju-jitsu.
Mike Bakis joined the Fighting Fitness team in 2009. Prior to that, he studied Krav Maga, ground survival and tactical edged weapon training. His efforts were rewarded when he received his level III advanced Haganah certification and assisted in training the National Guard stationed at Camp Rell.
Mike continued to train and excel in several disciplines including Western Style Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Ju-jitsu. These combined skills helped him evolve into an accomplished mixed martial artist. His determination and competitive spirit was demonstrated in several high-profile events such as; Fury in Fight Town, King of the Mat III and the North American Grappling Association’s Northeast Championships.
As a Fighting Fitness instructor, Mike is a powerful motivator. His high-energy, synergistic approach to training helps members reach both their fitness goals and their personal ones as well. He constantly seeks to improve his knowledge base and teaching skills. He is currently working towards his level III USA Boxing coaching certification and his proficiency levels in self-defense and Brazilian Ju-jitsu.
Frank Zabski
Trainer
Level 1 Boxing Coach & Bootcamp Instructor
Frank has been involved with athletics since his early teen years to present. Running, cycling and soccer have been the main sports that he has sent the most time training for. Finding boxing a couple years ago has opened up a whole new appreciation for the discipline and training that goes along with the sport.
For many years Frank took different bootcamp classes but decided to take it to the next level and become an instructor. His classes are always different each week and he makes them challenging. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
Level 1 Boxing Coach & Bootcamp Instructor
Frank has been involved with athletics since his early teen years to present. Running, cycling and soccer have been the main sports that he has sent the most time training for. Finding boxing a couple years ago has opened up a whole new appreciation for the discipline and training that goes along with the sport.
For many years Frank took different bootcamp classes but decided to take it to the next level and become an instructor. His classes are always different each week and he makes them challenging. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
Copyright © 2006 Fighting Fitness Performance Center LLC
Harry Collins
Trainer
Fighting Fitness welcomed Ju-jitsu specialist Harry Collins in October 2011. As a talented athlete, Collins was successful high school football standout, who, at the position of safety routinely imposed his will on opposing teams. After his football career ended, Harry began to engage in the activities of everyday life; work, marriage and starting a family.
At the age of 30, Collins was inspired by the level of athleticism he witnessed by mixed-martial artists. This inspiration motivated Harry to begin formal Ju-jitsu in 2004. He studied under several top Brazilian Ju-jitsu instructors, including the world-renowned Renzo Gracie. Determined not to let his age be a factor, Collin’s persistence paid off. He placed regularly in regional North American Grappling Association tournaments in the years; 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2010, Collin’s earned two 1st place honors in the prestigious Grappler’s Quest Championships.
As a coach, his impact was immediate. This was evidenced by the success
in the North American Grappling Association’s Northeast Championships by the Fighting Fitness team. Coach Collins brought four competitors to the tournament and returned with an unprecedented four medals. Harry is the epitome of the adage “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” He brings his philosophy of goal-setting, determination and success to all the members of Fighting Fitness.
Coach Collins is also available for semi-private and one-on-one sessions. Ask for more details.
At the age of 30, Collins was inspired by the level of athleticism he witnessed by mixed-martial artists. This inspiration motivated Harry to begin formal Ju-jitsu in 2004. He studied under several top Brazilian Ju-jitsu instructors, including the world-renowned Renzo Gracie. Determined not to let his age be a factor, Collin’s persistence paid off. He placed regularly in regional North American Grappling Association tournaments in the years; 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2010, Collin’s earned two 1st place honors in the prestigious Grappler’s Quest Championships.
As a coach, his impact was immediate. This was evidenced by the success
in the North American Grappling Association’s Northeast Championships by the Fighting Fitness team. Coach Collins brought four competitors to the tournament and returned with an unprecedented four medals. Harry is the epitome of the adage “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” He brings his philosophy of goal-setting, determination and success to all the members of Fighting Fitness.
Coach Collins is also available for semi-private and one-on-one sessions. Ask for more details.
Nutritional Specialist & Trainer
Nutritional training specialist
Gary Whipple
