Cory Reeves wins championships

Growing up in Oakland, Calif., as the nephew of prominent Hell's Angels member Sonny Barger, it was inevitable that Cory Reeves would grow up to become a tough fighter.

Reeves, 31, did grow up to become a tough fighter. But he was always able to keep his focus on martial arts inside the ring, not in some back alley. Earlier this month, the Carson City resident culminated 22 years of involvement in martial arts by capturing the US World Super Middleweight Title in Muay Thai kickboxing.

Muay Thai kickboxing, a sport that originated in Thailand more than 1,000 years ago, is best described as boxing which includes the use of legs and knees.

"Since I have become involved in martial arts, it's changed everything," said Reeves, who moved to Carson City eight months ago from Oregon. "It's a tough sport where you learn to discipline yourself. Ultimately, without martial arts, I would have ruined my life."

Reeves won the title by knocking out Brian Merek of Eugene, Ore., in the third round of the championship bout on April 1 in Portland, Ore., in the Roseland Theater. Reeves, whose pro record is now 10-1, was a No. 1 contender along with Merek for the title, which became vacant when the former champion moved to a higher weight class.

After an even first round, the two exchanged punches through the second round. Toward the conclusion of the second, Reeves threw a punch and slipped to the canvas.

Merek then made the mistake of motivating Reeves by smirking at him following the slip. Just before the bell rang to end the round, Reeves connected with a left hook that dropped Merek. But the bell rang to save a wobbly Merek and extend the fight.

After some more exchanges to begin the third, the two clinched and went to the ground - a move legal in Muay Thai - with the concussion of the fall essentially knocking Merek out.

Reeves views his Muay Thai title as just one step toward what he'd like to accomplish in the martial arts. He'd like to add another pankration (martial arts fighting) championship to his resume.

"I'd like to have more than one title," said Reeves, who is also an expert in Yama Kei Aikijitsu, Icho Ryu Aikijitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do and just plain 'ol boxing. "I want to be considered well rounded in martial arts."

Reeves, the owner and gym director of Straight Blast Gym in Carson City (645 N. Edmonds, 885-9914), has plenty of opportunity to work toward his goal. Each night he spends about three hours teaching and sparring in the martial arts in the gym. During the day, he works in formulation at Vitamin Research Products.

As excited as Reeves is about his title, he is more eager to talk about the expansion of the gym to include an education department, job skills education, technology access, nutrition education in addition to athletic education. He envisions the gym as a safe place in the community where young people can come to do things such as work on their homework on a computer or work toward a GED diploma in addition to their athletic training.

"More than anything, even more than being a pro fighter, I want to make sure the gym has successful programs for kids," Reeves said. "I want kids to have help in the ring, not turning to drugs."

Notes: The Ormsby House is set to host its second annual Open Invitational Karate Championship on April 29, with competition starting at 10 a.m. All martial arts schools are encouraged to participate in the event. For information, call 334-3606.