MICHAEL H.
SENIOR BOXING COACH
HEAD COACH
Michael is a Hell’s Kitchen native since the era before trendy restaurants lined every street and $7 cup coffee shops.
He started combat training with Tae Kwon Do when he was 11 years old, transitioned to MMA training in high school, and eventually took up “the sweet science,” boxing. That decision paid off as he won the Golden Gloves in 2012 and two more amateur tournaments after that before turning pro in 2020.
Michael started training people in boxing while attending St. John’s University and eventually started a boxing program there. His goal remains the same with everyone he works with: help them maximize their potential. Whether they’re trying to shed a couple pounds or actually step in the ring and fight, he is committed to seeing his students reach their goal.
Regardless of their motivation, students can count on learning how to defend themselves. All of the physical and mental benefits of boxing emanate from training like you’re preparing for the fight of your life, because you are!
Instagram @hughesin
CHRIS K.
SENIOR MUAY THAI COACH
HEAD OF MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAMS
Chris Kwiatkowski is a professional Muay Thai fighter that trains & fights out of New York City. He’s been training & fighting Muay Thai for the better part of two decades. Chris is a 6-time Muay Thai champion, including WKA World Amateur Champion and FNF World Professional Champion. Chris is internationally known, having competed in countries such as Thailand, Belarus, Spain and South Korea.
Instagram @polish_punisher
RHIANNON R.
Boxing and Head of Ladies Boxing Program
Rhiannon started Martial Arts when she was 4 – training in Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
She started boxing when she was around 10 years old in Brasil alongside her twin brother Harold & has been doing it ever since.
While in college, she ran her university’s boxing program by becoming the first female president of the boxing team.
She coached & trained both recreational and competitive boxers at everyday practices as well as prepared them for fights while being a competitive athlete on the team herself. She has cornered over 15 fights and is a certified USA Boxing Coach.
Her classes are technique focused and will help you understand boxing as if you were preparing to step into the ring yourself.
Rhiannon welcomes questions and feedback, and is available for personal training.
Instagram @rhiannonrogers
AARON F.
MUAY THAI
Coach Aaron is a former professional Muay Thai fighter and experienced coach. Since the late 1990s, he has been deeply immersed in this combat sport and its culture. Known as “The Ghost,” Aaron has made a significant impact not only as an amateur and professional Muay Thai fighter, but as a coach as well. His journey has taken him from his hometown of Toledo, Ohio to fighting and coaching around the world. Aaron has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with everyone from professional fighters to casual students. His passion for Muay Thai has spanned almost 30 years leading to him becoming a highly respected figure in the community.
Instagram @coach.ghost
TEON T.
BOXING
HEAD OF KIDS & TEEN BOXING PROGRAMS
Teon was born in Georgetown Guyana and raised in Brooklyn NY.
Teon’s an active featherweight amateur boxer who has been trained by Moises Sanchez since 2013.
He is a New York Golden Glove finalist and Pure Breed Boxing champion, and has fought at the amateur level 15 times.
Teon specializes in the fundamentals of boxing and defense. He teach group classes, is head of the gym’s Teen and Kids Boxing Programs, and is available for one-on-one instruction.
Instagram @teonthorne
IEGOR P.
Boxing
Iegor is a professional boxer with over 18 years of boxing experience. He is a two-time New York Golden Gloves Winner (Recipient of Sugar Robinson Award for Most Outstanding Boxer in 2011); EUBC European Olympic Hopes 19-22 Boxing Champion; (AIBA) World Youth Boxing Championship Bronze Medalist; Ukraine National Champion; Draftee into the World Series of Boxing; and a former Member of Ukraine National boxing team. Iegor is a certified Personal Trainer and registered USA Boxing Coach. He offers high level fitness classes and world class boxing training.
Instagram @yegor_nyc
ALEX C.
MUAY THAI
Alex comes from a family of martial artists, where he began training Taekwondo & Hapkido at the age of 5. During his teens and up to his early college years, he played soccer until an injury eventually pushed Alex on his path towards Muay Thai.
Soon after relocating to New York City, Alex began his studies in the art of traditional Muay Thai. He has competed nationally & internationally, cornering/coaching amateur & professional fighters, and is currently a Muay Thai & Kickboxing instructor at Church Street Boxing Gym in Manhattan. He brings over 10 years of experience studying Muay Thai in the US as well as in Thailand. He welcomes all levels of experience and will push you beyond your limits to meet your goals.
Instagram @a_changy
MAKS K.
Boxing
Maks has been boxing since the early 2000’s and was a member of the Ukrainian National Team until 2022. He took two time silver medals and four bronze medals at the National Ukrainian Championship, and has fought at the amateur level 255 times.
Instagram @maks__33_n.y.c_23
TONY D.
Boxing
Along with being a former amateur fighter himself, Tony has been training enthusiasts, as well as amateur and professional fighters, since 2008. He specializes in teaching the fundamentals of boxing and always abides by the “hit and don’t be hit” fighting philosophy. His classes emphasize foundational footwork, partner drills, and heavy bag drills that compliment every skill level. As a student of the sport, Tony enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion with others and welcomes questions regarding proper technique.
CARMEN C.
MUAY THAI
Instagram @carmencorchado
STEVEN “SCRAP” M.
Boxing
Born and raised in New York City, Coach Steven, also known as “Scrap,” began his boxing journey at Church St. in 2006. He competed for four years, participating in 11 fights and finishing with a record of 6 wins and 5 losses.
In 2010, Scrap transitioned his passion for boxing into coaching under the mentorship of Jason Strout. Over the years, he’s accumulated countless hours in the gym—focusing on drilling, sparring, and studying the film of the masters at work to deepen his understanding of the sport.
Coach Scrap believes in a “complete” approach to boxing, in which his students develop both body and mind through a multi-faceted methodology. He incorporates stretching, rhythm, coordination, technique, and even dance into his pedagogy. In his eyes, the passion and enjoyment of the sport leads to instilling the best form and technique.
What sets Coach Scrap apart is his comprehensive approach to fighter development. Drawing from his extensive training experience, he teaches his athletes not just how to throw punches, but how to think strategically and work efficiently.
With his wealth of experience as both competitor and coach, Scrap is committed to sculpting the next generation of boxers, teaching them not just how to fight—but how to work intelligently, improve continuously, and stay disciplined inside and outside the ring.
SKENDER H.
Boxing
Skender is a lifelong fighter. He started boxing at 13, but before that, he did kickboxing. He has a professional boxing record of 16-2 with 13 knockouts.
Instagram @skenderhalili2.0
ADAM G.
Boxing
Adam is a lifelong martial artist and an active amateur boxer. Coming from a background in traditional martial arts, Adam’s classes emphasize proper technique and fundamentals including a focus on footwork, distance and timing. Adam trains people of all skill and experience levels and is dedicated to helping his students achieve their goals.
Instagram @xgodown
JOE S.
MUAY THAI
Joe is a distinguished Muay Thai coach with roots in boxing. His martial arts journey began at 13 in Germany, where his grandfather introduced him to boxing. By 15, Joe was already competing, laying the groundwork for his future career.
After moving to the United States, Joe transitioned to Muay Thai, quickly excelling in the sport. His dedication culminated in winning a state title in 2018, and he currently boasts an impressive 8-1 record in Muay Thai competitions.
Joe’s passion for combat sports extends to coaching, which he began in 2014. While he has experience coaching boxers at the novice and amateur levels, his expertise truly shines in Muay Thai. He has successfully trained professional fighters and high-level amateurs, establishing himself as a respected figure in the Muay Thai community.
With his unique blend of international experience and competitive success, Joe Sharp continues to make a significant impact as a coach, embodying the spirit of martial arts in both practice and instruction.
Instagram @joesharpnyc
SELIM C.
HEAD COACH JIU JITSU
Selim specializes in students developing grappling fitness with a focusing on the passing aspect of Jiu-Jitsu.
Instagram @north_star_jiu_jitsu
CEM K.
Boxing
Cem is an accomplished boxing coach and certified personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in combat sports. Standing at 6’3″ with dual Turkish and American citizenship, Cem brings a unique international perspective to his coaching approach.
With training from both Russian and Cuban Amateur Boxing Schools, Cem has developed a comprehensive understanding of different boxing styles and techniques. His impressive athletic background includes serving as a sparring partner for professional boxers, including Ali Eren Demirezen (ranked #14 worldwide in heavyweight) and Fatih Keles (2011 European Amateur Boxing Champion).
Beyond boxing, Cem is a certified NASM Personal Trainer with expertise in strength and conditioning, having worked with professional basketball and volleyball athletes. His specializations include muscle toning, weight loss, injury rehabilitation, and sports conditioning, making him equally effective with competitive athletes and beginners.
Currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Acting at William Esper Studio in New York, Cem brings creativity and expressiveness to his training sessions. His personal interests in snowboarding, kite surfing, meditation, and philosophy reflect his balanced approach to physical and mental wellness.
Cem is committed to designing personalized programs that meet each client’s specific goals and needs, ensuring workouts that are challenging yet achievable for all fitness levels.
Instagram @getstrongwithcem
SEBASTIAN G.
jiu jitsu
Sebastian is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with over two decades of dedicated practice. Receiving his black belt in 2015 from Clockwork Jiu Jitsu, his journey spans numerous high-level competitions including IBJJF, NAGA, and Grapplers Quest tournaments.
As an instructor, Sebastian is known for his emphasis on practical, efficient techniques and effective strategies. Drawing from his extensive experience coaching both competitive athletes and recreational practitioners, he maintains a balanced approach that honors classic fundamentals while embracing modern innovations in the art. Sebastian embodies the essence of a lifelong student, continuously seeking to expand his knowledge and refine his craft.
Instagram @sebasguerriero
LUX P.
jiu jitsu
Lux is an accomplished Jiu Jitsu practitioner, seasoned instructor, and former competitor with over a decade of experience. What began as a pursuit of self-defense skills quickly evolved into a passion for the sport, prompting her to dedicate herself to full-time training. When injuries sidelined her competitive career, Lux channeled her expertise into creating an innovative online platform that now reaches students across the globe.
Her teaching credentials include conducting specialized seminars and classes at Fortune 500 companies, while her instructional videos have garnered millions of views from students worldwide. As an educator, Lux’s mission is to empower individuals through practical grappling and self-defense techniques. She firmly believes that Jiu Jitsu knowledge not only has the potential to save lives but also transform them—just as it transformed hers.
Instagram @luxpotentia
KATE M.
BOXING
With a lifelong passion for combat sports and a journey that has seen her training alongside world-class professional boxers and UFC fighters, Kate McDougal has honed her skills and knowledge to become a force in the world of athletics.
She embarked on her athletic journey over 10 years ago, dedicating countless hours to perfecting her craft in & out of the boxing ring. Kate faced many challenges head-on, always striving to push her limits and learn from the best in the industry. Training side by side with professional boxers and UFC fighters has been an invaluable part of her development, giving her insights and skills that set her apart.
Beyond the physical benefits of sports and fitness, Kate has personally experienced the transformative power they have on mental health and anxiety. Through her journey, she’s discovered that the discipline, focus, and resilience cultivated in the ring extend far beyond sports. These qualities have helped her overcome anxiety and find mental clarity.
As a boxing coach, Kate brings both technical expertise and deep personal understanding to her training methods. Her approach combines traditional boxing fundamentals with modern athletic conditioning to create comprehensive programs that develop both physical strength and mental toughness.
Kate believes everyone deserves to experience the life-changing benefits of combat sports, regardless of their fitness level or previous experience. Whether you’re looking to compete, get in shape, or simply find a new way to challenge yourself, she’s committed to helping you reach your goals and discover your own strength—both inside and outside the ring.
Instagram @katelyn_mcdougal_
MAURICE H.
Boxing
Maurice, born in Fort Riley, Kansas, was introduced to boxing by his father. His dad trained under the Moreno Brothers and fought in the San Antonio Golden Gloves. It was important to him that his sons to learn box as well. While Maurice enjoyed boxing, he also had a fascination with karate and competed in NASKA competitions where his coach noticed that he scored mostly with his boxing. The coach recommended he try American Kickboxing, which was basically boxing with karate kicks and had rounds similar to boxing. With that, Maurice began competing in the IKF youth division throughout middle and high school. Maurice began his journey as a Boxing Coach at Church Street Boxing Gym. He’s also taught boxing classes at Chelsea Piers and Masterskya Jiu Jitsu.
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