Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code
Volunteer in this Community
Ways we help in this Community
Donate to this Community
How you can help in this community
Hear More from this Community
Ring the Bell at a Salvation Army Kettle

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code
Double Punches Boxing Club Image

Double Punches Boxing Club

Santa Rosa Corps' boxing program teaches a skill that gives youth a way to learn self-discipline and earn the respect of their peers.

Learn more

More than twenty-five years ago, Richard and Maria Lopez had a dream of helping neighborhood kids become the best people they could be. They decided that the way they would do that was to get kids involved in an activity they enjoyed, create an environment that was supportive and encouraging, and teach a skill that would give youth a way to learn self-discipline and earn the respect of their peers. They started Double Punches Boxing Club (DPBC) in their garage and have been changing lives ever since.

The Double Punches Mission

Our mission is to provide an outlet for young people who tend to avoid team sports and have shown little self-confidence and academic success. These are youth who have been drawn to the gang lifestyle due to a lack of parental supervision and positive role models coupled with academic failure in school and their lack of a positive self-image. Double Punches Boxing Club uses a boxing program, combined with academic tutoring, to help youth develop a sense of self-worth, experience greater success in school and develop physical fitness skills.

History

The concept of working with troubled youth in a boxing format was initiated by Richard Lopez, coach and founder. In 1991, Mr. Lopez began working with neighborhood youth on one punching bag out of his garage. The program expanded dramatically by 1996 and led to incorporation as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 1997. The club then moved to a small building on South Dutton Avenue in Santa Rosa and continued to grow and attract media recognition for its effectiveness in turning around the lives of youth.

In November 2006, DPBC moved into their current location at 93 Stony Circle, Santa Rosa and began a trial shared partnership with The Salvation Army for the purpose of delivering a character-building program of boxing instruction, activities and education enrichment. This led to the eventual adoption of Double Punches Boxing Program as a part of The Salvation Army in July 2010.

The boxing club currently has 40 students, both boys and girls, ranging in age from 8 to 24 years.  It operates as an after-school program, providing tutoring services in addition to boxing and fitness instruction.  The staff includes amateur and professional boxers, as well as volunteer coaches.  The club participates in exhibitions and sparring matches with other clubs that are also sanctioned by the USA Boxing Association.

We offer homework assistance through our Tutoring and Mentoring (TAM) Program. Youth come in an hour before their boxing workout to do homework with tutorial assistance provided by volunteers. Tutorial assistance is offered either by subject matter or related to homework assignments.

The Area Served

The program focuses attention on the city of Santa Rosa, where the majority of the present client base attends Elsie Allen High, Piner High, Cook Middle, Comstock Middle and an assortment of elementary schools in the area. While we do not restrict membership to these areas, the profile of our members is largely placed in this region.

Membership

To become a new member of DPBC, the following is needed:

  - Two photographs 1½ x 1½ inches (above the shoulder)

  - Birth Certificate

  - Completed USA Boxing Inc. Athlete Membership Application

  - Double Punches Boxing Club Registration, Waiver of Liability and Photo/Video Release

  - Completed boxing physical form, 3-4 pages (Must be signed by an MD)

  - Membership fee for first 3 months (cash or check only. contact us at 707-586-2448 to get information on fees)
 

There are currently two year-round classes designed for those wanting to spar and compete:

The Adult / Advanced Class (16 -34 years old)
Mondays & Wednesdays
 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

The Youth Class (10 to 17 years old)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:30 pm - 7 pm

*We also offer a special discounted After-School Books & Boxing Program each Spring and Fall semester for youth in grade school, Jr. High or High school (see flyers); a youth Summer Program; and an additional Adult morning class Mondays & Wednesdays from 7am ? 9am. Please note that the fees for these classes vary from our regular classes.

**Cash or checks only. Call or visit us to inquire.

Before you can spar, you must register with USA Boxing and pay a $63 annual fee. Registration and payment are done online by clicking here.

There are two options:

1. New member: Follow the 5 steps, you will need a credit or debit card.
2. Renew: Log in and follow the 5 steps, using a credit or debit card.

Print a copy of the Membership Confirmation and Health Affidavit and give to Maria.

Our Code of Conduct
While in this facility I agree not to use profanity, insulting or offensive language, and I agree to treat everyone with courtesy and respect.

Regular Hours
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
3:15pm - 7:30pm (first class starts at 4 pm)

Address
The Salvation Army
Double Punches Boxing Club
93 Stony Circle (door A)
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Gym (707) 586-2448

For more information, please call Viviana Velarde at 707-586-2448 or visit the Double Punches Website.

Other Ways We Meet Needs