Lifestyle & Culture Science & Health

Teaching martial arts, creating community

By Arianna George

Clouds of dust rise into the air from a sandpit across from the Washington Square Fountain. Exchanging blows and throwing kicks as they spar, members of the NYC Fight Club stir up that haze.​

What began three years ago as a search for a place where Martin Cheung, 35, the fight club’s founder, and his two friends could safely spar has evolved into an open space for those who randomly show up and express interest in what the men do. Cheung and his friends welcome newcomers to the sandpit starting at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

“We pretty much are creating a community of knowledge … For some, what poses as a bi-weekly martial arts session serves as a place of community and activity-based fellowship for others. “Every week somebody [new] comes by,” Cheung said.

When one onlooker showed interest in the action from a distance, Cheung urged him to move closer, then handed him a pair of black and yellow boxing gloves. The onlooker sparred with club member Tristin Ellis.  

The club’s public sessions and open-door approach aim to encourage anyone to join. There is no pressure to commit to anything other than a few minutes of sparring in the park or to train to compete, members said. 

Ethan Irizarry, 23, discovered the fight club last year. He said he wanted a place where he could continue improving his sparring without the financial and mental stress that came with such a high-level competitive sport. NYC Fight Club training is free.

Like many, Irizarry could not afford professional martial arts training. “If money never existed, then I’d be competing right now,” he said. “The difference [now] is, I get to spar with people whom I consider family… I know I can go there to train, watch, hang out or get a few laughs.”

Garvin Mitchell, 44, who has trained in martial arts for more than 20 years, said when he was advancing from amateur to pro fighting, he did not have the funds to pay for proper training. The fight club helps him keep his skills and mentality sharp. He appreciates that. “The club fosters camaraderie … ” Mitchell said. “I can come here to ask introspective questions about life, not just about fighting.”

Participants also credit the club’s culture. “We keep it ego-free,” Cheung said. He emphasized that martial arts should build humility alongside fighting skills.​

Participants from all different levels and disciplines, including kickboxing, wrestling, capoeira, kung fu, and wing chun, regularly train together in the park. “We have beginners who have absolutely done no sparring … We also have amateur fighters and underground boxers who come by as well,” Cheung added.​

Despite their varied styles and training, the fighters said they feel bonded by relationships they are building, while polishing their skills.

“We’re all here for the same reason and it’s for the love of the game,” Irizarry said. “It’s a community that honestly treats me like family.”