Looking for a fun sport for your little champ? Step into the ring for the sweet science of boxing. It’s a great way to get physically fit and improve hand-eye coordination and reflexes as well as gain confidence, self-discipline and focus. And kids’ boxing is non-contact, so the injury quota is no higher than any other martial art. Still not convinced? Don’t throw in the towel just yet.
photo: Helen Walker Green
Seattle
Arcaro Boxing – Central District
Two lazy basset hounds welcome young boxers to Arcaro Boxing (they’re the unofficial referees). Youth training sessions at Arcaro are 45 minutes long and during a session your young pugilist will learn boxing techniques, get in shape and pick up some important life skills along the way. “Boxing is a great way for our youth to prepare and engage in the difficulties of growing up,” says owner Tricia Arcaro Turton.
Boxing Bonus: Grownups can participate in an open gym workout at the same time.
Classes: Arcaro Boxing offers a Youth Boxing Program for ages 8-12. Younger kids can come in for a tryout; if they pass, Coach Tricia will take them on. Psst… some kids in this program have been boxing since the age of 5.
Arcaro Boxing
208 E. Jefferson St.
Seattle, Wa 98122
206-250-3655
Online: arcaroboxing.com or map it
Cost: $110/10-class pass. Monthly and annual passes available. The first class is free.
photo: Helen Walker Green
Bumblebee Boxing – South Seattle
Located in the South Beacon Hill neighborhood, Bumblebee Boxing is an old school boxing gym at its best! Coach Bumblebee has been coaching young boxers for 60 years – and he doesn’t pull any punches! If you’re horsing around, that’s 200 push-ups, if you don’t show up, you’ll do 350 next time. Coach Bumblebee will get your kids in shape, teaching them excellent boxing skills, discipline, concentration and leadership. Psst… keep your hands up and your stingers sharp!
Classes: Bumblebee Boxing offers a Kids Program for ages 5-12.
Bumblebee Boxing
3800 S. Othello St.
Seattle, Wa 98118
206-930-7018
Online: bumblebeeboxing.net or map it
Cost: $35/month
photo: Cappy’s Boxing Gym
Cappy’s Boxing Gym – Central District
In Cappy’s fun and engaging hour-long class, kids will get a great workout while learning boxing fundamentals, plus emotional management, self-discipline and mental focus. As their skills progress, young boxers will have the option to move on to contact sparring drills, join the CBC (Cappy’s Competitive Boxing team) and participate in community outreach programs.
Boxing Bonus: Cappy’s offers fun family workouts, so parents and kids can work out together.
Classes: Cappy’s Boxing Gym offers a Youth Boxing Program for ages 8-17.
Cappy’s Boxing Gym
2609 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, Wa 98144
206-322-6410
Online: cappysgym.com or map it
Cost: $5/first class; $70/5-class pass; $115/10-class pass. Monthly and annual passes available. Each additional child per family will receive one-half off the fee. Kids are half-price if you workout too.
photo: Helen Walker Green
Eastside
Northwest Fighting Academy – Redmond
Russian father and son champion boxers Timur and Artem Alimov welcome all skills and fitness levels to their gym near Marymoor Park. “Newbies are the greatest part of our gym,” says Artem. Trained in the former USSR, the Alimovs provide a unique perspective on boxing strategy and training. Kids focus on developing their boxing technique and work on strength and conditioning training. Plus, one-on-one time with a trainer is included in each session.
Classes: Northwest Fighting Academy offers Kids Classes for ages 5-12.
Northwest Fighting Academy
17519 N.E. 67th Ct.
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-533-3138
Online: nwfacademy.com or map it
Cost: Monthly and annual passes available. The first class is free.
photo: Helen Walker Green
Ring Sports United – Bellevue
If you’ve got a lil’ boxing wannabe, join the Eastside Pugs at Ring Sports United. Boxers, ranging in age from 8-68, can go non-contact or gradually work up to sparring. The trainers are passionate about all “ring sports” and offer kickboxing, Jiu jitsu, wrestling and MMA, so you can mix it up and try some other activities while you’re there.
Spectator Sport: Ring Sports has a regulation size ring and often hosts competitive, regional fights.
Classes: Ring Sports United offers All Ages Classes for ages 8 & up.
Ring Sports United
1900 132nd Ave. N.E., #A-6
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-576-5300
Online: ringsportsunited.com or map it
Cost: Monthly and annual passes available. The first class is free.
Do you have a little boxer in the fam? Tell us if we missed your kiddo’s favorite boxing ring in the Comments below!
— Helen Walker Green
