Young Diné brothers learn the boxing trade

WINDOW ROCK

Two young Diné boxers train and earn good grades at school.

Diné boxers Ivan Watchman Jr., 11, and his brother Sheldon Watchman, 10, compete for Warrior Boxing/Cutting Edge Youth Empowerment in Albuquerque.

Warrior Boxing offers several fitness programs including boxing, mixed martial arts box fit classes and tae kwon do for all ages.

Ivan’s record is 1-1. Both have long hair and are devoted Christians.

“I really like it, it’s really good to do,” said Ivan.

Ivan is in the 6th grade and attends Wilson Middle School. He is in a college enrichment program called Advancement Via Individual Determination and is a three-time honor roll member.

Little brother Sheldon is in the 5th grade at Kirtland Elementary. He is interested in origami folding and has perfect attendance. He will be ready to compete in the upcoming year.

“I like it, you can let it all out of you and learn self defense,” said Sheldon.

The boys are competitive and are following the example of their father, Ivan Watchman Sr., who is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for three and a half years.

“I became a diabetic in 2013 and I wanted to get ahold of my life,” said Ivan Sr.

He began working out and noticed his two sons starting to follow his steps and running with their dad during his workouts.

“We’ve become more of a team,” said Ivan Sr.

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