Big-league boxer Ian Bate runs UMBC for everyone.
Upper Montclair Boxing Club (UMBC) opened its doors to the community in 2016, and it has been (quite literally) taking people’s breath away ever since. UMBC’s goal is to teach boxing as an art form as well as a means of exercise. The club uses interval training methods combined with agility, balance and core strength exercises to promote well-being in kids and adults.
Owner Ian Bate, a former member of the U.K. Olympic Boxing Team, is passionate about boxing and its ability to make a positive impact in the lives of people. Bate was the Regional U.K. and Hong Kong boxing champion. He opened UMBC in the Montclair area because he felt he could help fill the gap in the available recreational facilities for the youth and adult Montclair population.
In 2015, Bate spoke with Matt Schinelli, founder of New Jersey All People Equal, about combining resources to provide inclusive movement programs for all members of the community. NJAPE is a decorated organization that provides sports and fitness training to adults and kids with and without disabilities.
“UMBC and NJAPE fully embrace and advocate for quality movement opportunities, so that all people can grow, learn and share together in common sport experiences,” said Bate.
The February marks the one year anniversary of the partnership. By teaming up this past year, UMBC and NJAPE have given individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in athletic activities and endeavors in a supportive environment.
“Upper Montclair Boxing Club is proud to partner with NJAPE,” said Bate. “Our partnership creates a rare, but much needed, marriage between boxing and inclusive sports services for people with disabilities.”
NJAPE offers various community based programs to all ages. These programs work to promote the joy of movement. They focus on inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and act as an outlet for all people to share common sports experiences.
“Ian and I decided that combining resources would create an authentic inclusive facility, one that could lead Montclair residents towards a greater appreciation for boxing and other non-traditional fitness activities,” said Schinelli on the partnership.
Schinelli has worked as a family advocate, varsity coach, public school teacher and as the Director of the JJC MetroWest Special Needs Department. He started NJAPE 23 years ago, and the organization has grown to offer internships, educational opportunities and partnerships.
“We believe that ‘inclusion’ is not a place, but rather a process of building upon an individual’s strengths, and then connecting those skills to others who share a common interest,” said Schinelli.
UMBC provides customizable programs in addition to personal training and group sessions. The personal training sessions for adults ages 16 and over start at $75 per hour, and the training sessions for children ages 8-15 start at $65 for 45 minutes. UMBC offers discounted packages for multiple sessions.
The UMBC is located at 10 Belden Place in Upper Montclair. Call to make an appointment for a personal training session at UMBC (973)-641-7431 or read more about Bate at uppermontclairboxingclub.com. Follow on facebook at facebook.com/UpperMontclairBoxingClub. Learn more about NJAPE at njape.org or facebook.com/New-Jersey-All-People-Equal. Call 973-713-8685 to contact Schinelli.
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