Today we’d like to introduce you to Clare Ramirez.
Clare, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been in the boxing world for over 25 years — as a fighter, coach, and now the co-founder of Boxing House International. I started boxing as a young adult in Chicago and competed in six Golden Gloves, winning titles and eventually trained under the Cuban national team in Havana, Cuba. Boxing gave me discipline, purpose, and a community — but it also taught me that real strength is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical.
After sustaining a serious injury, I turned to yoga and traditional healing to recover, which opened an entirely new path for me. I became a yoga teacher, a Reiki Master, and I’m now completing my Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Those experiences completely reshaped how I see health and performance.
Boxing House International was born out of that integration — it’s more than a gym; it’s a community. We combine authentic boxing training with a focus on wellness, mindset, and holistic healing. My husband, Dayan, who is from Havana, brings the Cuban boxing philosophy of rhythm, joy, and artistry to our coaching, and together we’ve created a space that welcomes everyone — from youth competitors to beginners just trying to get in shape or find confidence.
Our mission is simple: to help people become stronger, healthier, and more connected — inside and out.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I think that’s what’s shaped both me and Boxing House International into what we are today.
Over the years, I’ve had to move the gym three times — each move felt like starting over, rebuilding a home for our community from the ground up. In the middle of all that, I went through a severe miscarriage that broke me open. I closed the gym for a summer to focus on healing — body, mind, and spirit. That period changed how I see everything. It reminded me that strength isn’t about pushing through pain; it’s about knowing when to rest, surrender, and rebuild.
Balancing graduate school, running a business, and continuing my own training hasn’t been easy. There are a lot of late nights, early mornings, and personal sacrifices to keep it all going. But I believe that when something is your purpose, you find a way. Every setback has deepened my empathy, my discipline, and my drive to help others rise from their own challenges.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Boxing House International is more than a gym — it’s a community where people come to get strong, find purpose, and feel supported. We blend the intensity and discipline of boxing with the mindfulness and recovery of holistic health. Our programs are designed for everyone — from complete beginners who’ve never put on gloves, to competitive fighters, to people who simply want to get in the best shape of their lives.
We specialize in creating a space where people feel seen and cared for. Our classes focus on real boxing fundamentals, strength, and cardio, but also mindset — helping members build confidence and discipline that carry into every area of their lives. We’re bilingual, offering classes in both English and Spanish, and our community includes people of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels.
What sets us apart is our philosophy: we train the body, but we also nurture the spirit. My husband, Dayan, brings the heart of Cuban boxing — rhythm, flow, and artistry — while I bring the perspective of a wellness practitioner and doctoral student in Chinese Medicine. Together, we’ve created a training environment rooted in respect, culture, and care.
I’m most proud that when people walk into Boxing House, they feel like they belong. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about healing, connection, and self-discovery. Whether you’re 8 or 80, boxing-curious or experienced, you’ll find a place here.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is living a life that’s deeply connected — to nature, to love, and to purpose. I live on over 500 acres of land, and every morning starts with a hike alongside my four dogs, followed by feeding the horses and feeling the rhythm of the earth around me. That time grounds me. It reminds me of how healing and alive the natural world is — it’s my first medicine.
I’m also in graduate school studying Chinese Medicine, and that brings me a different kind of joy — the joy of lifelong learning and discovering how ancient wisdom can heal the modern world. It feels like a calling more than a career.
And then there’s my husband, Dayan — he’s my partner in life and in Boxing House. Watching him perform with his band fills me with pride and love. His music brings so much warmth and energy into our lives, and it’s a beautiful reminder that healing doesn’t just come from medicine — it also comes from rhythm, art, and connection.
Every day, I’m surrounded by what I love most: movement, nature, music, medicine, and love. That balance keeps me happy and whole.
Pricing:
- $20 drop in classes
- $120 monthly membership
- $90 youth monthly memebership
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boxinghouseinternational.com
- Instagram: @boxinghouse_international
- Facebook: Boxing House International
