Im opening a Boxing Gym would like some ideas please

[jonesy]

always enforce safety

Please elaborate.. what exactly are you thinking.. just standard strict health & safety?

[jonesy]

Hi mate
I think a good template for you to follow is Rooneys gym. I go there a couple of times a week and am basically a beginner but it's friendly, has got excellent equipment and good coaches who make an effort to help you improve. For me it's all about the attitude and general vibe of the gym and that comes from the people that work there....At Rooneys everytime I've been down there I'll end up getting called into the ring by one of the coaches and having a few rounds on the pads. I didn't expect to get that level of attention especially as a beginner but it makes all the difference and made me want to go back. Also people remember your name, little things like that make a difference.
People like me do pay the bills, so If I were you it's all about finding a balance....Pros train during the day evening are white collar type classes? Also have a look at what the Paragon gym in East London do. They have an 8 week course for beginners to build up their skills so boxers develop together at the same pace. I think that's a great idea and good money earner and aligns boxing with the martial arts (grading system) so beginners have a clear path re their progress.
Which area of London is it going to be? Good to hear another gym is popping up good luck!

Good luck and If you need any help, let me know.

Cheers

Tim

Hi Tim thanks for the input. Appreciate it! Yeah i know Rooneys & Paragon and like you say it is all about the "personal touch", i understand and will implement this approach at my gym. Interesting point you made about having a clear path for progress. I've been thinking about what type of programmes/classes to offer. As a relative "beginner" as you put it, what are your main aspirations/goals of joining a boxing gym? and how important is it to have a clear programme to measure your success?
I take this a bit too serious so it would be great to get a "customers" view on what you look for/like in a gym. Most gyms you pay to enter and hit the bags etc.. but obviously as you mentioned i need to attract casuals/fans/white collar's to the gym.. what's your advice to get 'em in??

Oh by the way im south of the river, so will probably open up in SE London. But depends on what premises are available. Central would be ideal but the lease is a bit expensive, as long as theres a customer base im cool would prefer to stay south though.

[Portman]

Enough space, enough bags of all varieties, mirrors, motivational quotes and last but not least, good coaches

[Junito-Rulez]

At least 6 Heavy bag, one speedbag, two rings, mitts, a mirror, pictures and draws of great boxers, and two good trainers.


And well, if you think Floyd is a fraud you shouldn't open a gym.
j/k

[Lloydy]

Cool - I live in Lee, SE London so If you open a gym near me I'd join straight away..
Getting back to your question about important for beginners....I think again it comes down to the coaching but I do think 'grading' type classes will entice beginners in because it will give them a path to success and will eliminate a load of lads thinking they're hard just smashing away at the heavy bags with no technique. It's basically building people from the ground up with levels of success along the way to keep then interested and coming back..which is important. What they do at Rooneys is that once you become a member you have a half or one hour session with a personal trainer to go through what your goals are and how to acheive them. A personal touch but a clear path to success which is vital to beginners as it's alot easier going to your standard DL than going to a boxing gym imo.
I'd also make it as accessible as possible in terms of gear - I.e stock it with a load of jump ropes, bag/sparring gloves etc - a good system creates a good vibe as well.
I run a Martial Arts website where we're currently giving away free club listings so once I've reached 15 posts on here a post a link for you
Good luck mate - Also have a look at the gym in Forest Hill called Double Jab. I think they've got some sort of association going 'Jab don't stab' so as result they get some goverment funding (I think) - maybe worth seeing if you could be part of that organisation to get some additional funding / PR (Amir Khan visited them a few weeks ago)

[Lloydy]

Re main aspirations from joining the gym I do think everyone is different....I joined for the training (I play football, cycle to work) and to see If I'd be any good. I'm pretty sporty and not bad at all sports I've tried (not amazing but have decent co ordiantion/also I play the drums, so have the hand eye/Rhythum) but despite loving the sport for years, never went to a gym to try it...So I thought I'd give it a go and tbh I'm addicted now! The feeling you get after a boxing workout is better than any other sport IMO. A gym does live or die on the trainers though. At Rooneys they're brilliant at another London gym my mate went to he only went once because he thought the trainer was a twat..Everyone is different though. I loved Teddy Atlas' comment in his book in that he'd only train kids who came into his gym on their own. If they needed a friend to invite them and hold their hand then they were clearly lacking heart in the first place (although I'm sure you wouldn't adapt this approach)!

[Lloydy]

Also a good money spinner is to eventually put on White Collar Nights featuring the gyms fighters vs other clubs in London. This gives the average WC boxer something to train for...

[Bullrush]

TV + camera to tape sparring sessions or when you hit the heavy bag and whatnot. we do that in our gym and its pretty badass. you just plug it in and then you can see what you did wrong and fix it. its not a must but its a big plus when i compare gyms

[jwsfhas]

Very good, the support of

Very good, the support of

[11wordisbond]

The wrecking ball is a must. Speed bags would be great. IMHO, forget the curtains that separate the rooms, and don't stress so much about the showers and steam room if it's not feasible. Good luck to ya.