HAVEN Boxing

I usually don’t write reviews but another costumer one month ago describes a very similar experience to mine, suggesting a pattern. In this studio that promotes inclusivity and open conversations you will feel unwelcome if, somehow, they think you do not belong with them. Before the class I responded I had tried boxing before but apparently, they expected a much better performance from me. I stepped out to get water and, once I got back, before I could even look ahead of me one of the instructors approached me and told me I had to follow and be more present. The scolding continued and at one point the same instructor looked at me and said ‘so crazy’ as I didn’t have my gloves on yet. At the end I was about to leave without mentioning anything (to somehow end on a positive note) when the same instructor comes up to me again to lecture me about how I shouldn’t have said I tried boxing before if my level was so low. As I try to explain to her that I was just tired she accompanied me to the door and told me I could leave and not come back. People have busy lives, no one was there to become a professional and no one should be blamed for doing what works for them or for taking it slow. I was never rude or disrespectful, me joining the group a few seconds later did not disrupt the class. I didnt even ask them any questions so this was definitely NOT privileged behavior. I appreciate constructive criticism but this was rather an unnecessary personal attack and as the previous review said “I hope no one else is made to feel this way again.” Again you just want to select people that for some reason you feel belong to the HAVEN family. But I did nothing to disrespect you so you have no right to disrespect me.

I have been to two drop in classes and every time I’ve been greeted by not only the owners but the community of people that take the class that day. The instructors are very attentive and checked on me multiple times after I told them about a previous injury I had on my knee a year prior and even gave me pointers I can take with me if I attend another gym. Grateful to have felt so cared for at a boxing gym no less. Thank you!

I’ve never had such a warm welcome to a fitness space in my life. The energy here is so great and Andrea, Gabby, Cam, and Joey were super supportive and gave great tips and adjustments to ensure my form was on point. I like the mix of boxing-focused and functional movement classes. As someone who’s torn both acls, this is a great mix for my body (and a wake up call for my coordination and lower body mobility/strength!). Looking forward to coming back!

This space is such a dream. The owners, staff & community make this a welcoming environment created with intentionality. I have been taking boxing classes for a while and the difference at this place is that I'm now both challenged and supported. I leave every class with my ass kicked but some applicable lesson feeling clearer. Haven embodies its' name: not just a welcoming space to learn boxing & strength training but a place of mutual aid, more inclusive community and radically rooted fun with respect for the community that it inhabits as well as creates. It's literally helped me get through this year and I feel very grateful for all the work that goes into it.

It’s disappointing to write this review, but I feel compelled to share my experience. I attended a 5:30 PM ‘all levels’ open class for the fourth or fifth time this year. What initially drew me to this gym was its commitment to inclusivity for women, queer individuals, and POC. As a brown woman and co-chair of a DEI group called ACT, that mission resonated with me. I also appreciated their kindness in allowing my emotional support dog. Unfortunately, today’s experience contradicted the gym’s philosophy that ‘anyone who has ever been made to feel excluded in a fitness space is welcome here.’ My friend and I, both beginners, were paired for partner drills. We called out numbers to help each other follow the sequence, which didn’t disrupt anyone, but the instructor, reprimanded us. She claimed we were misbehaving, but we were just trying to learn in a way that worked for us. I’ve taken this instructors class before, Andrea, and respect that she pushes people, but her approach can come off crass at times. She often assumes mistakes come from inattention instead of recognizing different learning styles. Rather than checking in, she scolded us in a way that felt dismissive. As we were leaving she approached us again, and I explained we were counting the sequence, she dismissed it and implied I should already be proficient since I've been to 4 or so classes. When I expressed that I felt triggered by her tone, she justified it as necessary for ‘safety.’ For context, the music was loud, and we weren’t being disruptive—nothing we said was louder than the music. Another instructor jumped in to defend her, making me feel ganged up on for simply expressing how I felt. I believe the people here mean well, but inclusivity isn’t just about who you welcome—it’s about how you treat every people once they’re inside. I’ve had positive experiences with other instructors who’ve been supportive in a way that resonates with me, but I won’t be returning. I’ll request a refund for my remaining classes, though I doubt they’ll grant it. What once felt like a safe space no longer does, and I hope no one else is made to feel this way.