If youB次元官网网址檙e a fan of American Gladiator, mixed martial arts or boxing, the name Erin Toughill rings a bell.

After starting to compete in kickboxing at the age of 17, Toughill launched into mixed martial arts and earned a draw with Irma Verhoeff at the World Vale Tudo Championship Sept. 27, 1999 in Aruba.

She made her professional boxing debut in July 2000 and compiled a record of seven wins, three losses, one draw and one no contest.

Toughill has made the trip from California to take part in an all-female training camp, which began Saturday and runs until Thursday at the Sooke Community Hall.

B次元官网网址淓rin has established quite a reputation,B次元官网网址� said Sooke Boxing Club coach Ellen Connor. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e really pleased to have her at the camp. She is so patient with everyone, it doesnB次元官网网址檛 matter what their skill level is.B次元官网网址�

Toughill, who met Connor at a boxing event last year, said she was flattered when Connor asked her to help out with the camp.

B次元官网网址淚 love teaching and sharing knowledge,B次元官网网址� said Toughill, who also coaches at a boxing gym in Orange County, California.

B次元官网网址淚 love anything that has to do with women empowerment. IB次元官网网址檝e played sports my entire life, and IB次元官网网址檝e seen what it can do for girls. It gives self-esteem, teaches you to push through obstacles, teaches dedication and consistency, there are so many things you can learn from sports that translate over into your life.B次元官网网址�

Toughill, 41, said she has continued to box for more than 20 years because she wants to constantly improve herself.

B次元官网网址淚 want to be the best version of myself that I can be, every day. ItB次元官网网址檚 not all about being a fighter, itB次元官网网址檚 about knowing that you can be beautiful and still be badass. You can be feminine and still kick butt, be strong, and stand up for yourself,B次元官网网址� said Toughill.

B次元官网网址淚 love boxing because itB次元官网网址檚 always pushing me, challenging me B次元官网网址� thereB次元官网网址檚 always something to learn. ItB次元官网网址檚 always been there, through my darkest of times, I always come back to boxing.B次元官网网址�

She emphasized the impact boxing can have on someoneB次元官网网址檚 self-confidence, and shows women that they can do anything they set their mind to.

B次元官网网址淏oxing is my life, itB次元官网网址檚 such a huge part of who I am,B次元官网网址� said Toughill.

She noted that her favourite part about coaching at the camp has been getting to know each girl individually, and seeing who they are beyond boxing.

B次元官网网址淚 have loved it. I am so happy to be here I canB次元官网网址檛 explain it,B次元官网网址� said Toughill.

B次元官网网址淭o see eyes light up and share knowledge between us, I am learning things from the girls as well. ItB次元官网网址檚 interacting that makes me so happy.B次元官网网址�

This is the second year Connor has conducted the all-female camp at the club, which has about 80 members, with 40 of those in kids classes alone.

B次元官网网址淭he campB次元官网网址檚 keeping me quite busy,B次元官网网址� Conner said.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 all about female empowerment and getting girls to believe in something they never thought they could do.B次元官网网址�

The club hosted an all-female card in April, which speaks to the growing popularity of the sport with girls and women.

B次元官网网址淚t was an amazing success,B次元官网网址� Connor noted. B次元官网网址淎nd we aim to make it much bigger next year.B次元官网网址�

Connor is also preparing to take six girls to an all-female card in California next month.

Future plans include beginning to train competitors for an all-female fight card scheduled in Sooke in May 2019.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 open to anyone, no experience required. WeB次元官网网址檝e had some amazing success stories so far,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 personally very rewarding and gratifying. If you want to do it, weB次元官网网址檒l make it happen.B次元官网网址�

She cites Sooke B次元官网网址 Mirror reporter Dawn Gibson as an example.

B次元官网网址淛ust to see the change in Dawn, the fire, the personal growth, never mind the physical change has been just astounding,B次元官网网址� said Connor.

B次元官网网址淲e donB次元官网网址檛 care what youB次元官网网址檙e background is what size or age you are or where youB次元官网网址檙e coming from, this sport is for everyone. Just drop by any time, talk to us and try a class.B次元官网网址�