Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Apperson.
Hi Sean, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was the owner operator of a mixed martial arts facility in Santa Barbara and Goleta California for 15 years prior to the move to Austin Texas. Over the course of my years running that facility, I learned via trial and error both how to run a business and what type of classes people enjoyed. The gym itself was large, the programs were mixed and complex, making it challenging to operate. Prior to Covid, I had built out the design and structure for Archetype Boxing Club in my mind. I wanted to create a Boxing Gym for the people, a place were anyone regardless of background experience could learn. Growing up in intimidating combat gyms, I noticed many people never felt welcome walking into these places. To me, this was tragic, as those were the people that would benefit most from learning these wonderful sports. I have personally witnessed people completely turn their lives around from adding a sport like boxing to their life. Today, we have a great gym with a very diverse mix of people, which makes going to work more interesting and rewarding. Everyday I get to witness students get out of their comfort zone, try something exciting and challenging, and leave with a giant smile on their face.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting out I made every mistake possible, so no I had to learn the hardest lessons possible. In addition, all the lessons were costly, so that pain is hard to forget. Opening up Archetype was much smoother than my last two gyms, so I have learned from my mistakes. Moving to a new State and starting over did present some new challenges, but I was confident in the my vision for the gym and our commitment to exceptional service.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Boxing is a wonderful sport that can be practiced for a lifetime. Most people watch the sport on TV and get the wrong idea thinking they need to spar to enjoy the sport. Our classes are a mix of learning bag work, working with a partner, and developing the timing and skill to hit the speed and double end bags. Boxing is an excellent self defense, but learning it can seem more like a dance class than a martial art. In fact, the cognitive benefits are so great that many neurologist recommend it for benefiting dementia and those suffering form Parkinson’s disease.
The last few years we have built out a new years challenge we call fight camp. This challenge has been a very exciting way to bring in new members. The goal of the camp is to prepare for a mock fight by diet, intense daily boxing workouts, and physical training. Each member is giving a goal to be determined by DEXA scans before and after camp which include changes in weight and body composition. The results of the last two camps have been unbelievable with members loosing upwards of 40lbs and losing up to 10% body fat in just 8 weeks!
How do you define success?
Seeing members change their lives for the better over time. Typically if someone starts boxing, the increase in physical activity starts the journey. Using this momentum we can then suggest better eating and recovery habits to round out the boxing training. Seeing this progress, many members will also start eliminating bad habits like drinking alcohol and their lives can really change profoundly. This to me is success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.archetypeboxing.com/
- Instagram: archetypeboxingclub
- Facebook: archetypeboxingclub
- Youtube: archetypeboxingclub
