OUR MISSION
Youth Fighting Forward
“Creating Champions Inside and Outside the Ring”
Mission: Engaging young people affected by violence and crime by using boxing and MMA, combined with education, to develop life skills.
We understand that young people’s actions and behaviors are a reflection of the various needs, choices, and influences in their lives. Our aim is for overall personal development and not behavior correction. These tangible changes in young people’s behavior are dependent on internal changes in their perception, motivation, and decision-making.
Frank “Notorious” Galarza was born and raised in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. His magnetic personality and positive attitude has helped him stand out from the pack. He is a natural born leader and motivator, all despite losing both of his parents by the age of nine.
Galarza self-admittedly was a troubled child growing up and constantly turned to the streets. It took a tragedy, the death of his brother, for him to realize the lifestyle he was living wasn’t for him, and he wanted more for himself and his family. Frank Galarza turned to boxing.
Having just 11 amateur fights under his belt, Galarza won the 2010 New York Golden Gloves and has since competed in 25 professional bouts. In 2013, he was dubbed “Brooklyn’s Rocky” by famed New York sportscaster Bruce Beck. Frank has also appeared on the YES Network’s Boxing 30 program and featured in Muscle & Fitness magazine. In 2014, he participated in his first televised bout of his career, and viciously knocked out a then undefeated and heavy favorite just 17 seconds into the second round, winning the WBC Latino Junior Middleweight Title. The knockout has become a Youtube and social media favorite amongst boxing enthusiasts. Galarza’s 2014 ended by winning the “Contender of The Year” award by the prestigious Ring 8 organization, a Veteran Boxer’s Association based in New York. He has been World Ranked throughout his career.
Galarza is just as active outside the ring as he is in it. He is the co-owner of the H.I.T. Factory- located in the heart of Bay Ridge Brooklyn and the primary chapter of YFF. Frank has also participated in numerous fundraisers for non-profit organizations and has done guest motivational speaking at various schools and for the Puerto Rican Family Institute. Philanthropy has always been a huge part of Frank Galarza’s life. A goal of his was met in 2014, when his nonprofit organization he created, Youth Fighting Forward, was officially incorporated. Galarza’s main goal is to help children avoid the struggles and pitfalls he fell into as a child, by combining boxing, youth support services, and education.
THE H.I.T. FACTORY
Located in the heart of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, the H.I.T. Factory is the primary location for Youth Fighting Forward. It is a cutting edge training facility offering a wide variety of workout classes to help individuals reach their goals. From boxing and total-body workouts, to cycling and calisthenics, the H.I.T. Factory has something for everyone. Founded in 2015, the gym has over 6,000 square feet of space and two workout rooms where people can train to become the best version of themselves. With amenities such as a smoothie bar, changing rooms, and state of the art fitness equipment – the H.I.T. Factory prides itself on providing a safe, clean, modern, space for people to exercise. A high-energy atmosphere, the team at the H.I.T. Factory treats everyone who walks through its doors like family and welcomes everyone to come train regardless of their fitness level. The H.I.T. Factory trainers are there to guide you every step of the way and challenge you so you can reach your maximum potential.
Chapters
