The thud of gloves hitting punching bags echoes across the gym, mixing with quick footsteps and the instructor’s calls. An atmosphere of energy fills the air as boxers learn and encourage each other.
On April 4, the very first women’s-only boxing class took place at 805 MMA, a combat sports gym located in Thousand Oaks, with 16 boxers attending. The class is coached by Gianna Vita, a passionate boxer who spent her high school years training at the gym.
For Vita, the class was created with a specific purpose in mind: to allow women the opportunity to try something new in an encouraging environment. “We wanted to create a safe space for women who are beginning in boxing to feel comfortable getting introduced to our more experienced classes,” Vita said.
Although 805 MMA offers a variety of classes ranging from kids’ classes to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the women’s boxing class is unique in the way instruction is approached. The class is centered around the fundamentals and utilizes drills such as footwork drills and bag work. “I like to start from the basics, [which includes] throwing every punch and practicing footwork that is involved. I like to play games to keep it interactive,” Vita said.
Julian Baez, owner of 805 MMA and a competitive boxer with a California State MMA title, understands the initial hesitation for first-time boxers. His goal, similar to Vita’s, is to not only have the women comfortable but also encourage them to join other classes with experienced boxers, where they learn more boxing techniques and how to defend themselves. “It can be intimidating coming into a martial arts studio, especially when [there are] professional fighters here. I believe every woman should be equipped with self-defense. We’re very open arms to them, and we want them to be able to defend themselves,” Baez said.
Davina Azzi, a participant of the first class, appreciates how the class is exclusively for women. “I think it’s great because women’s energy definitely feeds you way differently than a mixed gender. So I think everybody starts to work harder and push each other, and they’re very inspiring for each other to be around,” Azzi said.
Vita relishes the chance to teach such a unique class, especially because it was her first time navigating a big group of people. “My biggest class was last Saturday. I have taught private [lessons] before […] So it was really exciting to be able to see every woman in here, and the smile on everyone’s face when I broke it down was great.”
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