Alex Atempa grew up on the mean streets of Chicago and started boxing at age twelve.
He's come a long way since then. He went on to become a Golden Gloves Champion and he is now the owner of Bare Knuckle Boxing, which opened its doors in Eagan in March, 2008.
The gym teaches youth and adults all about the body mechanics and fundamentals of the sport. They also learn about physical endurance and proper nutrition. In his teaching style, he likes to emphasize special attention for his students.
"Right now, we have a complete class that is all together," Atempa said. "Eventually, we will separate the kids and the adults. They learn everything, from A to Z, basically."
Bare Knuckle also employs Assistant Coach Alex Vasquez. Additionally, Atempa's wife Elizabeth helps out with the business.
His youngest student is his eight-year-old son, Omar. Atempa said he was proud to watch his son have his first fight recently at Canterbury Park.
When he's not busy training and running his business, Atempa also works for Wells Fargo specializing in financing and automotive lending. He has also gone to business school, and this has helped him in all aspects of his work from boxing to banking.
Although the long weeks that involve both occupations can sometimes make him tired, Atempa said he is inspired and motivated each time he steps into the gym. For example, he really enjoys seeing parents cheer for their children when they work out.
"That is something that is great to see," he said. "The most rewarding thing to me is to give the kids the knowledge about the sport of boxing. My focus now is to make sure these kids get the mental discipline that they need."
When Atempa looks back, he remembers his formative years and is thankful for the great experiences he had.
In Chicago he worked with David Diaz, Sammy Merza and Donavan "Da Bomb" George. Later in Minnesota, at the Circle of Discipline he worked with Jonathan Perez, Javontae Starks, Jamal James, Wilton Hilario and Willshaun Boxley.
"I got to know a lot of people and I got to train with a lot of professional fighters," he said. "That's where I got to know my skills as a coach. I have made champions before, and if I can do that, then that's a goal of mine, also."
Atempa said he hopes the Eagan location will work well, and draw students from all nearby suburbs in the south metro.
The Eagan workout facility is also the home to Mui Thai kickboxing classes taught by Mike Giet Phong Xay and Judo classes taught by Paul Petushin.
For further information about Bare Knuckle Boxing, call 952-220-4318.
