Growing up small and insecure, I struggled with confidence. Everything changed when I discovered weightlifting in high school and martial arts in college. Inspired by underdog stories like Rocky and The Karate Kid, I realized that grit, discipline, and smart training could overcome size or strength. This sparked a lifelong passion for fitness, nutrition, and combat sports. I became a certified personal trainer, studied Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at SDSU, and trained in various martial arts — from Kung Fu to Jeet Kune Do to boxing.

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As I coached clients, I saw how traditional workouts failed to motivate. But once I introduced boxing and kickboxing, something clicked — people loved it. That insight led me to teach at The Boxing Club in San Diego and eventually inspired my dream of opening my own gym.

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In 2013, I returned home and launched Santa Cruz Boxing. From our early MMA roots to our evolution into a boxing-focused community hub, we’ve helped people of all ages grow stronger, more confident, and more connected. I built this gym to give back — to offer the same life-changing experience that helped shape me. This is more than fitness; it’s about transformation through movement, discipline, and belonging.