Why I Fight - Flawless Boxing Backstory

I have a confession to make, my wife Janelle and I didn’t start Flawless Boxing for you. We never intended you to touch the speed bag or step foot in our boxing ring. We were never supposed to teach you the sweet science of boxing. In fact, Flawless Boxing & Fitness was not supposed to be the name of our gym. 

Flawless Boxing & Fitness began in 2014. In 2010, we were Flawless4Youth, a non-profit founded with the sole intention of working with disadvantaged youth. Set on teaching life skills through boxing, fitness and nutrition.  Flawless4Youth was to be my transition from professional boxing to civilian life. 

I grew up fighting in real boxing gyms. You know the ones with the guys in sweat-soaked shirts and the old sock smell in the air. Gyms filled with fighters who had to be hardcore and intimidating to hold the respect of the others in the gym.  

These gyms were often in the toughest neighborhoods. Kids often used the gym as a way to escape the dangers of the streets. Ironically, a place that could produce so much violence could also provide a safe haven for folks. I’ve seen both sides of the spectrum while fighting in these types of gyms. I’ve seen what happens when youth go astray. They’re in and out of the gym, with long spans of truancy. Often the story doesn’t end well. 

I’ve seen the good too. A young boy sticking it out, training, competing, and dedicating their time, energy, and focus to the gym. That commitment and hard work translate to success outside the ring. I am that young boy all grown up. I know firsthand how competitive boxing can contend with the rush many get from the streets. The competitiveness and aggression of street culture transform in the boxing ring. Positive outcomes are possible. Flawless4Youth was formed for that purpose. 

The vision and concept were clear in my mind. I thought with a clear vision we would have full support from whomever we talked to.  So, I began knocking on doors. I spoke with other organizations, community leaders and politicians. Everybody had good intentions and wanted to see the program do well. 

We started off by doing free boxing camps once a month. Organizations would bring their kids to take part in our program or we would bring the program to them. We partnered with schools, facilitating a lunchtime boxing program. Other schools would come to us to train at another gym whom we borrowed space from at the time. With the help of Derrell Roberts and Roberts Family Development Center, we began running a summer boxing program. We formed a relationship with the Sacramento Police Athletic League which continues to this day. Everything was going well, but we ran into a problem so many non-profits do, lack of money. 

Using my wife's expertise in non-profits, we would apply for grants to help fund our work. It was a full-time job in itself. While working a full-time job, running the gym, and a mother of two - she had her hands full. Some grants came but they were never enough. We had to change the way we thought. 

When you're boxing, you're the only one in that ring. You’re responsible for your own destiny. Yet, we were relying on so many others for our own success. Many organizations depend on donations or grant money to keep their doors open. Often they would shut down or move from location to location. They lacked stability and consistency, which is often what our youth need. When we decided to open a gym, we concluded that this wouldn’t be the case for us. We decided to be successful and in doing so we had to open the program and extend it to all. 

Thus Flawless Boxing & Fitness was born. We built a program that assists with fitness, wellness and instilling confidence. Fine-tuning it over the years. The outcomes directed at our youth have transferred to our adult members, you. We surprised ourselves. Yet, we never stopped focusing on the youth. Every membership, every t-shirt, and every protein powder we sell supports Flawless4Youth. The money helps provide scholarships, gym gear and covers travel costs for our competitive kids. On top of that, these funds will cover the cost of the new programs we install. We are grateful. 

Flawless Boxing and Fitness has always been about the kids, we're glad that you're benefiting as well. Our boxing program is fine-tuned to improve our member's lifestyles, hoping you grow into better people. Fitness and self-development are at its core. Flawless fight family, we want to thank you. Thank you for being part of our family and helping our youth. It is my hope that we will be able to help more kids find their way in life. The best way to do that is together. 

Always in Your Corner,

Brandon & Janelle