Boxing with a 'sea view': We take a look at boxing clubs in Gdynia

Boxing with a 'sea view': We take a look at boxing clubs in Gdynia

April 11, 2025

Gdynia, a city with a harbor soul, hides not only the charms of its seaside landscape, but also a vibrant combat sports scene. The city's boxing clubs have a special character - they combine the raw discipline of fistfighting with an inspiring view of the Baltic Sea. It is here, in the shadow of the harbor cranes and with the sound of the sea in the background, that both amateur and professional boxers train, continuing the rich tradition of boxing, which has its own special place in Gdynia. The city that gave birth to such legends as Zbigniew Kicka - the 1974 World Championships medalist - remains an important point on the boxing map of Poland to this day.

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Olympic tradition and modern approach

Gdynia boasts a rich boxing history that continues to inspire young students of the sport to this day. One of the most important places on this map is the Tomasz Jablonski boxing team, led by an Olympian and multiple Polish championship medalist. Jablonski, who represented Poland at the 2012 London Olympics, has created a place that combines Olympic traditions with a modern approach to training.

The club, located on Leopolda Staffa Street in the Redlowo district, just a few minutes' walk from the beach, offers training for both beginners and advanced fists. A special value of this place is the opportunity to train under the guidance of an experienced fighter who has gone through all levels of a boxing career. Jablonski shares not only technical knowledge, but also mental preparation, which plays a key role in boxing.

Another place with a unique character is KS SAKO Gym Boxing Ring Raiders on Zelazna Street. Located in the heart of the port district, this club harks back to the city's industrial roots. The austere interiors, filled with the smell of sweat and the sound of punches on punching bags, create an authentic atmosphere of a boxing gym. SAKO Gym is famous for its intense group workouts, which attract both men and a growing number of women.

The history of boxing in Gdynia is inextricably linked with the figure of Zbigniew Kicka, a fighter who won a bronze medal at the 1974 World Championships in Havana. Interestingly, Kicka achieved this success while training under Fidel Castro himself, which is one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of Polish boxing. This legend is still alive today in Gdynia's clubs, where one can often hear stories about the determination and fortitude that characterized this exceptional athlete.

At KS SAKO Gym Boxing Ring Raiders, special emphasis is placed on working with youth, continuing the educational traditions of Gdynia boxing. Coaches often emphasize that boxing is not only a combat sport, but also a school of character that teaches discipline, respect and responsibility. Many of the club's young students compete in junior competitions, gaining experience and representing Gdynia on the national stage.

Diversity of styles and training approaches

Gdynia's combat sports scene is distinguished by the diversity of approaches to training and philosophies of working with athletes. A prime example is Kobe-Gym / Fight Academy, located on Morska Street. This state-of-the-art training complex offers not only classic boxing, but also mixed martial arts, which attracts those looking for comprehensive development in combat sports.

Kobe-Gym stands out from other clubs with its advanced technical facilities. Spacious training rooms are equipped with a professional ring, numerous punching bags and a functional area for conditioning exercises. Interestingly, the club is one of the few in Gdynia that also offers Thai boxing classes, which attracts people interested in different varieties of striking sports.

A completely different approach is presented by the MAXIMUS Kickboxing Club on Stefan Żeromski Street. Although kickboxing dominates the name, this club has strong roots in classical Olympic boxing. MAXIMUS is known for its individual approach to fighters, with coaches placing a strong emphasis on boxing technique and tactics. The club also has a rich history in organizing local galas and tournaments, which have become an important part of the city's sports calendar.

One of the interesting facts about MAXIMUS is that in the past, sailors from the nearby port trained here, who viewed boxing as a way to stay in shape while ashore. This tradition has partially survived to this day - the club still attracts seafarers who polish their fisting skills between cruises.

The most modern approach to boxing training is presented by Fit and Fight Factory on Polska Street. This club, established relatively recently, combines elements of classic boxing with modern training methods, such as functional training and elements of crossfit. Fit and Fight Factory primarily attracts younger adepts who are looking not only for boxing skills, but also for all-round physical development.

An interesting aspect of Gdynia's boxing clubs is their location in relation to the sea. Many of them take advantage of their proximity to the beach to conduct outdoor training, especially during the summer. Running on the beach, practicing in the sand or even sparring by the sound of the waves has become a characteristic part of training in Gdynia. This proximity to nature adds a unique character to training and is an additional asset of Gdynia's clubs.

The community and the future of boxing in Gdynia

Gdynia's boxing clubs are not only training venues, but also centers that build a strong community around combat sports. Tomasz Jabłoński boxing team regularly organizes open trainings and meetings with champions, which attract both experienced fighters and people taking their first steps in boxing. These events have become a platform for sharing experiences and building relationships that go beyond the training room itself.

The KS SAKO Gym Boxing Ring Raiders, on the other hand, is involved in social activities, running programs for youth from difficult backgrounds. The trainers of this club believe that boxing can be an effective tool for rehabilitation and building positive role models. Many of the young people who have come to the club through such programs have found in boxing not only a passion, but also a path to a better life.

Fit and Fight Factory, meanwhile, stands out for its approach to women's training. The club was one of the first in Gdynia to introduce dedicated training groups for ladies, breaking the stereotype of boxing as an exclusively male sport. Today, women make up a significant part of this club's community, and some of them successfully compete in amateur competitions.

All of Gdynia's clubs also share a common tradition of organizing summer training sessions on the beach. These open training sessions, often conducted at sunset on the Downtown Beach or in Redlow, have already become a local attraction that draws not only trainees, but also tourists who watch with interest the boxers practicing against the backdrop of the sea.

The future of boxing in Gdynia looks bright. The growing popularity of combat sports, combined with the city's rich boxing traditions, creates a solid foundation for further development. Clubs such as Kobe-Gym / Fight Academy and MAXIMUS Kickboxing Club invest in young talent, providing them with professional development conditions and the opportunity to compete in national and international competitions.

It is also worth mentioning plans to expand the city's sports infrastructure, which includes facilities dedicated to combat sports. The authorities of Gdynia, appreciating the importance of boxing in the city's sports tradition, support local clubs and fighters by funding scholarships and subsidizing trips to competitions.

Despite not always being in the center of sporting attention, Gdynia boxing is consistently building its position on the map of Polish combat sports. The unique combination of the city's maritime character with the rigorous discipline of boxing creates a unique atmosphere that is hard to find in other centers. For many young adepts of the sport, Gdynia clubs become not only a place to train, but also a school of life and character, continuing the traditions started by such legends as Zbigniew Kicka.

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