Overcoming adversity to accomplish a dream

Pedro Rodriguez Martinez is an investor in the Graceville community and youth. Owner of the local boxing gym Dynomite Boxing, Martinez has pushed through adversity and challenges in his life to accomplish his dreams.

Martinez grew up in Lakeland, Florida until he was 15 years old. During the summer, he and his family traveled to stay with relatives near Malone, Fl. His grandfather did farm work in the area while Martinez and his siblings made money picking peas and tossing watermelons. Being one of six children, Martinez received lots of practice picking and shelling peas.

However back home in Lakeland, Martinez was often the target of bullying. Being of mixed race during those years was not easy commented Martinez. Overtime he learned self-defense and fighting techniques which helped him be able to protect himself from the constant bullying.

Those skills were developed by an after-school PAL program and with the help of amateur street boxers, according to Martinez. By the 7th grade, he had fought off all the bullies using his advanced skills. Martinez commented that being different led him on a path that eventually led him to his dream.

After moving to the North Florida area, Martinez attended School in Graceville and obtained his GED from Florida Panhandle Technical College in Chipley. Martinez also obtained five other certificates from the local vocational school including Information Technologies Specialist, Network Support Services, Network Administration, Digital Media/ Websites, and Cyber Securities.

Currently Martinez is employed at Catalyst Fabric Solutions in Marianna where his job title is IT Specialist. During his past 5 years with Catalyst, Martinez has performed multiple duties and made lifelong friends. He noted that working with computers is challenging but something he is very skilled at and enjoys.

With his career in place, Martinez decided it was time to go after his dream. He began renting a building on Brown Street in Downtown Graceville. His initial intent was to have a place to practice boxing and obtain professional training. Commuting to Panama City Florida to work with other trainers and professionals, Martinez has continued to grow his own and teach others.

Naming his Graceville business Dynomite Boxing which is in recognition of his fight name Dynamite. At the Graceville location Martinez not only continues to receive professional training from for himself but he also offers training to students twice a week.

Last December, Martinez won a Pro Boxing Match at LakeTown Wharf in Panama City. It was sponsored by Impact Promotions and opened the doors for even more professional boxing opportunities for Martinez.

Although being bullied led Martinez to use his fist for protection against bullies, he put that practice to use and established a passion for boxing. At present he continues to hone his skill levels and build his students base. He finished sharing his own dream of standing in a boxing ring competing, as well his thankfulness for God who he commented most definitely had a hand in his journey.

For more information on Dynomite Boxing call Martinez at 850-272-1309.

Article written by: Regina Wolfgang

Photo by: Mattox Studios

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