Darren Sosa talks to a youth boxer between rounds.

 

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - H.U.S.T.L.E Fitness and Boxing hosted the grand opening of its new gym here Oct. 17.

The owner of the gym, Darren Sosa, celebrated the opening with friends, family and others who have supported him throughout the process. It was not just a ribbon-cutting ceremony but included a live DJ, food and beverages, a raffle and exhibition sparring matches.

H.U.S.T.L.E Fitness and Boxing celebrated its one-year anniversary in early August. In the beginning Sosa was running the entire operation out of a garage. But in under a year, he got approval from the city for a new commercial gym. He brought in a new boxing ring, more equipment and even new commercial flooring, doing anything he could to improve the new gym.

“I wanted to do something for us and to see the support from everyone to make this come true is amazing,” Sosa said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Owner Darren Sosa and his son cut the ribbon on the new gym.

He has created a program that is built on discipline and grit. As a military veteran, Sosa combines military training with boxing.

He and the other coaches provide either one-on-one or group sessions, which all fall in line with their three pillars: mindset, technique and conditioning. That helps improve anyone no matter their skill level or age.

Each session is organized by age, gender and skill level. H.U.S.T.L.E Fitness and Boxing takes pride in teaching the fundamentals like footwork, head movement and punch combinations. Coaches give advice and drills that each person can use when they train on their own, building confidence in each boxer and allowing them to find flow in their movements.

Coaches also teach health and nutrition. And not just recovery and how to take care of the body, but also how to replenish the body.

They also provide guidance on losing or gaining weight, and how to do it properly without harming the body or the mind. They even explain what foods are good for energy like fruits/vegetables, carbs, proteins and certain fats, allowing someone who is completely new to feel comfortable. That way they keep going and feel like their goals are attainable.     

A boxer warms up with a coach before a sparring exhibition.