Our
Programs

More Than Boxing — Building Character, Confidence, and Community

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

Boxer wearing a red sleeveless shirt with a logo, shouting with his mouth open, standing close to a referee or trainer in a black shirt, against a dark background with overhead lights.

Ali Conde 176 Lbs El Maestro’s Elite Ring Master Champion 2026

El Maestro helps dedicated athletes reach the next level through discipline, mentorship, training, and competitive experience.

Our athlete development program supports boxers through:

  • Amateur boxing competition

  • Tournament and event participation

  • Athlete development and advancement

  • Mentorship inside and outside the ring

  • Pathways to higher-level competition

This program is open to youth ages 16 and up. Gym Membership $100*/Month (Month to-Month).

Training for participants under 18 begins after school, Monday through Friday.

Participation requires a USA Boxing membership.

We build champions with discipline, confidence, and purpose.

350+ youth trained annually

·

23 years of service

·

USA Boxing sanctioned

·

Safe after–school environment

·

350+ youth trained annually · 23 years of service · USA Boxing sanctioned · Safe after–school environment ·

K.O. BULLYING

A group of people, including children and adults, wearing yellow shirts, standing inside a boxing gym with a boxing ring and flags in the background.

Retired Bronx Supreme Court Justice Hon. Fernando Tapia
speaking with youth during El Maestro K.O. Bullying Program

K.O. Bullying is El Maestro’s youth anti-bullying program. It uses boxing, mentorship, discipline, and leadership training to help young people build confidence, resolve conflict, and stand against bullying.

This program supports youth through:

  • Anti-bullying awareness for ages 6–10. Gym Membership $65*/Month (Month to-Month).

  • Confidence building through teamwork and discipline

  • Guest speakers and community mentors

  • A safe space for youth development

K.O. Bullying is a 4-weekend program that teaches young people how to protect themselves, respect others, and respond to challenges with confidence instead of violence.

For availability, call (646) 299-6507.

YOUTH BOXING

A group of people, including young martial artists with medals and coaches, poses on green bleacher seats inside a gymnasium after a boxing competition. The then coaches and trainers are standing behind the young athletes, some of whom are sitting or standing with medals, in front of banners advertising fitness and security services.

Team El Maestro athletes and coaches during competition travel in Moca, Puerto Rico.

The Youth Boxing program provides structured boxing training for all skill levels, from beginners to competitive athletes.

Our youth boxing program helps students build technical skills, discipline, fitness, confidence, and character.

Training includes:

  • Boxing fundamentals and technical training. Ages 11–15 Gym Membership $75*/Month (Month to-Month).

  • Group and team training

  • Fitness, conditioning, and strength

  • Pathways to amateur competition

This program is open to participants ages 8 and up.

Training begins after school, Monday through Friday.

Participation in competitions requires a USA Boxing membership.

MENTORSHIP & LEADERSHIP

Founder of Centro Cultural y Educativo El Maestro Inc. Prof. Fernando Ponce Laspina with Beyond Boxing alumni. 

Through boxing, group mentorship, one-on-one support, and community guidance, young people build discipline, responsibility, communication, leadership, and positive decision-making.

  • Our mentorship work includes:

  • Group and one-on-one mentorship

  • Life skills and character building

  • Leadership and responsibility

  • Positive role models and support

El Maestro also partners with Beyond Boxing to support justice-involved youth and young adults ages 14–25 through referral-based programming.

For the three-month duration of the juvenile program, Beyond Boxing participants may receive support with

  • Equipment

  • USA Boxing memberships

  • Gym access and

  • trainer fees

Visit BeyondBoxing.org for more information.

ARTS & CULTURE

Colorful mural on a building wall depicting a Puerto Rican scene with a boxer, a woman in traditional dress, tropical plants, flowers, water, and mountains.
Exterior mural honoring Puerto Rican culture, boxing & history at 
El Maestro Boxing Gym in the South Bronx. Art directed by Carlito Rovina.

El Maestro preserves and celebrates Puerto Rican culture through community engagement, cultural education, art, history, music, and neighborhood events.

Each year, El Maestro hosts 10 main cultural and community events that bring families, youth, artists, and neighbors together.

Our cultural and community work includes:

  • Puerto Rican cultural celebrations

  • Día de los Tres Reyes

  • Día del Cuatro Puertorriqueño

  • Festival Grito de Lares

  • Noche de Bohemia

Our community events often feature live music, including salsa, bomba y plena, tríos, música jíbara, música urbana, poetry, and spoken word.

Our community events also focus on art, history, heritage, and identity.

We also partner with other organizations that use our space for community events. For availability, call (646) 299-6507.

El Maestro connects all generations to culture, community pride, and the history that shapes who they are.

By celebrating Puerto Rican culture, we strengthen identity, pride, and community across generations.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

A diverse group of young people gathered in a casual, indoor community space, with some seated around a table and others standing. The room has yellow and gray walls, various posters, photographs, and artworks, with stairs leading to an upper level. A person standing appears to be speaking or leading a discussion, while others listen attentively.
Centro Cultural y Educativo El Maestro Inc. in partnership with Beyond Boxing

El Maestro Inc. works closely with youth and families to encourage discipline, responsibility, school accountability, and positive decision-making.

Through educational support and community partnerships, we help young people stay focused on their goals and personal growth.

  • Educational support includes:

  • Parent communication and support

  • Goal setting and personal growth

  • Emotional support

  • Community awareness

  • Positive decision-making

Join the Program

Whether your child is new to boxing, ready to compete, looking for mentorship, or interested in cultural education, El Maestro offers a safe and supportive community for growth.