New Gym in Crofton Opens With Boxing Focus

Local residents can now join a gym that lets them blow off not only calories but a little steam. 

Temple Boxing is now open on Baldwin Road, offering classes and training on the sport often referred to as the "Sweet Science."

Gym owner Nick Manthos said he's now accepting memberships and is holding at least two boxing classes each weekday, along with training in taekwando and conditioning for mixed martial arts. There are also Saturday classes and open gym sessions on Sundays. 

Other gyms in the area offer various classes in mixed martial arts, and some do offer boxing. But none have boxing as the main focus. 

"We're going to have fighters come out of this place, but we're also going to have people who want to try something new while getting in shape," Manthos said. 

Until recently, Manthos was an employee of Vuong's Martial Arts in Crofton before deciding to go out on his own. He's also a fighter himself, with several amateur mixed martial arts bouts. Manthos holds a 2nd-degree black belt in taekwando, but has recently become more interested in boxing. 

Manthos said a typical boxing class last an hour and includes a warmup, then some hand-eye coordination drills. The bulk of the workout will then focus on proper punching techniques and balance. Manthos also likes to incorporate strength and conditioning training with ropes and weights. 

"I like the technical side of it," he said. "To be a good fighter, you have to be both smart and technically sound, and also have what I call a 'fighter's heart.'" 

Manthos will be getting help from close friend Channing Spriggs, who will offer personal training sessions and mixed martial arts instruction. 

Temple Boxing also offers classes in Kali, a Filipino martial art involving swords and knives. 

Over time, Manthos said he hopes to expand the gym's services to include a pro shop, snack bar and possibly massage therapy. 

Temple Boxing is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monthly memberships range from $60 to $100, depending on the classes included. The gym is located at 2189 Baldwin Rd., Crofton.