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December 2023 by reza Boroji
Great place! Joel is super freindly! Trainer( Oscar) also are very knowledgalbe and helpful.
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December 2023 by Ryan B.
I have been coming here for years and it is by far my favorite gym in the city. There is a true focus on technique, and the instructors are able to help all skill levels, from someone who has never boxed in their life to professionals training for their next fight. It is a great, welcoming community of people as well. Would highly recommend for anyone interested in checking it out!
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November 2023 by Jasson S.
As someone deeply passionate about health and fitness, and having played sports all my life, I can confidently say that Joel Villines is one of the best coaches I've ever had the pleasure of training with. His expertise isn't just in teaching the basics of boxing; Joel excels in imparting those critical, advanced skills that truly elevate your game. What sets Joel apart is his technical prowess. His sessions aren't just workouts; they're a masterclass in boxing. Every lesson is a deep dive into the nuances of the sport, ensuring that you're not just learning, but mastering the art. This level of detail and dedication is rare and immensely valuable. Despite living 30 miles away, working full-time, and running my own business, I never hesitated to make the commute to Echo Park twice a week for one-on-one training with Joel. It speaks volumes about the quality of his coaching that neither distance nor the cost ever felt like barriers. The value I received from each session was unparalleled, something I couldn't find anywhere else. Unfortunately, life's demands have kept me away in recent months, but my eagerness to return to Joel's training is undiminished. His impact on my boxing journey has been profound, and I am eager to continue learning under his guidance. In summary, if you're serious about boxing and looking for a coach who can genuinely elevate your skills, Joel Villines is your go-to. His technical knowledge, passion for the sport, and dedication to his trainees make every session worth more than the time and distance it takes to get there.
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October 2023 by Mira A.
It all started with booking a private boxing training with Joel as a birthday gift for my boyfriend. Now he is obsessed with boxing and this gym- it's so awesome to watch how happy and motivated he is! Joel seems like an amazing trainer!!! And the group classes sound so fun... I can only recommend this place.
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January 2023 by Dana H.
Awesome little boxing and Muai Thai gym. The community is quite special, and it's all because of the owner and coaches - Joel (owner / head coach) and his crew are really part of the local community and get to know all their members. Even visitors Iike me! I trained here for two weeks as a visitor, on the back of around six months of prior experience. I learned a few things very quickly at Echo Park - better posture and technique. Sparring is gentle, considerate, and fun. I left feeling like I had already made friends I'm a brief period. Hope to be back! PS they have Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ), off-menu and irregular for now, but if you ask you can find out when it is.
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January 2023 by Dana Hooshmand
Loved this place. Already an Echo Park institution. Trained here for two weeks while visiting. The owner Joel has a ton of stories and is super friendly. The coaches are very welcoming, the participants super chill, and in general I learned a lot in just 10 sessions or so (on the back of about ~6 months of experience). Good Muay Thai as well as traditional boxing. Oh and they have a secret menu of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu too, I heard, though it's not a fixed part of the curriculum and the timetable varies. Joel, don't forget, you have a friend in Australia!
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September 2022 by Alex Patel
Started boxing here at the beginning of the year with no prior experience at all. It's amazing and the teachers are phenomenal and fun. Great group of people and highly recommend it for anyone looking to get into boxing. Special shout outs to the trainers: Joel, Hunter, Monique, Gabe, and JJ.If you're looking to get into muy thai and/or boxing this is the place to go! One note is that parking is limited so I recommend coming a little early to park on a side street if you're driving.
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August 2022 by Clint A.
I've been a student with Echo Park Boxing since 2016 and will continue to be a student there as long as I call Los Angeles my home. I'm gonna be brutally honest with my review here, you get what you put in... plain and simple!!!! Joel and all the instructors at the gym will guide you by teaching proper form and technique but in the end it's up to you to put in the work. It's a brutal sport and people tend to forget that more often than not... it can be a very lonely sport. It comes down to the individual to want to improve, it takes hours of practice and discipline pushing your own limits to level up. In the six years that I have been a part of Echo Park Boxing I have learned proper form and stances... the physics of shifting weight and balance to maximize power in my strikes... the importance of timing and rhythm... defensive counters with measuring distance and so much more! This gym is my home and I feel like the students and instructors there are my brothers and sisters.
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August 2022 by Mbaye C.
I've been studying boxing and Muay Thai here at Echo park Boxing and Muay Thai for a year with Joel Ben Gabe and company ;and it's been quiet a life changing experience. My thought process in my personal and business has changed for the better. I'm more confident and intentional with everything I do. They're also very knowledgeable teachers . Combined with the physical I'm learning the intellectual components of the art just as well .Time and time again they break down the history of Muay Thai and how it impacted other arts. Joel , Ben Gabe ,and company and are all so patient with their application and encourages us to ask questions.I feel very comfortable there. Echo park boxing and Muay Thai is my second family away from home.
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August 2022 by Wei Jie K.
Terrible health and safety standards. The instructor Ben is woefully incapable of caring for a simple scratch and they don't have adequate first aide supplies. Furthermore his attitude is extremely condescending, horribly racist, and shows a complete lack of care even for potential customers.
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April 2022 by Earl Maneein
Did two drop ins here. The Muay Thai is legit and it's a super friendly place with no egos. Love it- I'm looking forward to training here every time I'm in LA! Thanks Ben and Oscar!
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April 2022 by yuri Boyka
I called like 5 times but never got a response plus it’s only one hour of boxing
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November 2021 by Kimsly Q.
Hi! Is this place still open? I called 5 times and went straight to voicemail. Would love to get some information about classes and privates!
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July 2021 by Jake S.
I started taking classes on a whim and instantly became addicted. The coaches are super cool and really know their stuff when it comes to boxing and Muay Thai. I haven't had success sticking with work out routines in the past, however after a few months at EPB I was in the best shape of my life and having a blast training. Great for total beginners and seasoned martial artists alike!
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July 2021 by Elizabeth I.
This is by far one of the best Boxing/ Muy Thai class experiences I've ever had. The classes are fantastic, the instruction is top of the line and the vibe is all inclusive. The feel is neighborhood down to earth but the quality of instruction and workout is high caliber & top notch. Joel, Hunter and the other coaches are not only talented and know what they're doing, but they really invest in teaching & encouraging their students. Last but not least, it's really freakin fun!
