Topeira Boxing Club

This is far and away my favorite boxing gym in the Denver area– and, frankly, in the continental United States.

I’ve been coming to this gym for about 2 years now. Although I’m not as habitual as I’d like, and often find myself embarrassed at how long it’s been, when I go through that door each time it feels like I never left. The warmest and most welcoming family keeps this gym warm in the winter. Joaquin, the owner and main coach of the club, instilled a comfort and confidence in me in the first ten minutes of my first class that I am forever beholden for. This gym came into my life, as I’m sure many other tales are the same, amidst the many hurdles life throws you. I consider myself very lucky to have been recommended this lab of the sweet science.
I see the smiles on the kids during the kids boxing that makes me think there couldn’t be a better place for them after school. Jealous that I didn’t have something like it in my youth. I see the parents watching with pride and sharing with all of the other parents around. The sense of community is overwhelming, in a time when the word «community» seems to hold less and less value as our city grows.
I’ve seen young men and women start out with me. Learning how to wrap hands together, catching mitts, and counting throws. Working out tough combinations together and sharing in a sweet agony of bodies growing stronger through hard work. I’ve seen them grow far past me, in skills as boxers and as assets to everyone around them as better people. But not once, not give me a warm greeting or a reassuring nod as I unwrap after a level one class as they stretch for and advance class.
My whole life I’ve been an outlier. Always searching for my places in this world. Looking for my people. My tribe. My team. And this is one place I’m proud to be a part of. The green team.