While attending art school in Chicago, Arnold Friberg learned to box in his spare time. There were gyms in the Chicago area where men could train to become professional fighters. Friberg had always desired to learn the art of self-defense, so he attended Trafton’s Gym on Randolph Street, where he was given the opportunity to be taught by professionals, even though he never attempted to involve himself in prize fighting.

The boxing was intended only for physical fitness, though Friberg did use his skills one night when he was entering a cafeteria. He glanced inside and saw nine gang members terrorizing a man who was working alone behind the counter. They were smashing dishes, throwing food, and generally wrecking the place.

Friberg raced inside to see what he could do. He positioned himself just right, with his back to the wall, so they could only come at him from the front. The gang members kept getting in each other’s way, so all Friberg had to do was strike out at whoever was closest to him. By the time the fight was over and the police had arrived, Friberg had beaten his opponents.