Our Story
Heidi and Joe met in the spring of 2013. Joe had just moved to Minneapolis and was looking for a gym and walked into Uppercut Boxing Gym while Heidi was training with her coach. They met in a gym, and the rest is history. On their first date, they each expressed their dream of one day opening their very own boxing gym. They have worked tirelessly ever since to realize that dream and in the winter of 2018, Minneapolis Boxing Club was born.
Joe Amouta
Before coming to Minnesota, Joe trained as an amateur and professional boxer at various gyms in both California and Texas. In California he had a successful record as an amateur - winning the 2009 California district and regional championships and the 2009 Coachella tournament. He competed in the USA Elite National Championships during the same year before turning pro at the age of 19.
As a professional boxer Joe trained with Freddy Roach at Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. He was privileged to participate in Manny Pacquiao's training camp in preparation for the Ricky Hatton fight in 2010. After Joe's first professional bout in California he moved to Killeen, Texas where he continued to train on his own and teach boxing classes for both adults and teens before moving to Minneapolis in 2013.
Since arriving in Minnesota he has built a strong record as a pro boxer. Joe has worked as a trainer and coach at Uppercut Gym - where he and Heidi met, as well as Northside Boxing Club. He works one-on-one with athletes of all ages, training them in strength, conditioning and boxing technique. He excels at working with youth - using his background and life experience to instill discipline and a strong sense of empowerment with a younger generation.
When he’s not in the gym, Joe spends his time relaxing with family or playing Fortnite.
Heidi Amouta
A truly world-class athlete, Heidi wakes up every morning with an unquenchable thirst to compete and inspire others to greatness. She wants everyone she works with to know, whether lifelong gym rats or new to working out, that they have the tools to become their strongest, healthiest self. As a coach, she guides people to movements that excite them on the path to self-discovery.
Heidi began boxing at the age of 22, an unusually late start in the sport. She sought competition at a national level early on and eventually fought her way to a spot on the 2014 National Women’s Boxing Team. Heidi also competed for a spot in the 2015 Olympic Trials Road to Rio. Heidi has formerly coached at Minneapolis hot spots like Uppercut Boxing Gym, Fly Feet Running, Fit Studios, and Core Power Yoga. She is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
When she’s not in the ring or studio, Heidi lives for her family - Joe and their children Rose and Henrik, good food, and shopping the latest trends at lululemon.
Tips for First-Timers
Be early! It takes time to put on hand-wraps, and the last thing you’ll want is to feel rushed coming into your first class.
Stay hydrated! Boxing is a true test of fitness and conditioning. Hydration is essential to success in the ring. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
Go at your own pace. Boxing is a very technical sport – it’s okay to start slow as you master the fundamentals.
Give it time. You won’t become an expert overnight. Remember, your biggest competition is yourself. Just focus on getting better one step at a time.
Ask questions! Your coaches are boxing experts who want you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask even the most basic questions – they are here to help.
Minneapolis Boxing Club is located in the Northeast corner of the 2905 Garfield Building. The building is a hub of activity and is home to Crossfit Kingfield, Kingfield Barbell, 57Fit, Krav Maga Minneapolis, among others. Enter off of Garfield Avenue and go through the lobby to the left. Follow our signs to the back of the building.
A ramp is available for handicap access. Street parking is free and available on Garfield and Harriet Avenues. There is also a large City of Minneapolis lot across the street that is available for $1/hour.
Available Equipment:
Punching bags:
- Heavy bags
- Water bags
- Double-end bags
- Uppercut bags
- Speed bags
Other equipment:
- Competition boxing ring
- Treadmill
- Airdyne bikes
- Rowing machines
- Medicine balls & slam balls
- Jump ropes
- Battle ropes
- Squat rack with barbells
- Dumbbells
- A range of resistance and agility equipment