SJC Boxing helping kids stay out of trouble and build confidence for free

One gym is helping kids for free and making a big difference in the lives of at-risk students by learning boxing skills to get aggression out and build positive character.

The gym helps keep kids out of trouble and graduate.

Mario Nunez is different from who he was a year ago.

“I was kind of close to killing myself. I was a bad alcoholic,” Nunez said. “Now, It’s been a whole year since I’ve drank.”

Nunez explains that a significant portion of that change came from his nights at SJC Boxing, where young men and women of all ages come to blow off steam and work up a sweat. Steve Canton, the found of SJC Boxing, said they hone their fighting skills and build character simultaneously.

“There’s a lot of problems in today’s world…So we want to change that just a little bit. And give the kids an alternative, where they can learn old-time values, they can appreciate hard work, and good payoffs for themselves,” Canton said.

The program is free, which makes a big difference for boxers like Brandon Garcia, who has put in extra effort to chase his dreams.

“I would have to run five miles to the bus stop, the LeeTran, take it to Edison, then run to the gym,” Garcia said.

Garcia said that the payoff is worth it.

“You’re at work, you’re frustrated, you come here, you release everything. It’s like therapy in a way,” Garcia said.

Whether they’re hoping to make a boxing career or simply go for quality exercise and camaraderie, the boxers told WINK News that SJC Boxing is more than a gym.

“I’ve become a better person as a whole…just a better friend better person as a family member,” boxer Braydon Stewart said.

SJC Boxing is hosting a fundraiser at the collaborator on Friday, hoping to raise money to help even more kids. Steve said he intends for the program to continue long after he’s gone.

Click here to learn more about SJC Boxing.