Salvadors Boxing Academy (Petaling Jaya) Review: Serious Skills, Serene Views

This review is based on my 10-month training journey at Salvadors Boxing Academy. Once a regular student here, I've experienced various classes, instructors, and peak/off-peak sessions which gave me a solid perspective on what this gym truly offers.

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Salvadors Boxing Academy

Tucked in the heart of Petaling Jaya, Salvadors Boxing Academy occupies a warehouse loft that's all function, zero fluff. After training here for at least 10 months, here's my verdict: this gym is for people who take boxing seriously. Salvadors delivers authentic boxing training in a professional environment. Just don't expect boutique gym amenities or casual cardio vibes.

What I Enjoyed

✅ Structured class framework categorized by skill focus (footwork, defense, technical drills)

✅ Minimalist setup that prioritizes functional training over flashy aesthetics

✅ Surprisingly serene industrial loft view

✅ Instructors who are active/former competitors, they practice what they teach

Considerations

⚠ Can get quite hot and humid

⚠ Rubber mats can feel rough on skin during groundwork

⚠ First-floor loft perimeter secured by a simple metal fence (might feel exposed to some)

⚠ Fast-paced training, not so ideal if you're completely new to fitness

⚠ Intimidating atmosphere initially

1. What Makes Salvadors Boxing (Petaling Jaya) Unique

• The Structured Framework: Skills Category-Based Training

Here's the biggest plus for me, Salvadors Boxing Academy breaks down training days into specialized categories:

Footwork Days - Defense-Focused Sessions - Bagwork & Padwork Drills - Overall Boxing - Beginner-Specific Classes - Technical Boxing Drills

Each class is labeled by skill level (beginner/intermediate/advanced), so you know exactly what you're walking into. No more showing up and hoping the class matches your ability!

• Why This Matters

This structured approach completely changed my progression. I went from zero boxing background to being able to weave and duck without closing my eyes (that's progress!). I can now track my technical development more clearly and train confidently alongside coaches during drills. The best part? You get to play and train with the coaches, not just watch them demonstrate. That hands-on interaction accelerates learning like nothing else.

2. Instructors: The Heart of Salvadors

Meet the Team

Head Coaches: Farell and Gerald lead the academy

Fighters & Coaches: Hani, Juliana, Grady, Jian Shen, Julius—all current or former Salvadors fighters

Hani, Farell, Gerald (Image Source: Salvadors Boxing Academy)

I don't know their full competition backgrounds because, honestly, I'm too focused on not getting punched in the face during drills. (Haha!) What I do know is they can box, seriously box, and they bring that authenticity to every class.

Padwork & bag drills

Overall Boxing

Technical Sparring Drills

Jian Shen, Grady, Juliana teaching drills

Teaching Style: Passionate & Personalized

With multiple instructors, you'll experience different coaching personalities, which actually keeps training fresh. Some are more analytical, others more hands-on. But across the board, they're passionate about explaining techniques the moment you ask.

Typical Class Structure:

1. Warm-up

2. Pre-drills (technique breakdown)

3. Main drills (application and repetition)

   
   

The beauty is in the mixed-level classes. Coaches actively adjust drills to match different abilities, ensuring beginners aren't drowning while advanced students stay challenged. It's a balancing act they pull off remarkably well.

3. Facilities & Equipment

• How Big Is This Space, Really?

  Salvadors Boxing Academy sits inside a massive warehouse on the top floor—think industrial loft vibes. The academy co-shares the space with District 13 Gym (a Hyrox/CrossFit facility), creating this unique hybrid training environment.

  
  

  The Layout Breakdown: 

  Top Platform (Main Training Area): Most group classes run here. The platform comfortably accommodates 10-12 people, which keeps things intimate but can feel slightly tight space during popular sessions. It's not enormous, but there's enough room to move without constantly bumping elbows. 

  Ground Floor (Sparring Central): Home to the boxing ring where Thursday sparring sessions go down. This is where you'll test everything you've learned upstairs, and yes, your nerves will be tested too.

• Equipment: Functional, Not Fancy

  Salvadors keeps it classic:

  - At least 10 heavy bags hanging and ready for punishment 

  - A small corner space stocked with basic strength equipment (resistance bands, light dumbbells) usually occupied by the academy's fighters who train there constantly 

  - One boxing ring on the ground floor for sparring and ring work

  
  

It's a minimal layout for maximum efficiency. You won't find Instagram-worthy neon lights or boutique gym aesthetics, but you will find everything you need to develop solid boxing techniques

• Cleanliness & Ventilation

So far, I've never encountered that musty gym smell (you know the one). The 5 toilet units on the ground floor are well-maintained, and yes, you can shower there post-training. The top platform can be quite hot and humid, especially when District 13 Gym isn't open. With fans running, it's manageable, but expect to sweat a lot. Bring-an-extra-towel levels of sweat. (Not that it's a bad thing—you're here to work, right?)

The headcocah was teaching us footwork

4. Atmosphere & Culture

• What Vibe Does It Project: Fun or Serious?

Serious. Very serious. haha...

The moment you walk in, the black color scheme sets the tone and this isn't a cardio-boxing-lite studio. Salvadors Boxing Academy attracts younger crowds and people who are genuinely committed to learning the sport. Most instructors are active or former competitors, and you can feel that competitive energy in the air.

Despite the intensity, it's really fun. The training kept my weight in check.

Best Fit: 

- Beginners who want a professional training environment and don't mind being pushed 

-Intermediate boxers ready to refine technique 

- Anyone who enjoys technicality and structured progression

Not so Ideal For: 

-Complete fitness newbies (the training pace is FAST)

-People seeking a casual, social "fitness boxing" experience

-Those intimidated by competitive environments

The "Thick Face" Factor

Let me be real with you: you need to be thick-faced here. Initially, it can feel intimidating. The instructors are skilled, the regulars are focused, and you might feel like the odd one out. If you're willing to learn, the instructors are incredibly generous with their knowledge. Once you muster the courage to ask questions, you'll discover they're passionate about teaching and genuinely want you to improve. Off the mats, they're the sweetest people. On the mats? They'll bruise you if you ask for trouble during sparring. (LOL, but also...not kidding.)

5. Additional Context You Should Know

• Sparring Sessions

Every Thursday, it's sparring time on the ground floor ring. If you're ready to apply everything you've learned, this is where theory meets reality. (Bring your mouthguard. And humility. You'll need both.)

Boxing ring from outside view

• The Fighter's Corner

That small corner space with strength equipment? It's usually occupied by Salvadors's competitive fighters who train there constantly. Watching them work is free masterclass material—observe how they move, shadow box, and drill. I've picked up quite a few things just by paying attention.

Final Thoughts

Honestly? I've learned so much about boxing tactics and techniques at Salvadors. The structured framework, skilled instructors, and serious training culture create an environment where genuine progression happens, if you're willing to put in the work (and develop that thick face to ask questions!).

Is it perfect? No. It gets hot. The mats can be rough. The vibe is intense. But if you're serious about learning boxing, not just burning calories to boxing-inspired music, then, Salvador's Boxing Academy delivers.

Ready to step into the ring? Check out their schedule, pick a class that matches your level, and show up ready to WORK. Your boxing journey starts on that rooftop platform.

Instagram: Salvadors Boxing Academy

Disclaimer: The author is a martial arts enthusiast and enjoys learning from others. This review reflects her personal observations and experience at Salvadors Boxing Academy and do not necessarily represent the views of others. Your personal experience may vary and she highly recommends visiting the gym to experience it firsthand as it is the best way to determine if it meets your needs.