OUR INSTRUCTORS
Our Instructors are experienced veterans of the industry with real world ring time and wins under their belts.
ALEXANDRA STRICKLAND
- Owner/Coach
Alexandra competed in boxing at a high level from the age of 18 to 24. She took 2 years off during that time to take care of her now 11 year old daughter. She has 25 fights under her belt. Alexandra was a 2x Provincial Champion, 2x Western Canadian Champion, Silver Medalist at the Canadian National Championships and attended the Olympic Trials in Montreal. She was also was awarded "Best Elite Female Boxer".
Alexandra believes boxing can benefit anyone no matter their fitness level, their age or gender. Boxing has helped shape and mould her life and for that she will always be dedicated and passionate for the sport of boxing.
As a trainer, Alexandra strives to achieve your fitness goals, while maintaining a fun energetic environment, keeping you motivated, uplifted and empowered while learning the sweet science of boxing!
ANTHONY VARELA
- Boxing Coach
Anthony started boxing 14 years ago and it has since been one of his biggest passions. Among many aspects, he admires the mental strength and dedication it takes to be a successful competitor in the sport. He explains how it can teach people discipline, respect, and to stand strong in the face of fears, challenges, and hard work.
Anthony attributes boxing to a lot of his success and credits the sport for a large part in building his character. In his words, “Boxing has always given such a positive direction to my life. It motivates me to eat healthy, to train rather than party, and makes me a stronger person both physically and mentally.” Anthony believes the sport can be a life changer or even a life saver for others, “It gave me a reason to want to better myself, no matter the cost.”
Anthony is still actively competing in boxing as a member of Team BC and recently received a bronze medal in the National Championships against the best boxers in Canada.
Outside of boxing, Anthony has achieved a double major Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Victoria and has worked for 4 years at a day program supporting adults with disabilities.
Anthony has a passion for working with people and feels rewarded helping others in any way he can. He loves to coach boxing for multiple reasons, “not only do I love explaining the techniques and body mechanics, I also love passing on the knowledge of health and athleticism that I have gained over the years, giving people more tools to better their lives.” He believes that anyone can benefit and improve their quality of life from learning and practicing this sport.
Whether you are looking to simply have fun burning calories and getting in shape, want to learn the basics of the sport, hoping to step in to the ring for your first time, or are a seasoned boxer looking for new advice on sharpening your skills, Anthony would enjoy working with you. He works with all skill levels and tailors his coaching to individual goals, needs, and desires.
JASON HEIT
- Owner/Coach
Jason Heit was born with a boxing bloodline. Family members Tony LaBarbara and Tony Ventura were successful professional fighters based out of his hometown Buffalo, New York. Jason moved to Victoria in 1988. His first competition was in the 1990 Island Tough Man contest which he won at 17 years old by knocking out 3 men in one night. After winning the contest he began competing in amateur boxing.
Jason quickly tore through the Canadian amateur ranks winning Bronze Gloves, Silver Gloves, Golden Gloves, The Diamond Belt, BC Provincial light-heavyweight title and the Canadian light-heavyweight title by knocking out all his opponents in the 1995 Provincial and Canadian Nationals. He then went on to represent Canada in the 1995 Pan-American Games and the 1996 AIBA Multi-Nation International Olympic qualification tournament earning an Olympic Birth for Canada.
In 1999 he moved back to Los Angeles to start his pro boxing career training at Freddie Roaches famed Wild Card Boxing gym.
In 2007 Jason moved back to Victoria to achieve his goal of opening his gym and pass on his knowledge of Martial Arts.
"Martial Arts have brought incredible experiences, people and lessons into my life. It is my passion and I hope to open this door to others to share my knowledge of this wonderful art. I have now retired from competition and have moved into my role as a trainer." - Jason Heit
Jason has a combined Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA ring record of 42 wins, 5 losses and 34 knockouts.
BRAYDON BLAZINA
- Boxing Coach
Braydon Blazina is an amateur boxer and national bronze medalist. He began playing hockey at 5 years old and played for the Grizzlies until he was 17. Braydon got his start in boxing 4 years ago at Westshore Boxing and currently fights out of Victoria representing Island Boxing. He is a dedicated athlete that trains and competes regularly with the goal of scoring gold at a national level within the next year. Braydon is committed to the sport has his eyes set on going pro in boxing in the coming years!
MATT DANIELS
- Boxing and Kickboxing Coach
Matt Daniels began boxing at 18 years old and he is now 24. He has had 11 fights and 4 wins. For the last 6 years in addition to boxing he has trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mized Martial Arts, wrestling and kickboxing. His goal is to continue to advance in boxing and turn pro in the upcoming years.
AVERY CARELIUS
- Boxing Coach and Gym Manager
Avery is a coach and manager at Westshore Boxing Gym. She has been passionate about fitness and nutrition from the age of 13 and she is currently in the Kinesiology program at Camosun collage. Avery has been boxing for 5 years and has the goal to compete in an amateur fight.
TERA JOHNSTON
- Personal Trainer
Tera is an experienced personal trainer with a passion for fitness and mental health. She graduated from Northern Alberta Institute Of Technology (NAIT) in 2019 with a diploma in Personal Training and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology.
Tera specializes in functional movement, corrective exercise, and prioritizes mental wellbeing for a holistic approach to physical training. Growing up playing sports, Tera learned the importance of physical health to one's mental well-being.
She believes that fitness has helped her grow as a person and is now dedicated to being a mentor for others. Tera's ultimate goal is to provide a fun, educational, and supportive environment for all of her clients. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to take your workouts to the next level, Tera's positive attitude and expertise can help you achieve your goals.