About
Mentorship in every jab.
Guns Down Gloves Up Indy is a boxing-based mentorship program serving Indianapolis youth and adults reentering society. In the gym, we teach conflict resolution, focus, and accountability — skills that travel home, to school, and to work.
We started in a single church basement with two heavy bags and a folding table. Today we run programming across multiple Indy neighborhoods, partner with local schools, and walk alongside returning citizens as they rebuild their lives.
Every participant gets a coach, a community, and a path forward. No experience needed, no participant turned away for inability to pay. The ring is the equalizer — what happens outside of it is where we do our best work.
We believe conflict is inevitable but violence is a choice. Boxing gives young people a structured way to feel their anger, respect their opponent, and walk away stronger.
Our Values
Three corners. One fight.
Mentor
1-on-1 coaching that goes beyond the ring.
Train
Structured boxing fundamentals, conditioning, and sparring.
Transform
Wraparound support for school, work, and reentry.