USF Boxing Club Lands Knockout with 1,000+ Members, Fostering Inclusivity

Published: February 28, 2025

The University of South Florida’s Boxing Club has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 1,000 members this spring semester.With an impressive 1,047 registered members on BullsConnect as of February 2025, the club has become the first martial arts institution at USF to reach this level of popularity. Founded in July 2023 by Yeran Gamage adn Rohan Gajjar, the club has rapidly grown into a prominent fixture on campus, emphasizing inclusivity and innovative training approaches.

The journey to this achievement was not without its challenges. Yeran Gamage and Rohan Gajjar, drawing from their extensive high school extracurricular involvement, aimed to create a meaningful experience for USF students. We were very involved in extracurriculars in highschool, Gamage said. We wanted to put something out for USF students to have. Their initial focus centered on establishing the club’s infrastructure and navigating the complexities of leadership.

Before establishing the club, both gamage and gajjar were self-taught, learning techniques from online videos and practicing together. This shared passion and dedication ultimately inspired them to create a formal boxing club at USF, providing a structured surroundings for students to learn and practice the sport.

Interestingly, Gamage and Gajjar weren’t the only ones with the idea of starting a boxing club. Kade Kranjc and Aron Medyarov had also begun the process independently. Recognizing the potential for synergy, the four students decided to join forces.The more the merrier in our opinion, Gajjar stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has fueled the club’s success.This collaboration proved crucial in pooling resources and expertise, accelerating the club’s growth.

Together, they developed extensive training regimens and actively promoted the club, leading to rapid growth. By fall 2024, just a year after its founding, the Boxing Club had already reached 500 members. We had to accommodate and adapt, Gajjar explained. we kept building more and more. This adaptability has been crucial in managing the club’s expansion and meeting the needs of its diverse membership, ensuring that the club remains accessible and engaging for all participants.

One significant challenge the club faced was attracting female participants in the traditionally male-dominated field of martial arts. Despite this, the club has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity. The average number of female members participating in each practice has increased from three to 15 throughout the spring semester, demonstrating the club’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.

We’ve built a welcoming, inclusive space that encourages more women to train, Gamage said, emphasizing the club’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for all members. This commitment is reflected in the experiences of members like sophomore Sasha Novikov, who initially hesitated to join, fearing she wouldn’t fit in. I peeked my head in and saw that it was just guys, Novikov said. I thought maybe that’s not something for me and I wouldn’t fit in.

Novikov’s experience highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces within martial arts. The efforts of club officers to welcome and support new members have been instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging. All the officers talked to me and introduced themselves, Novikov said. they made me feel very cozy. this personal touch and genuine effort to make everyone feel welcome have been key to the club’s success in attracting and retaining a diverse membership.

The Boxing Club at USF is actively seeking innovative ways to engage its expanding membership, including organizing watch parties, film sessions, and social events. these activities complement the training sessions and contribute to a strong sense of community within the club, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences among members.

The rise of women in combat sports is a broader trend, exemplified by the increasing number of female fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).In 2011, Dana White, president of the UFC, stated that women would never fight in the promotion. However, as of 2024, 152 of the 951 active fighters in the UFC are women, demonstrating a significant shift in the landscape of martial arts and highlighting the growing acceptance and participation of women in combat sports.

Looking back on their journey, Gamage and gajjar recognize the valuable leadership and management skills they have gained through their involvement with the Boxing Club. We built this club brick-by-brick, Gajjar said. We feel a lot of pride. Their dedication and hard work have not only created a thriving club but have also provided them with invaluable experience that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

Teh Rise of Inclusive Martial Arts: A USF Boxing Club’s Knockout Success Story

Did you know that a university boxing club can become a powerful engine for social change and personal growth, attracting over 1,000 members and dramatically increasing female participation? This is the inspiring story of the University of South Florida’s Boxing Club, and today we’re delving into its remarkable success with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in sports sociology and the impact of martial arts on community building.

Dr. Sharma, welcome! Let’s start with the USF Boxing Club’s extraordinary growth. What factors contributed to its remarkable success in attracting over 1,000 members,a feat rarely seen in collegiate martial arts programs?

Thank you for having me. The USF Boxing Club’s achievement is truly remarkable and offers valuable lessons for other organizations seeking to build inclusive and thriving communities. several key factors contributed to its rapid growth. first and foremost was the club’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued is crucial in attracting a diverse membership. The club’s proactive efforts to engage female participants, addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in combat sports, is a powerful example.

secondly, their innovative approach to training played a vital role. Beyond the core boxing techniques, they incorporated social events, film sessions, and watch parties, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared experience, which is key to member retention. This holistic approach extends beyond simply learning boxing skills; it builds a supportive community. the club’s leaders demonstrated remarkable leadership and management skills, effectively organizing the club’s infrastructure, managing resources, and proactively adapting to the club’s rapid growth.

The club faced the common challenge of attracting significantly fewer female participants than male counterparts. How did the USF Boxing Club successfully overcome this barrier and cultivate a more gender-balanced membership?

The club’s success in increasing female participation is a testament to their dedication to inclusivity. They actively worked to create a safe and supportive space, addressing concerns that many women might have about entering a traditionally male-dominated environment. By emphasizing the non-competitive aspects of the club and focusing on fitness and self-empowerment, they appealed to a wider audience. The officers’ proactive outreach, making an effort to personally welcome and connect with newcomers—demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond just teaching boxing. This welcoming atmosphere is essential in encouraging greater participation from women.

Many clubs struggle with navigating the complexities of leadership and growth. What key leadership strategies did the USF Boxing Club deploy to manage its rapid expansion while maintaining its inclusive ethos?

The founders’ extensive experience in high school extracurricular activities proved invaluable. Having successfully managed group dynamics prior to the club’s formation proved a solid foundation. Furthermore, their ability to collaborate with other students who had independently begun similar initiatives shows a strength in collaborative leadership. Pooling resources and expertise is a key takeaway in successful organizational management. Adaptability was crucial; as membership swelled, they continuously adjusted their training and scheduling to accommodate the larger group, ensuring that all members could still participate meaningfully.This indicates a deep understanding of leadership, demonstrating the importance of versatility and responsiveness to accommodate shifting demands.

Beyond the sheer numbers,what qualitative impact has this growth had on the club and broader university community?

The impact transcends mere numbers. This successful and inclusive club enriches the wider university environment.It provides students with opportunities for physical fitness, skill development, and most importantly, community belonging. This cultivates essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution. It’s about building confidence, empowerment, and a stronger sense of belonging. The experience extends far beyond the gym; it fosters a sense of community that can greatly enhance one’s university life and positive social contribution. The inclusive environment fosters positive social interaction, bridging diverse backgrounds, and promoting respect and tolerance. This positive social impact underscores the importance of integrating such groups on college campuses.

What recommendations would you give to other universities or organizations looking to replicate the USF Boxing Club’s success in building a thriving and inclusive martial arts programme?

To replicate this success, I recommend focusing on the following:

Prioritize inclusivity: Ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, irrespective of gender, background, or experience level.

Develop a holistic training program: Combine core martial arts training with social events and community-building activities,fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.

Invest in strong leadership: Train leaders effectively to manage interaction, resources, and adaptation, especially when facing rapid growth.

Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships and open communication among members and leaders.

* Embrace adaptability: Be prepared to adjust strategies as needed to accommodate changing circumstances.

In closing, dr. Sharma,what’s the most notable lesson that the USF Boxing Club’s success story imparts about building inclusive and thriving communities?

The USF Boxing Club’s success shows that by prioritizing inclusivity,fostering strong leadership,and providing a holistic and engaging experience for all members,any organization can achieve tremendous growth while making a positive social impact in the larger community. It’s a powerful example of how a shared passion can lead to significant personal and social conversion.

We hope this interview has provided you with insightful, action-oriented strategies. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s continue the conversation on how to build inclusive and vibrant communities through martial arts and athletic engagement.