Rapid City Boxing Club

OUR HISTORY

Martinez Boxing also known my many as Rapid City Youth Boxing was begun and founded in 1977 by Eddie Martinez. As a long time boxer himself, as well as coach his dream was to reach out to the kids who could not afford to be in other activities and might otherwise be on the streets and getting into trouble. The club originally held their practice and training sessions at any available gym, from local schools to the Pigeon Barn at the Fairgrounds to finally the Civic Center. No matter where they trained, Eddie was working with all ages and sizes of kids, male and female who wished to learn to box. He stressed then as he does now, that they are training to be champions in a sport that is the art of self discipline and learning to draw deep and depend on no one but themselves to do well. His training programs are littered with these kids learning to take responsibility for themselves and not to lean on or blame others when they fall. After 20 years of bouncing all over Rapid City, his reputation growing. Jim Shaw heard of the club saw what was being accomplished and was instrumental in finding ad using 2012 funds to build a small gym. Martinez Boxing now has a home in this gym and continues to work with young people from the age of 8 up to adults. We are proud to note that our heavy weight contender is ranked 7th in the Nation and that the Club has a reputation in South Dakota and nearby states as one of the clubs to watch. Eddie stresses conditioning before boxing and skill above might. Boxers are required to train for hours each day, mostly on jump ropes and routine conditioning work so that they will have strength and fortitude before they get in to the ring. Posters throughout the club proclaim the benefits of striving to be your best.

Martinez Boxing has grown in reputation and in success to the world of boxing here and in the region. Because of this reputation and the existence of the gym, we are now able to host boxing matches, including the Regional’s and the Junior Olympics for Boxing.