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Coach Lee
Head Boxing Coach

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
Boxing Coach

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
Boxing Coach

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

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