We Teach What We Need to Learn

Years ago, when I started this gym, it was very difficult to find personal time with each person who came into a class. When I had five or six people in front of me, it was manageable. But as the numbers grew—seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve—it became untenable. I realized it was important to get everyone in the group to teach each other. That’s where the idea of “we teach what we need to learn” was born.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re teaching a math problem, how to serve a tennis ball, or how to throw a hook off the jab. At this gym, we teach what we need to learn, and we teach it over and over again until we truly understand it. Initially, this approach was simply a practical necessity to ensure success in the classes. But over time, something magical happened—people became invested in each other.

Even if you’re much better at boxing than I am, if I see that you’re dropping your right hand too much, I’m going to tell you. That feedback formed connections between participants and helped everyone improve. The same concept applies beyond boxing—if you know how to solve a math problem, teach me. It might help me the most in the moment, but it also reinforces your own understanding.

Through this journey of learning together, people connect and form bonds. This ties into another central tenet of the gym: we can do no great things alone. It’s not about me; it’s about we. This philosophy has created a community that is rich, supportive, and inspiring. It’s a simple idea, but I believe it has been a key part of our success over the last 33 years.