About Joe Hand Boxing Gym

Non-Profit Boxing Gym Since 1996

Established in 1996 as a charitable organization by Joe Hand Sr. and Joe Hand Jr., the Joe Hand Boxing Gym grew out of a deep love for boxing and a commitment to Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Grounded in Joe Sr.’s historic legacy as an early investor in heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, the gym was created as more than a place to train—it was built as a safe space to champion youth education and athletic growth.

Today, inside our brand-new 6,000 sq. ft. facility, that original vision is stronger than ever. We harness the discipline of boxing to empower individuals and strengthen our community. Beyond the ring, our true mission shines through our community outreach programs—offering adaptive training and support through our dedicated initiatives for Parkinson’s, Autism Cares, and local PAL law enforcement partnerships.

MEET THE TEAM

★ FOUNDERS ★

Joe Sr.

Joe Hand, Sr. (1936–2024)

Former Philadelphia Police Detective Joseph P. Hand, Sr. launched Joe Hand Promotions in 1971 after serving as a charter member of the Cloverlay Corporation, which helped guide Joe Frazier to the World Heavyweight Title. Driven by a lifelong commitment to giving back, Sr. fulfilled a dream in 1995 by founding the Joe Hand Boxing Gym to provide local youth with a safe haven for both athletic and academic growth. A beloved community leader and Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Famer, his legacy of service, mentorship, and passion for the sport continues to inspire the gym's mission today.

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Joe Jr.

Joe Hand, Jr.

For over 46 years, Joseph P. Hand, Jr. has driven success both in business and in his community. As President of Joe Hand Promotions, he leads the global leader in commercial sports and entertainment distribution, continuing the legacy of his family-founded company. Beyond the corporate arena, Joe’s true passion lies in community empowerment. Over the last three decades, he has spearheaded the evolution of the Joe Hand Gym in Feasterville from a youth boxing spot into a dynamic non-profit wellness hub. Today, through key partnerships with the Police Athletic League (PAL), Autism Cares, and The Parkinson's Council, Joe ensures hundreds of at-risk youth, veterans, and individuals with Parkinson's or special needs have a welcoming, supportive space for fitness and recovery.

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★ INSTRUCTORS ★

Smitty

Coach Smitty is a family man who prides himself on being a role model for the kids he works with. He's loved boxing ever since he was a kid, he started at just 8 years old! Aside from boxing, he enjoys spending time with his family and taking care of his pet gator Coco. To Smitty, accountability is one of the most important aspects of boxing. He believes it's your responsibility to make sure you're giving it your all so you can really improve. That's something he lives by, because to him, that lesson is not just important for boxing because it can be applied to all aspects of life.

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Miguel

Coach Miguel has been boxing since age 7, training for 24 years at the Original Joe Hand Boxing Gym. He loves coaching because he enjoys watching kids grow and get better. He is a highly accomplished fighter, winning the IBO International Super Bantamweight Title, the 2009 National Golden Gloves, two USA Championship titles, and competing on the 2009 and 2010 USA Boxing Teams. Outside the gym, he likes riding ATVs, playing pool, and spending time with his son, MJ, and his girlfriend, Jinny. His main message to athletes is to show their drive and remember that boxing does not last forever.

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Nalek

Coach Nalek has been boxing for 16 years and brings his experience and passion for the sport to every session. His favorite part of coaching is helping kids build confidence by learning new skills and working mitts one-on-one. He is also an accomplished athlete who represented Venezuela in the 2020 Olympics and earned a bronze medal at the 2019 Amateur Pan American Games. Outside the gym, he enjoys going to the movies. The biggest lesson he instills in his athletes is simple but powerful: always have disciplines.

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Vaughn

Coach Vaughn has been boxing for a year and a half and started training in January 2025. His favorite part of coaching is passing on the knowledge he's learned and sharing it with the kids he works with. Outside of boxing, Vaughn enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, and watching football. The lessons he teaches his athletes are to show up, stay disciplined, and put in the work-because that's what wins rounds in the ring and in life.

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Johnson

Coach Anthony Johnson has about 2 years of boxing experience under his belt. Outside of boxing, he enjoys lifting weights and tattooing. He makes sure that all of his students have fun while learning to box, because Johnson believes having fun helps make the training more memorable. On top of that, Johnson emphasizes the importance of patience when training.

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JOIN OUR TEAM

If you would like to become a trainer at the Joe Hand Boxing Gym, send us your contact info, along with relevant experience information by clicking the button below!