Munsens Get Their Kicks Family’s Boxing Tradition Takes A New Direction As Boys Prepare For Saturday’s Kickboxing Card

Some traditions don’t change all that much through the years, especially in the Munsen family. The last name might not ring a bell, but it could soon.

Jeremy Munsen, 21, and brother Luke, 16, are the third generation of boxers in the family. This generation is a bit different from the previous ones, however. Jeremy and Luke prefer kickboxing to conventional boxing, at least for now.

They will display their physical and mental skills in separate matches Saturday at “The Rumble in the Park,” a 10-fight regional and state kickboxing showcase at Franklin Park.

The Rumble, which is sponsored by the Spokane Karate Center, begins at 7 p.m. on Bud Adams Field, the softball diamond with the grandstand at the corner of Division and Nebraska.

Walt Eastman and David Munsen, longtime Spokane residents and the boys’ maternal grandfather and father, respectively, have a good share of boxing experience. Both boxed in their youth and believe the sport can make a difference in an individual’s life.

“So many young people lack self-discipline, but boxing can help you obtain it,” Eastman said.

Eastman and David Munsen started the boys’ boxing education early.

“We’ve had boxing gloves for as long as I can remember,” Jeremy said. “We didn’t have them in the crib, but it was soon afterward.”

When Jeremy became a bit rebellious late in his teen years, Grandpa Walt had some advice for him. “There are a lot of temptations out there,” Eastman explained. “I wanted to keep Jeremy off the streets so I told him to go join a gym.”

Jeremy followed his grandfather’s advice. He joined the Spokane Karate Center. Soon after joining, he met Marc Costello, who was the No. 1 professional kickboxing contender in the world for five years. Costello just happened to be looking for a new pupil. Jeremy has been under Costello’s tutelage for a year and a half.

Younger brother Luke started to get involved in kickboxing about six months after Jeremy, and also teamed with Costello at the Spokane Karate Center.

Sensing his grandsons’ enthusiasm, Eastman converted his shop on Mount Spokane into a mini-gym where the boys could work out. The gym has bags and weights. It is within walking distance for Luke, who still lives at home. Although Jeremy lives on the other side of town, he gets out there about once a week.

Eastman tries to attend all of their matches, and he used to drive Luke to the karate center before he got his driver’s license.

“Grandpa is pretty much my second trainer after Marc,” Luke said.

As for Costello, the younger Munsens like working with him.

“He tries to push me, but he knows he can only push me as far as I want to go,” Jeremy said.

Jeremy pushes himself pretty hard. He spars three to four days a week and trains five to six days a week. He also holds a full-time job at a local window and door company.

Jeremy and Luke enjoy kickboxing, but they see their future in boxing.

“Luke is going for the Olympics, and I want to turn pro,” Jeremy explained. “We will probably be moving into Golden Gloves soon.”

“Kickboxing is really dangerous,” Luke said. “A friend of mine just got injured.”

For now, however, the Munsens have their hearts set on kickboxing. Luke will fight for the Pacific Northwest super middleweight title at the “Rumble,” and in the main event, Jeremy will fight for the Pacific Northwest light heavyweight title.

Jeremy is confident about his chances.

“I’ve never lost, so I can’t imagine it happening on the 28th,” he said. “Even if I am overmatched, I won’t back down.”

Eastman is happy for his grandsons.

“I like what they are doing with their lives,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder.” , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: RUMBLE AT A GLANCE When: Saturday, 7 p.m. Where: Bud Adams Field, Franklin Park Tickets: General admission, $12 in advance, $15 at the gate; ringside, $25; ringside table (4 seats) $100. Available from G&B Select-A-Seat (325-SEAT or 800-325-SEAT); Top Hat, 6412 N. Division; Albertini’s, 13524 E. Sprague; and Spokane Karate Center, 1818-1/2 E. Sprague Benefits: Crosswalk, Spokane Metro Softball Association Spokane fighters include: Sarah Schmedding, Chris Bohrnsen, Wayne Davis, Jeremy Munsen, Luke Munsen Fighting styles Kickboxing: Boxing gloves always worn, headgear, safety kicks and shin guards may or may not be worn depending on fighter’s experience. Kicks and punches allowed to upper body. Kicks also may be used to outside of legs and sometimes to the inside of the legs. Knees off-limits as targets and weapons. Winner determined by knockout, referee stopping contest or judges’ decision. Muay Thai: Boxing gloves worn, but not headgear, safety kicks or shin guards. Inside and outside leg kicks and knees are used. Punches are done above waist. Fighters try to disable opponent’s legs with a lot of kicks. Winner determined by knockout, referee stopping contest or judges’ decision. Pankrantion: Leg padding is worn, but no gloves. Opponents may only slap the face or head, but may punch the body with full force. Most matches end in grappling match where chokes, joint locks and arm bars are allowed. Match ends in knockout, submission or a decision of judges.