Seattle Boxing Gym

SBG is by far the best gym I've ever trained at. I didn't know many people when I relocated to Seattle, and I was welcomed with open arms to this inclusive community. Since joining here I've made many of my closest friends and continue to enjoy the classes and 1:1 sessions with really kind and knowledgeable trainers. Emil, El, Joey, Jeremiah, Jackie and Simona are all skilled and thoughtful coaches who take the time to get to know new joiners, and push the more seasoned members to train a bit harder when appropriate. I would recommend SBG to anyone, no matter their skill level!
Mar 27th, 2024

Jan 18th, 2024

Nov 9th, 2023

I really liked Angels class and the equipment is great. However, I had a really weird incident in Jeremiahs class. I was a bit confused about my stance so I asked for some feedback. Throughout class I was messing up on some of the combos so asked for some help. The last time I asked he was showing me his stance and I said oh so front hand supposed to be out more? and then he just started shadow boxing towards me and then he abruptly said why are you chastising me? And I said wait..what makes you feel that way? he said because youre asking me how to stand and Im showing you and I said oh yeah man Im just not understanding. I dont even know what chastising means and then he asked me where Im from I said Canada how about you? He said asked me what my major was and I said computer science and I said okwait how does this relate? He said see me after class, do you have a mouth guard? like he was trying to fight me? I would never want to do that! I said wait are you messing with me? And he said only if youre messing with me I said man I mean no disrespect Im here to learn Then he said leave my class we can get you a refund. Stared me down as I left and packed. As I walked out I fist bumped Angel and said see ya man and I said to Jeremiah sorry for the misunderstanding and he just stared at me. Super uncomfortable.
Mar 20th, 2024

I loved this place and want to keep supporting it, until this evening at my beginner boxing class that was instructed by Joey, who needs to get his attitude checked. He was condescending, unwelcoming and unnecessarily rude. If you can put up with someone who possesses toxic masculinity, then maybe this is the place for you. (Mind you, I tried a complimentary class with another awesome instructor (he was of Asian descent and shorter; unfortunately, I don't remember his name and couldn't find him on the website.) I've tried other boxing gyms in Seattle and I still preferred the Seattle Boxing Gym (SBG) given its authenticity and no-frills vibe, until today, December 12, 2023.)) I arrived early for the 4 p.m. Tuesday class, so I proceeded to warm up doing cycling (since I have been recovering from my ACL surgery and can't do jump ropes yet). The bicycles were hidden in the corner, so I had to keep leaning over and checking to see if they were starting the class soon, since I don't have my phone handy. I saw some people gathering in the middle of the gym but I wasn't sure if that was the class (since there were a few people exercising already at the gym), so I hopped off the bike and approached the instructor, Joey, and asked if this was the beginner class. He looked at me annoyed and said "Yeah, what about it?" I mean, jeeze, very welcoming to a simple question from someone who's obviously going to join the class. I proceeded to clarify nicely with a question, asking if it was starting soon. Throughout the lesson, the music was blaring loud and I could barely hear him. He also spoke fast and in jumbled words. So I did some of the moves wrong, which he corrected, which was fine. The exercises and drills were tough and effective, which I liked. Then, toward the end of the class, I thought we were going to do some cool-down exercises, which I did before with another instructor at SBG. When he said let's do some burnout, I thought the cool-down exercises were what he meant (mind you, this was my second class over the span of a few months.) He asked the class a question which option of burnout we wanted. I thought we get to choose our own version of cool-down. I spoke up and said I prefer to do ab exercises, to which he looked at me stone cold in the face again like I was about to punch him or something, "I am the instructor." Ok... It's like, I was not trying to challenge you dude, chill out, ffs. There were plenty of other ways to respond to what I said. There was unnecessary hostility created, which I did not appreciate. With my first complimentary class with the other instructor, I was left feeling strong, uplifted and empowered. But after this class with Joey, I just felt dismissed and put down. He was unnecessarily rude with innocent questions. Maybe he was in a bad mood, but I know for sure I don't want that energy while learning an intimidating sport. Maybe some people don't mind his style, but it's not for me. I get that some boxing instructors have that blunt, devil-may-care style, but hell, this isn't some seedy underground boxing gym in the middle of the Bronx. It's supposed to be friendly and open to all beginners of different abilities and background.There's really no rhyme or reason to treat people like this. I don't know if I will come back honestly, which is unfortunate. I even told a friend to come with me, but now, I am not so sure about the referral. But if I (or we do), I will make sure he isn't teaching the class, which sucks, because as a paying customer for this expensive drop-in class ($27 after tax), I shouldn't have to walk around egg shells, avoiding instructors and afraid I might say the wrong thing. And are other instructors like him? Is that the culture SBG is creating? Why would I waste my money for an hour of being berated?
Dec 25th, 2023