We Won’t Punch You Back (Unless You Ask Us To)

By Coach Brian Dunniway, Santa Cruz Boxing

This weekend on the trail I met a woman and her dog, Terra.

We got to talking, and she shared that her husband is living with Parkinson’s disease. Naturally, I told her about our Rock Steady Boxing program and how much it has helped so many people.

Then she said something I hear all the time:

“I’ve always thought about boxing… but I don’t want to get hit in the face.”

She went on to tell me a childhood story. Her brother used to grab her arm and chant, “Stop hitting yourself. Stop hitting yourself.” It stuck with her. Left a mark. And ever since then, the idea of getting hit has been a real barrier.

And honestly? I get it.

I hear versions of this every single week:

I don’t want to get punched
I don’t want to look dumb
I don’t want to hold anyone back

The Moment That Shaped Santa Cruz Boxing

Years ago, when I first moved to Santa Cruz, I dropped into an MMA gym. After a long, tough class (I was pretty out of shape at the time), the instructor asked if I wanted to stay and spar.

Sure, I thought. I like to work my striking.

Then I got paired with someone much taller, much stronger, and very motivated to show me exactly how advanced he was. He did not pull his punches. He went after it.

I remember leaving that gym feeling completely defeated.

And I was an experienced boxer.

I remember thinking…

Man, if I feel like this, how would a beginner feel?

That moment stuck with me.

Why We Built SCB Differently

When I started Santa Cruz Boxing, I made a decision. I wanted to create a place where people could train, sweat, learn, and grow without worrying about getting punched in the face.

Yes, if you want to spar and test your skills with a live opponent, we absolutely can give you that opportunity.

But for most people?

Not getting punched in the face feels a whole lot safer.

Most of our members are here to: