If you fused Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger and Simon and Garfunkle’s introspective The Boxer together, it might make for a perfect soundtrack to Osborne’s United Boxing Club; a beginner-friendly, but competitive club, whose members are a well-balanced group of both men and women, young and old, competitive boxers and first-timers.

“We are a very pedantic, technical gym of learned people.” said JT Smith, the club’s 6’ 4”, 250 lbs. co-founder. “There’s no toothless thugs or spit buckets – I think people find that refreshing. Everyone who comes in our door is considered an athlete.”

Whatever their preconceptions are about boxing gyms, people seem to like what they’ve found at United, and keep coming back. 

Since its inception in 2006, United Boxing Club has been embraced by the community, seeing its numbers swell from 20 to 150 members.

Smith attributed this rapid growth to his club’s unique combination of coaching, fitness and a boxing community that is accepting of newcomers.

Shortly after setting up shop in the Village, it became apparent that United Boxing was attracting non-stereotypical boxers.

“We had house moms, professionals, [and even] a grandpa that wanted to get involved in the sport,” said Smith.

Christey Allen, a biochemistry major at the University of Manitoba and United boxing member, agrees.

“It’s a surprising place. For one thing, there’s more girls than guys,” said Allen.

Perhaps even more surprising than its eclectic beginner membership is that United Boxing is also a favorite for competitive boxers.

High-level coaches and a strong emphasis on tactics have created an excellent reputation in the competitive boxing community. United Boxing currently boasts three boxers on Canada’s National Team.

So how does such a wide range of skill and experience fit together at one gym? They train and practice together side-by-side.

For Smith, it’s all part of their formula for success.

“We teach boxing, uncompromising. People often come looking for a good workout, but they end up getting a base of boxing knowledge as well.”

Smith, a former University of Winnipeg student, noted that fitness goes hand in hand with learning at United Boxing, and takes place in the context of community.

“You can get a workout anytime you want – even on YouTube. What you’re missing is the community, leadership and benchmarks that make you feel like you’re accomplishing something. This is a workout with skill acquisition and community,” Smith beamed.

For more information on United Boxing Club, visit www.unitedboxing.org.

Published in Volume 64, Number 13 of The Uniter (November 26, 2009)