#MORETHANBOXING
A veteran-led non-profit, IRONBOUND Boxing Academy is registered with USA Boxing and directed by USA Boxing-certified coaches, taking over one-third of its boxers to the USA Boxing National Championships in the spring of 2021.
Our unique approach offers free intensive coaching for competition and fitness, building the grit, confidence, and discipline that enhances performance well beyond the ring.
Learn how we turn boxers into community leaders, self-supporters, and business owners here.
OUR COMMITMENT
IRONBOUND—and our new COURAGE ACADEMY—is first and foremost a training facility, and
commitment goes both ways.
Boxers and leaders who excel in our programs can expect to spend about 15 hours total per week training—including 2 hours a day in the gym, road work (running), and team sparring.
Boxers trade their time and energy for tailored training, proven techniques, and the skills and mental tenacity necessary to be a champion in and out of the ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Good to know
What ages do you train?
Our program works best for kids between the ages of 10 and 22. While we do accept boxers as young as 8 years old, the athlete must be able to independently follow directions, take initiative, and adhere to our training recommendations.
Our primary focus is on youth and young adults who want to develop themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually—and are ready to make the commitment this takes.
Do you have a class schedule?
We don’t run typical “classes.” Our gym is open from [TIME] to [TIME] on [THESE DAYS PER WEEK]. Our volunteer coaches are on hand to assess skills, direct training, and motivate each boxer every time they show up.
Don’t mistake this for a lack of organization—there are PLENTY of ways to increase skills and stamina without a specific class schedule; students are taught our workout flow and are encouraged to work independently as well as seek, accept, and provide support.
What does a typical workout look like?
Our gym workouts generally consist of the following:
3 rounds of stretching
6 rounds of jump rope
6 rounds of shadow boxing
6 rounds of heavy bag
3 rounds of mitt work, and
20 minutes of strength training
Sparring with another team member (3x a week)
In addition, we encourage all athletes to run on their own 3 to 5 days a week.
How much time does training take?
The average competitive boxer trains about 2 hours a day—about 15 hours total per week between road work (boxing slang for running), team sparring, drills, and strength exercises.
Can I box competitively?
Yes! Athletes who've demonstrated a strong commitment and disciplined work ethic will have an opportunity to compete and represent the City of Newark as members of the IRONBOUND Boxing Team.
How much does it cost?
All boxing training—competitive and otherwise—is provided at no cost to our student athletes. The only currency we accept from our kids is in the form of time, energy, and commitment.
Our experienced coaches are volunteers. Our gear and tournament fees are covered through donations through generous sponsors who believe in our kids and our programs. Additionally, all student athletes are eligible to participate in our Thrive Initiative, our entrepreneurship program designed to extend their boxing training into life and work opportunities.
“Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that’s in rhythm or you’re in trouble.”
“COACH KEITH” COLON
HEAD COACH, IRONBOUND
“Coach Keith” oversees the training of all IRONBOUND Athletes. A Newark native and registered coach with USA Boxing, Keith demands and commands the best out of each fighter in the ring—and his hold-no-punches approach makes everyone accountable to their effort and their results. Coach Keith meets every boxer where they are—regardless of talent, skill level, or first-hand knowledge of the sport.
Since starting at IRONBOUND in 2017, Keith has supervised the training of over 200 young boxers. Even when the pandemic closed down the IRONBOUND Boxing gym, Keith’s dedication to the sport and his athletes was relentless—he organized outdoor workouts in public parks and arranged private indoor workouts at local gyms so they wouldn’t miss a beat.
While the USA Boxing National Championship was canceled in 2020, Keith and the team kept at it. In the spring of 2021, five IRONBOUND boxers made an impressive showing at the annual competition—racking up a total record of four victories against five losses, including two quarter-final appearances.
“The hero and the coward both feel the same thing. The hero uses his fear and projects it onto his opponent while the coward runs. It’s the same thing, fear, but it’s what you do with it that matters.”
Coming Soon!
THE IRONBOUND COURAGE ACADEMY
IRONBOUND Boxing has been given a rare opportunity to transform a 5,000 square-foot retail space in downtown Newark into the first IRONBOUND Courage Academy—a facility that will physically combine a complete boxing training gym with THRIVE, our small business incubator.
HOW TO GET FREE BOXING TRAINING
STEP 1
Introduce Yourself
Use the form on this page to tell us a little about yourself and your boxing experience and goals.
STEP 2
Stop by the Gym
We’ll complete some paperwork, give you a tour, and introduce you to our coaches and athletes.
STEP 3
Start Training
Our process is signed to get right to the punch—you’ll start with the basics and progress from there.