With most students gone during spring and summer many BYU clubs aren’t meeting, but the boxing club still is.
For students staying in Provo over the spring and summer, the boxing club offers a way to stay active and connected.
“It’s a healthy way to embrace your more wild side,” Kyler Berg, a member of the boxing club, said. “Fulfilled every time. It’s great. Even though it sounds scary — it is scary — until you learn how to go with the flow and move with the punches.”
Club members meet regularly to practice drills, sparring techniques and build community.
“I’ve seen a lot of people make friends in the club,” Miles Tolman, president of the boxing club, said. “I’ve made a friend group that I’ve only met in the club.”
In every practice, the club members pair up with one another to teach each other new skills.
“We want people to meet each other. We want people to train with each other. We want people to work with each other,” Jace Hersel, a member of the boxing club, said.
Boxing doesn’t only have a physical benefit, but a mental benefits as well say students.
Club members say that boxing helps them recharge after their busy schedules.
“I always feel like boxing is some sort of meditation for me,” Hersel said. “When I’m jam-packed with exams, I usually feel like, ‘Oh I shouldn’t go to anything else. I shouldn’t go to any other activity; I should focus on the exam,’ but when it comes to boxing, it’s the opposite. I have to go here to rejuvenate my mind.”
During his mission in Kobe, Japan, Hersel used boxing to share the gospel.
“I would just teach boxing to a lot of friends and members, and then afterwards we’d share a spiritual message. It just brought everyone together, and it was a fun time,” Hersel said.
Many students use the club to continue developing boxing skills.
“Don’t be afraid, just show up. It’s very beginner-friendly. You’ll leave fulfilled every time. It’s a great place to make friends and build your confidence,” Berg said.
Members said newcomers are always welcome.
Boxing club meets every Thursday at 7 p.m., and they’re open to boxers of all skill levels.