Azteca Boxing Club

Background Statement

Azteca Boxing Club prepares student-athletes to make ethical and moral choices in everyday life through their involvement in competitive sports. Azteca is a strong advocate of core values and implements teamwork, discipline, respect, and self-control. Azteca’s programming improves academic achievement, self-esteem, social competence, and avoidance of problematic/high-risk behavior by providing a relationship with specially trained coaches and staff.

Executive Director Aj Vasquez’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of redemption. Growing up entangled in gang life and violence, Aj experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of this path, including incarceration and profound personal losses, the most heartbreaking being the loss of his own son. He uses his lived experience to empower local at-risk youth and creates opportunity through physical health and high academic achievement.

Through these hardships, Aj found solace and a sense of purpose in boxing and physical activity. This passion became a beacon of hope and a foundation for change. Driven by a deep desire to prevent others from enduring the same struggles he faced, Aj channeled his experiences and resilience into creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to intervening in the lives of at-risk youth.

What began as an alleyway boxing gym has evolved into a comprehensive mentorship and life coaching program. Aj's initiative empowers young individuals, providing them with the tools, guidance, and support they need to choose a different path—one that leads to personal growth, resilience, and positive contributions to their communities. By implementing its services Azteca provides a direct intervention to situations that otherwise increase the vulnerability of disadvantaged youth.