Seattle Boxing Gym — Attraction in Seattle

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...

I really liked Angel’s class and the equipment is great. However, I had a really weird incident in Jeremiah’s 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 you’re asking me how to stand and I’m showing you” and I said “oh yeah man I’m just not understanding. I don’t even know what chastising means” and then he asked me where I’m from I said Canada how about you? He said asked me what my major was and I said “computer science” and I said “ok…wait 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 you’re messing with me” I said “man I mean no disrespect I’m 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...

Truly the best boxing gym in the city! It takes me about 30mins each way to come here, and due to new personal engagements, I needed to find a boxing gym closer to home. But there's no place like SBG! I was then away for 3 months and missed it every single day - so I decided to come back.

All the staff are genuinely kind and care about our safety. Jacque, El, Jose, Joey, Simona, Emil, and even the ones that I never had direct training with (Jeremiah, Angel, and Jon) - are all wonderful human beings and skillful in their own ways. And they are so generous with sharing their skills & knowledge.

The gym is mellow and has a full on sense of community. As a petite Asian woman, the first thing I run away from is a gym with a machismo vibe. And I feel none of that at SBG in the past 1,5 years coming here almost every day. Everyone here is just the best at what they do and are respectful of each other. Will continue to share this place with...