Champion inside and outside the ring: Kwame Ritter’s Journey from Boxer to Fitness Entrepreneur
Kwame Ritter, a professional fighter who has shared the ring with big names like Canelo Alvarez, turned his boxing passion into a business at “Elite Boxing and Fitness Center” in Columbia, Maryland. At “Elite Boxing and Fitness Center” individuals of all ages can get in shape and learn the art of boxing through classes such as technical boxing and cardio boxing. What’s most important for Ritter is for every member to feel like they can improve themselves without judgment and with full support. “I want people to feel like they are in a safe place. Whether you are 13 or 45, you’re winning,” Ritter said.
A Passion for Boxing
Ritter found his passion for boxing as a young boy growing up in New York City. He found that boxing provided the perfect escape from everyday problems. “My uncle used to box. I remember the first time stepping into a gym and all my problems were gone. It was the first safe space I ever had.”
At Elite, boxing classes for children are offered where kids learn to improve their boxing skills through training and proper nutrition. They also develop accountability for their actions through mentorship.
That safe feeling that Ritter got while boxing for the first time, is the feeling he wanted to provide for other kids and what motivated him to start Elite. He said, “Opening the gym in this area was something needed. Growing up in Howard County, I was boxing out of PG County and New York. I always saw so many kids like myself – kids that could never get out of the environment they were in because they didn’t have the right people.”
Ritter said that Elite promotes acceptance and gives kids the motivation to pursue their dreams. He said, “This is a place that accepts everyone’s pain. You could come in broken, but you have a family here. Kids went on to become fighters and to win the Golden Glove. Kids have written their college essays about Elite and how boxing gave them the confidence they needed.”
The Importance of Confidence and Pride
Ritter emphasized that confidence and pride in what you do, regardless of the outcome, are essential in everyday life and in recognizing your worth. Back in the ring, Ritter suffered a devastating loss in the second round against Khalil Coe in a light heavyweight bout that took place in Philadelphia on July 13th. Coe earned the WBC USA light heavyweight belt, a minor belt that will propel him toward higher ratings and more competitive fights.
Despite his loss, Ritter says he is proud of himself for all the work he has done and for the confidence to go back in the ring, in front of thousands of people. He said, “I lost, but I’m so proud of myself because I never thought I could get to that point and be as good. We forget to have gratitude and to look at the final product. Yeah I came up short, but I retrieved. I held my head up high. I’m someone who started a successful business and went back. To be able to do that in front of thousands of people means something.”
Being able to see the final product and working at your own pace is greatly emphasized at Elite.
Maria Alvarez, a Howard County resident, and Elite member, said she looks forward to her cardio kickboxing classes every week, because of the supportive environment and the freedom to go at her own pace without pushing her limits.
The Real No Judgement Zone
“Nobody judges you. There is nothing to be shy about. You work at your own pace and you do what you can do. Regardless of your age.” Alvarez said.
Alvarez also credits Elite for helping her recover from two back surgeries and from a knee replacement. She said, “Even with the knee replacement I am back at the classes and they have helped me. My knee has gotten stronger because of the classes and I haven’t had back problems again.”
Alvarez also remembers how Ritter’s supportive and kind nature kept members coming to Elite, even during unconventional times. She recalled when Ritter had to move the fitness center during the pandemic. She said, “The building was being demolished and he moved in the middle of the pandemic instead of giving up. We had classes outside while they were in the process of moving. No one complained about that. We were happy to be there.”
For Dino Rodwell, another Howard County resident, and Elite member, he also admires how the boxing classes at Elite can significantly benefit individuals with health issues.
Rodwell said, “I’ve seen how the boxing classes have helped individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.”
Rodwell also admires how Elite members will hold each other accountable for achieving their fitness goals while cheering them on.
He said, “They will be like, “So and so lost 20 pounds.” They will cheer for you. There is no judgment, but accountability.”
Ritter believes that just by showing up to Elite and having a clear goal in mind you are already winning. He said, “When people come to my gym it’s not about having a six-pack or being a better boxer. If you’re trying to loose weight you’re winning. If you want to be a better boxer you’re winning. Keep fighting for whatever you want out of life.”
Elite offers a range of classes for individuals of all ages and skill levels to help them achieve various fitness goals.
This article was written by freelance reporter Michelle Calderon.
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