Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerimie Rodriguez.
Hi Jerimie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in boxing started under the guidance of my coach Joe Saldana at Bully Unit Boxing Club. His dedication to me as a fighter laid the foundation for my passion for the sport. However, Simon Sanchez, who worked mitts with me when he could when I was younger, made a significant impact on me. His training style stuck with me, and I always knew I wanted to train with him again as I got older.
After joining the Marine Corps with the hope of joining the boxing team, which was disbanded shortly after I enlisted, I continued training and eventually returned to competition after I left the military. The experience and injuries from my service led me to a shift in focus toward coaching, and Simon’s influence as a coach became more apparent. I learned so much under his guidance and wanted to bring that experience to my own community.
When my wife and I moved to Seguin, Texas, a couple of years ago, I saw an opportunity to give back to the area by opening a gym. Just like Simon’s Aftermath Boxing in San Marcos, I wanted to provide a space where kids and youth could train and compete, with extremely affordable pricing to keep boxing accessible. I also wanted to create a gym that offered all-day access for serious competitors, eliminating any barriers like work hours or lack of equipment so they could train whenever they needed. My goal is to offer the same opportunity I had, to inspire and build the next generation of fighters. This goal would not have been possible without my wife Oshera’s support, big thanks to her!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been entirely smooth, but that’s part of the journey. One of the biggest challenges has been the financial strain, especially with the rising costs of running a gym. Between rent, utilities, and maintaining equipment, it can be tough to balance keeping the gym affordable for the community while also covering expenses.
Another obstacle was transitioning from being a fighter to a coach. It’s a completely different mindset, and learning how to communicate, motivate, and guide fighters took time. It was tough at first because I had to learn how to be patient and adjust my training style for different types of learners. I was used to doing everything myself as a fighter, but now I had to be the one helping others reach their potential.
But despite the struggles, the rewards far outweigh them. I get to see the growth of my fighters, the community we’ve built, and the positive impact boxing has had on people’s lives. It’s a reminder that the hard work is always worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Iron Jungle Boxing Gym. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a a community-driven boxing gym that focuses on more than just physical fitness, we’re about building mental toughness, discipline, and confidence. We specialize in both youth boxing and competitive training for all levels, from beginners to seasoned fighters.
What sets us apart is our family-oriented environment. Unlike other gyms, we don’t just teach boxing; we foster a sense of community, where everyone feels welcome, no matter their experience level. The gym is a place where fighters can grow in self-discipline and respect, and where we encourage mental resilience to complement physical training. Whether you’re a child learning the fundamentals or an adult getting ready for a fight, everyone trains with the same focus and intensity.
What I’m most proud of is how we’ve kept the pricing extremely affordable, especially for kids and families. Boxing can be an expensive sport, but we work hard to ensure that cost doesn’t become a barrier for anyone who wants to train. It’s important to us that Iron Jungle is accessible to everyone in our community, whether they’re training for competition or simply trying to stay healthy.
As a business, we’re also proud of the personalized coaching we offer. I’ve spent years learning from coaches like Joe Saldana and Simon Sanchez, and I bring that experience to every fighter I work with. This gym isn’t just about “getting through a workout”, it’s about developing individuals and fighters who have the skills, confidence, and discipline to succeed in boxing and beyond.
Our goal is to give the youth a place to grow, stay out of trouble, and reach their potential. Whether you’re interested in competing or just getting in shape, Iron Jungle is here to help you reach your goals and become the best version of yourself.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The boxing industry has always had a strong foundation, but I see a lot of exciting changes in the next 5-10 years. With the rise of fitness-based boxing programs and boxing as a fitness trend, more people are turning to the sport not just for competition, but for overall health, stress relief, and community. The focus on functional fitness and mental toughness that boxing provides will continue to attract a broad range of individuals, from those seeking to get in shape to people looking for a powerful way to relieve stress.
In addition to the growth of fitness-based boxing, I think we will see more of a shift towards youth development programs and youth boxing. The trend of youth sports programs that emphasize building character, discipline, and confidence will continue to gain momentum, and boxing is uniquely positioned to offer all of those qualities. Kids are going to benefit from a sport that teaches respect and mental resilience at a young age, while also providing them with a healthy outlet for energy.
We’re also seeing an increase in the integration of technology in training, things like smart equipment, fitness tracking apps, and even virtual training platforms. As these technologies become more affordable, they will allow gyms like ours to offer more personalized training to members.
I also foresee a growing emphasis on boxing as a lifestyle, rather than just a sport. As more people discover its benefits, boxing will be seen not just as something you do in the ring, but as part of a lifestyle that emphasizes self-discipline, mental strength, and community.
Overall, I’m excited to see how boxing continues to evolve as a tool for personal growth and fitness. For gyms like Iron Jungle, it means we’ll continue to focus on providing access to the sport for everyone, from kids to adults, while embracing new tools and technologies to make training even more effective and accessible.
Pricing:
- $50 Open Gym from 5am to 11pm. Able to train anytime of day to make sure you stay fresh in the ring.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ironjungleboxing.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IronJungleBoxing
