STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — In the sport of boxing, you have to know the ropes, be diligent with training, and find inspiration everywhere.
Jake D'Orazio, 23, lives in this world each day, training in the basement with his dad, Tony, in the company of his hero, "Rocky Balboa."
"The boxing thing came into ... he was eight, nine, and he started to watch 'Rocky' movies and he liked Rocky movies," Tony said.
In fact, Jake knows just about every trivia question you could ask about the movies, and eventually became inspired to try boxing, himself.
"We started working out in the basement and he liked that, and he started, and then my wife bought us the speed bag and heavy bag, and we started doing that," Tony said.
Jake found his inspiration in Rocky's hard work, faith and "never give up" attitude. Over the years he learned boxing drills, golf, baseball and track. He even competed in the Special Olympics.
Jake didn't just toe the line, he drew one himself.
"He was doing a pretty good job of it. And then I thought we should be helping other people in the disability community with this," Tony said.
So they started Jacob's Ladder, a fitness class for those with special needs. Some of the classes happen at Christ Church in Columbia Station, where Jake leads as a certified instructor.
"We come from a great family where our parents were always serving people and helping people, and we wanted to continue that, that sort of tradition. So we started it in 2011," Tony said. "Obviously he's my son, so I loved it. And, when I saw him, helping others, he is gentle with others. And I think that's what I'm most proud of, is that we're ... we're assisting others."
Some of the students, like Jake, turn into certified instructors.
"Three of our students, two besides Jake, are in the disability community, but are trainers. And we've made sure of that. They go through a course and they become trainers. They all have good hearts, too," Tony said.
The goal, is to build confidence and discipline in these students. And of course, celebrate all their wins.
"Do the best as they can and, you know, start slow. And, uh, if they, if they can't do it, or if they're out of breath or something, just rest and then keep, keep going," Jake told us.
"There's just something about the good heartedness, that's, that's, to me is just a gift," Tony said. "I'm just proud of him."
He's a great son, brother and friend. And much like Rocky, all Jake wants to do is go the distance.
For more information on Jacob's ladder, click HERE.
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