How to choose a boxing gym.
Eight questions worth asking any boxing gym in Toronto before you sign up, and how West End Athletic Club in Etobicoke answers each one.
Ask about the coaching.
Questions 1 to 4.
1. Who coaches, and what have they done?
Head Coach Ray Olubowale is a former 3-time Canadian Heavyweight Champion. Justin Parina boxed for Team Canada from 2018 to 2024. Steve Rolls is a two-time Canadian Champion who fought Gennady Golovkin in 2019. Meet the coaches →
2. Is there contact, and is it optional?
At West End every class is no-contact. Sparring is optional, coach-supervised and by invitation only.
3. Is there a real path for beginners?
Intro To Boxing and The Boxing Blueprint are built for day one, and coaches follow the C.A.P.P. Method: Constant, Applicable, Positive, Progression.
4. Can you try it without a contract?
West End: 3 Classes for $30 for new members until December 31, 2026. One payment, nothing renews.
Ask about the place.
Questions 5 to 8.
5. Do class times fit your week?
West End runs classes from 6:45am, at lunch, in the evening and on weekends. See the schedule.
6. What’s actually on the floor?
A boxing ring, heavy bag room, strength area with an Eleiko platform, conditioning area, sauna, showers and changing rooms.
7. Is there something for the kids?
Little Warriors (ages 4–8) and the Youth Boxing Academy (9–16), both non-contact.
8. Does it feel like a community?
Family-owned by the Cappuccitti family since 2015, with a monthly Women of West End brunch. Visit and judge for yourself.
What to expect at your first class.
No experience needed. The coaches adjust every drill to you.
Arrive a little early
Come 10 to 15 minutes before class and check in at the front desk. The staff walk you through registration, and parking at the rear is free.
What to bring
Comfortable athletic clothing, a water bottle, boxing gloves and hand wraps, and your own towel (towels are not provided). No gloves yet? The club sells gloves and wraps at the gym.
How the class runs
Intro To Boxing is 30 minutes: hand wraps, stance, first combinations and what a real class feels like. Regular classes are 50 minutes of coach-led work on the bags and pads. No contact.
After you train
Showers and changing rooms, free lockers for the day (bring a lock or buy one at the gym), a sauna, and an espresso bar with protein shakes.
See what members say in the club’s Google reviews.
Common questions.
What should I look for in a boxing gym as a beginner?
Qualified coaches, a clear beginner path, optional contact, a trial without a contract, times that fit your week, and a place you feel welcome.
Do boxing gyms make you spar?
They shouldn’t. At West End every class is no-contact and sparring is optional, coach-supervised and by invitation only.
Is there a free trial at West End?
No. There is no free class. New members can take 3 Classes for $30 until December 31, 2026.
Where is West End Athletic Club?
283 Bering Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 3A5, between Islington and Kipling stations, with complimentary parking at the rear.
Can I visit before I join?
Yes. Call 416-621-1234 or email info@westendac.com, or start with the 3 Classes for $30.
Are there classes for kids?
Yes: Little Warriors for ages 4 to 8 and the Youth Boxing Academy for 9 to 16.
More from the club: beginner classes · prices · boxing for fitness · our Etobicoke gym