Coaches
Brian Dunniway
Brian found his way to boxing via martial arts, specifically Jeet Kun Do and then Muay Thai Boxing.
His athletic career started with wrestling and weight training in High School. He then moved on to a variety of martial arts such as Karate, Choy Lee Fut, Jeet Kun Do, Ju Jitsu, Sanshou, Muay Thai, America Kickboxing and Western Style Boxing.
Like his passion for martial arts, Brian has dedicated his life to understanding nutrition and fitness. From body building and weight loss, to athletic performance. Through his studies and practice he has put into place the most cutting edge training protocols.
He holds the following credentials:
USA Boxing certified coach
Rock Steady Boxing certified coach
B.S. Degree in Kinesiology
ACE certified personal Trainer
Over 20 years teaching experience.
Here’s what motivates him:
‘I enjoy making a positive difference in people’s lives. Watching them grow in self esteem and well being is very rewarding for me.’
Brian's training philosophy is simple: Find something you love and it no longer is something you have to do, it becomes something you want to do.
Robert Terrance
Robert has an amazing background. He participated in football and track in High School and became a recreational runner during his College years. After that he moved on to the pursuit of Martial Arts.
After having been in martial arts for 30+ years and studying a variety of systems such as Asian, Filipino, Afro-Brazilian, he was introduced to World Champion Boxer, Carina Moreno. He had the opportunity to study and train with her and her trainer Rick Noble in 2009.
He holds the following credentials:
USA Boxing Certified
NASM Certified
7th Degree Black Belt in Blossom Fist
Assistant coach for U C Santa Cruz Basketball team
Here is his philosophy on training:
“Athletic endeavors are about a journey of self-discovery. Boxing being an individual sport is very much about self-development. As a trainer, it is your guidance which allows the athlete to discover the growth potential within themselves no matter what age or level.
As a trainer, you get to witness how that journey and growth can enhance the individual's life and all those around them. This, in turn, continually rewards you with your own journey of self-discovery and life enhancement through their continued success.”
Suzie Oliver
Suzie discovered boxing when she was living in Oakland where boxing is very popular. Her neighbors and friends began teaching her in their backyards.
She has one amateur boxing match under her belt with a 1-0 record.
She has a strong athletic background as she started with soccer at age 7 and has played virtually all sports in school. She was a Santa Cruz high athlete of the week three times! There were even several Santa Cruz Sentinel articles written about her and her championship soccer teams.
Since finding Santa Cruz Boxing Suzie has focused her attention on boxing and athletic training.
She holds the following credentials.
NASM Certified
USA Boxing Certified
Rock Steady Boxing Certified
Here’s what she has to say about being a trainer:
“I like spreading the passion and love I have for boxing and fitness. I love helping people achieve their goals, something I am able to do at Santa Cruz Boxing!”
Rick Almondia
At 15, Rick started learning Sanshou, a Chinese free-fighting kickboxing art that includes the use of elbows, knees, kick-catches, take-downs, throws, sweeps, locks and even ground work. From there he went on to Muay Thai, a martial art and combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This discipline is known as the "art of eight limbs," as it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Over the 27 or so years Rick has been kickboxing, he’s participated in 25 amateur fights, several ‘Born to Fight’ amateur kickboxing tournaments, two professional MMA fights and was the Muay Thai California state champ in 2005
Rick recognized that the martial arts helped him stay busy, disciplined and focused during his teen years and then it became a passion. He often watches kickboxing and especially K-1 fighting. His favorite kickboxer is Ernesto Hoost.
Charlie
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Charlie is our greeter, spectator entertainer and unofficial mascot. He had a hard life before his rescue, he now enjoys long walks in the woods, healthy snacks and spending time with friends and family. His unparalleled wisdom has been applied to the much appreciated "Charlies Corner;" weekly inspirations found on Facebook.