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ABOUT US
Knuckle Up Boxing was born in 2009 in a backyard on the Westside of Santa Barbara, founded by Danny Madrigal with a simple but powerful mission—to make boxing accessible to everyone. What started as a grassroots effort to provide a space for friends and community members who couldn’t afford a traditional gym quickly grew into something greater: a safe haven where youth, young adults, adults, aspiring fighters, and anyone looking to better themselves could train, grow, and find mentorship.
Today, Knuckle Up Boxing continues to uphold that same commitment. With dedicated coaches Danny, Alex, and Rob, the program offers free group boxing training at Enso Gym, ensuring that anyone—regardless of experience or background—has the opportunity to develop discipline, confidence, and skill.
More than just a gym, Knuckle Up is a community. The coaches are not only trainers but mentors, guiding students toward self-motivation, resilience, and empowerment—both inside and outside the ring.
For those seeking a more personalized approach, Danny also offers private 1-on-1 boxing and mindset coaching, helping individuals strengthen both their bodies and minds.
Whether you're here to train, compete, or grow as a person—Knuckle Up Boxing is a place for you.
Meet the Coaches
Train Hard. Fight Smart. Grow Strong.
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Founder and Coach
Danny Madrigal
Boxing didn’t just shape Danny’s skills—it shaped his life. Growing up in Santa Barbara, he saw firsthand how the sport could be a path to discipline, strength, and self-respect.
In 2009, he started Knuckle Up Boxing in his backyard, opening his doors to friends, young fighters, and anyone who couldn’t afford a gym.
What started as a small training space has grown into a mentorship-driven program that continues to serve youth and adults, providing them with the skills, mindset, and confidence to succeed both inside and outside the ring.
As a boxing and mindset coach, Danny believes that mental toughness is just as important as physical strength. Whether coaching fighters, teaching beginners, or working 1-on-1 in private sessions, his goal remains the same: to empower, uplift, and help people discover their true potential.
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Coach
Rob Cassidy
Growing up in the Boston area, I heard stories of local boxing legends. I walked through the doors of Somerville Boxing Club at age 17—a legendary gym where the goal is to keep kids off the streets and build skilled boxers. I fell in love with the sport then and there, surrounded by positive role models and mentors to look up to.
I love how boxing has been handed down from older men to younger men for thousands of years. I intend to help keep that tradition going and take great pride in it.
TESTIMONIALS
Coming Soon
KNUCKLE UP BOXING
Founded on grit and passion, Knuckle Up Boxing started as a backyard gym and has since grown into a home for fighters of all levels. Our goal? To build strong bodies, sharp minds, and unshakable confidence.
TRAININGS HELD AT
ENSO GYM
318 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
HOURS
MONDAY - THURSDAY
6:30PM - 8:30PM