Parkinson’s Boxing for Orange County

Rise & Strike Boxing is a non-contact, boxing-based fitness class for adults living with Parkinson’s. We’re based in Riverside, inside Flow Academy BJJ, and we welcome families from Orange County — Anaheim, Fullerton, Irvine, and the city of Orange — who are looking for an active, upbeat class to be part of.

Who it’s for

If you have Parkinson’s and you want to move, build balance and strength, and share the room with people who understand what you’re working through, this is for you. You don’t need boxing experience — hardly anyone arrives with any — and every drill flexes to your fitness level. Some of our members are newly diagnosed and just starting to figure out their routine; others have been coming for a while and keep the class as a fixed point in their week. Wherever you are, you’ll be met there.

What a class looks like

A class runs about an hour: footwork, mitt rounds with a coach calling and catching your combinations, heavy-bag work at your own pace, and focused balance and coordination drills. It’s fully non-contact — you punch mitts and bags, never a person, and nobody takes a hit. A coach stays beside you the entire time, and the group energy carries you through.

Making the drive from O.C.

We’re about an hour up the 91 from Anaheim on a typical morning, and Fullerton, Irvine, and Orange are in the same range depending on where you start. Many O.C. families carpool — a couple of members ride together, or a caregiver drives and sits in on the class. Once you’re here there’s parking on site and an easy walk into the room.

Is it worth the drive?

Let’s be straight about it: classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00 AM, and from O.C. that’s a real commitment. It won’t be the closest option for everyone. What we hear from the members who make it work is that they treasure the room and the people, and they often pair the trip with something else on this side of the 91 to make the morning count. Try one free class first — no pressure — and decide for yourself whether it’s worth putting on your calendar.

Caregivers welcome, first class free

Spouses and caregivers are welcome to watch or train alongside. Your first class is free, with no commitment. Before starting any new exercise it’s wise to talk to your doctor — then come see what a room full of fighters looks like.