A Striking Difference: The Magic Mitts of Gil Martinez (3/3)

Despite his busy schedule, Gil took the time to talk about his personal life and who he is as an individual. He credits his upbringing and his early introduction to fatherhood with making him the man he is today. The strong work ethic that he exhibits and the determination to always give his all started with his childhood experiences, including become a father at the tender age of fifteen. Five children later, he realizes he had to grow up quickly, starting with the first child. “I knew then that I had to decide what type of person I was going to be,” he said.

He reflected on the friends he had who ended up in gangs, in prisons, on drugs, or in the morgue. With another life depending on him, he knew this could not be his path, so he made the decision to plot a different course for his life. He decided to take responsibility for his choices and be a good man. “Learning from everything I’ve been through in my life, little by little, it’s molded me into everything that I am,” said Gil.

Right now, that includes being single. When he isn’t at the gym helping fighters realize their potential, Gil likes to let his hair down and relax. He loves to dance and has very eclectic tastes in music. “If it has a good beat, I’m good with it. It just depends on what kind of mood I’m in. Sometimes I like salsa, sometimes hip hop, and sometimes house. I don’t really have a favorite.”

Alone but never lonely, Gil said that although there’s no special lady in his life right now, he knows what he likes in a woman. She has to have personality with a Capital P. “I like someone who likes to have fun and can be silly sometimes, and who doesn’t take life too seriously.” Since he does tent to be serious about life, he needs someone to balance him out. She must like dancing and can’t be about the drama. Having raised five children, Gil has had plenty of drama in his life. What other characteristics would Gil’s ideal lady have? She has to like watching movies, and if she shares one of his favorites, Don Juan DeMarco, well that’s a bonus. She also has to be a “girlie girl”, and although he doesn’t mind athletic women, at the end of the day, she has to be very feminine and soft spoken.

Gil opened up about more of his personal life, sharing his love of travel and his appreciation for all of the countries he is able to see as part of his coaching and cornering duties. Encounter traditions from different regions and seeing the beautiful sights is like a dream come true for Gil. “I love to experience different cultures and see how the people live in other parts of the world,” said Gil. Being treated like royalty in Romania made the trip particularly special, and is one of his favorite places to visit.

Although hesitant to boast about his philanthropic side, Gil revealed the cause that is most near and dear to his heart. For more than 14 years, Gil has been training underprivileged kids for little or no cost to them. His voice was filled with passion for the work as he talked about how hard some of these kids have it. For some of them, boxing may be their only opportunity for a better life. The pride was evident in his voice when he spoke of the 40 or 50 national champions he has trained, and he doesn’t stop there. “When I see these kids and how hard they work, I just try to do everything I can to help them get to where they need to be, whether that is national or international tournaments.”

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Couture expressed appreciation for Gil’s dedication to the disadvantaged. “Gil is a tremendously giving coach and person. I think that’s what makes him truly special. He runs a youth boxing program for economically challenged kids in the area. It numbers between 60 and 90 boys. We are very fortunate to have him on our team at Xtreme Couture,” he said.

That sentiment is shared by many. Whether Gil is working with the four of his five children who are fighters, donating his time to the disadvantaged youth of the area, or plying his craft as a premier striking coach, he is an all around amazing person to know. Those who are the recipients of his coaching are privileged indeed.

Make sure to follow Martinez on Twitter (@mastermitter) to keep up with one of the true masters of his craft in MMA.

PHOTO CREDIT – GILMARTINEZBOXING.COM