The concept of working with troubled youth in a boxing format was initiated by Richard Lopez, coach and founder. In 1991, Mr. Lopez began working with neighborhood youth on one punching bag out of his garage. The program expanded dramatically by 1996 and led to incorporation as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 1997. The club then moved to a small building on South Dutton Avenue in Santa Rosa and continued to grow and attract media recognition for its effectiveness in turning around the lives of youth.