Coach Lee
I am a native Chicagoan. I started watching boxing as a small child. A few years later, my step brothers picked it up. We spent a large portion of my childhood at amateur boxing events in support of them.
My heart had always been in the ring. I finally put the gloves on when I was about 17, learning from the same coaches who taught my brothers - Bill Heglin and Danny Nieves.
I was always an active kid who loved to teach and had a fascination with human movement. About 15 years ago, I decided to follow my heart and became a Fitness Professional. I worked one-on-one with clients at a couple of big box gyms for several years. In Fall of 2014, I walked into a martial arts gym, offered to bring my professional training experience into a group setting and started coaching their boxing program. The program grew, our community flourished and in 2015 we moved into our own dedicated space and became The Boxing Gym Westside.
Certifications and accomplishments:
NASM Certified
FRC Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
CrossFit Level 1 Trainers Certificate
CrossFit Kettlebell
CrossFit Striking
Kinstretch
USA Boxing Coaches License
CPR/AED Certified
Two Time Chicago Golden Gloves Champion
Coach Alex
I began boxing to supplement my self defense training. As I improved my speed, power and footwork, I found that this sport teaches you much more than just how to throw punches. Some of the first lessons I learned were in patience and self-forgiveness. As a coach, I enjoy helping others experience everything boxing has to offer.
Outside of the gym I am a small business owner. I enjoy spending time with my wife, playing Texas Hold 'em poker and working in our garden. My favorite boxer is Mike Tyson.
Certifications and accomplishments:
USA Boxing Green Coach Certification
USA Boxing Bronze Coach Certification
CPR/AED Certified
Unarmed Self Defense Certification
Department of Licensing Certified Trainer
Instructor for the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center
USA Boxing Certified Official
Coach Laura
I stumbled on boxing in 2013 at Pratt Park in the Central District where Tricia Arcaro Turton Arcaro Boxing) led weekly fitness classes. She swung a heavy bag over a basketball hoop and we punched. I was hooked. I trained under Tricia for five years, competing as an amateur boxer with a total of 12 fights.
I love boxing for the stories it lets me tell and for the freedom I experience putting on a pair of gloves. Until I started boxing, I had no idea how much trauma my body holds through surviving and navigating this world as a woman. Boxing grants me the opportunity to release this trauma, express myself, and increase my awareness. I also love the artistry of boxing: its rhythm, movement and artistic expression. As a coach, my goal is to help you experience and honor the power and stories that exist in your body.
Outside of the gym, I recently graduated with my Master’s degree in Public Administration from Seattle University. I am also the co-founder and executive director of a youth education nonprofit organization in southeast Seattle, WA-BLOC (Washington Building Leaders of Change). When I’m not working or boxing, I love to dance and stay active in my neighborhood (Rainier Beach).
My favorite boxer is Vasyl Lomachenko because his footwork is nasty.
Certifications:
CPR/AED Certified
USA Boxing Coach Certification
Masters in Public Administration