Empowering Lives Through Fitness and Mentorship
Ring of Hope Boxing Club was established in 2004 by Coach Vince Kittle, a U.S. Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame champion. The gym was founded as a safe haven for young people, especially high school students in Albany and Schenectady, New York. The gym's mission is to provide disadvantaged young men and women with an alternative to drug use, gang violence, hopelessness, and despair. The gym is based on the principles that physical well-being, moral strength, emotional health, and a hopeful outlook can be nurtured simultaneously.
Coach Kittle recognized the need for an outlet, a club that offered an alternative to street gangs. Many of the young people they serve are at risk just by virtue of the fact that they live in difficult circumstances. They're at risk of making poor choices. Boxing and boxing fitness are an attractive draw for many of them.
In 2006, when the building Kittle used was sold, Jeff Christiana entered the picture. Today, they offer boxing instruction and boxing fitness programs to youth and adults at the Ring of Hope Boxing Club, located at 118 Erie Blvd. Schenectady, NY. The Ring of Hope Boxing Club is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, serving young people with physical fitness programs, mentoring and support, through after school and recreational programs. In addition, The Ring of Hope also offers instructional fitness programs for adults.
Boxing has a long tradition of serving urban youth by introducing tools for self-discipline, character-building and dedication to a greater goal. It is an important outlet for many kids who are not interested in other sports by virtue of peer pressure or other circumstances.
Our Team
Our team is led by Head Coach Vince Kittle, who has more than 35 years of experience coaching boxing and providing leadership to young people. He is a USA Boxing certified Silver Level Coach, inducted into the Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame and is an All Marine Corp Gold Medalist, as well as an All Services Silver Medalist.
Nasir Mayfield, also known as Coach Nas, is a two-time Silver Gloves champion, winning the title in both 2013 and 2015. Coach Nas shifted gears in 2018 to bring his knowledge and skill set to coaching. He is a certified USA Boxing Bronze Level coach and leads our Youth Program and Train Like a Pro adult classes. In addition, Coach Nas is actively training our competitive boxers and collecting wins and titles!
Coach Kenneth has been coaching boxing since 2016 and has been with the Ring of Hope for over 5 years. Kenneth currently heads the Mont Pleasant and Central Park Middle School programs and oversees the Youth Program with Coach Nas. Additionally, Kenneth coaches ringside for the competition team and is a certified USA Boxing Bronze Level coach.
Jacki Kinnicutt-Sawyer handles our administrative needs and leads the Tuesday/Thursday evening Train Like A Pro class and often the Saturday class. Jacki is a USA Boxing certified Bronze Level coach and Level I official and recently began a girls boxing program at Schenectady High School.
Jerrick Jones has 35+ years experience as a boxing coach. He is a former team coach at both the national and junior national levels. Jerrick has trained world champions and coached two Olympians, as well as two Olympian alternates. He is currently the Vice President of the Adirondack Local Boxing Commission. As a certified USA Boxing Elite Level coach and widely recognized cornerman, Jerrick consistently brings innovative training methods to the Ring of Hope.
Programs
The Ring of Hope Boxing Club offers a variety of boxing fitness programs for kids, teenagers, and adults. Our gym offers after school and recreational programs that serve as a safe haven for inner-city disadvantaged youth and young adults. Our boxing instruction and boxing fitness programs help achieve a number of fitness goals, including cardiovascular health, weight loss, improved balance, strength, and agility. Our programs are based on the principles of self-discipline, character-building, and dedication to a greater goal.
Overall Impression
The Ring of Hope boxing gym has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from its customers. The reviews highlight the gym's positive energy, great coaches, and supportive community.
Facilities and Programs
The gym offers a range of programs and classes for children and adults, including boxing, Kajukenbo, and summer programs. The facilities are well-maintained, and the coaches are knowledgeable and experienced.
Personal Development
Many reviewers have reported personal growth and development as a result of training at the gym. They have developed discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills, which have positively impacted their lives.
Community and Staff
The staff and coaches are praised for being friendly, courteous, and supportive. The gym has a strong sense of community, with many reviewers feeling welcome and motivated to continue training.
Testimonials
Reviewers have shared personal stories of how the gym has helped them overcome challenges, such as bullying, and improved their overall well-being.
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