Kimberly

Meet Kimberly. She keeps coming back to boxing for the confidence, focus, and stillness it rewards her with. Go Kim! 👊 #3rdstreettribe

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“I have always been intrigued by boxing. But I only recently began actually learning how to box when I was given the opportunity to participate in the Bartender Boxing Organization. Bartender Boxing Organization is a national 3 month intensive training program culminating with an actual fight at the end. BBO selected 3rd Street Gym as the training facility for the San Francisco chapter, and I am so glad that they did!”

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“Boxing is unlike any other mind or body challenge. I find the act of being pushed to my limits both physically and mentally extremely rewarding. I walk away from every practice with a deeper sense of confidence as well as a stillness from having spent the last couple hours focused only on what is right in front of me.”

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

“Do it! I believe the practice of forcing yourself to learn a new skill set is invaluable. Life can be quite a bit overwhelming at times; therefore, facing large challenges (like a boxing fight in 3 months) and breaking it down into smaller daily obstacles can be extremely beneficial when then thinking of tackling other "larger than life" challenges.”

Thomas

Up next in #3rdstreettribe is Thomas! 💪

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“I was always into it as a sport and intrigued at diving in more and learning proper technique. The first six months I was here, I lived in SoMa and was just going to a regular gym doing weight routines and cardio (snooze fest). After I moved to the Dogpatch, through sheer luck 3rd St Boxing just happened to be on my commute. It was everything I was looking for in a gym. A bit gritty, no frills, no gimmicks or nonsense, just real people and straight work. I could tell by the trainer bios and reviews that it also had a real sense of community. Being new in the city that was a nice draw. I went straight to the gym after work, signed up and started the next day."

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“The whole going through the motions of a regular gym routine always bored me. It was never mentally satisfying. Besides the obvious physical benefits, the mental benefits I get when I train far outweigh the progress I have made in my overall physical health. Making those little corrections in your technique while working mitts with a partner, feeling a bit of a rush when you feel yourself improving and getting stronger. Even working with another person and helping them improve is just as rewarding. This again comes down to the sense of community I spoke of before. Long and short, training is my therapy. It gives me a chance to clear and mind and approach outside life with a clear and balanced mind."

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

"Take it slow. You're not going to get it all at once. Trust in the trainers and the people that you partner with that have a bit more experience. This is why we train. It will all come in time, just enjoy the process."

Brian Q.

Brian (better known as "Q") has been coming back to 3rd Street since 2003 for the centering, comradery, and community! 🙏 #3rdstreettribe

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“I’ve been a cardio kickboxing instructor for 20 years and strongly feel instructors should also be students. I started taking Paul’s classes as a student in 2003. I drifted back and forth to 3rd St for 9 years; clearly something kept drawing me back. I find myself coming back to 3rd St in pivotal points in my life. Third St is like family, you come back for centering, comradery, and community.”

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“With boxing, you own the outcome. Get knocked down? You better get up. Doubt that next rep? You better finish strong. You learn to push your limits, live your edge, and discover an inner confidence. I train because the personal challenges I have in life are left on the gym floor . Success in life requires training, discipline, self awareness, heart and humor; boxing teaches you this. As I become older, tuning reflexes and core strength become more important and boxing is the only sport that offers the mental challenge and ultimate full body workout.”

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

“Try as many classes that motivate you and fit your skill level. The well thought programming offers a variety of instruction (from beginners to sparring) so you are always improving at the pace you choose. With consistency, you will begin to feel like a member of the 3rd St family.”