Electric City Boxing Club Providing Training for Youth

Jerry “Chip” Martell founded the Electric City Boxing Club almost 50 years ago, according to Jamie St. Marks, the club’s manager. Jamie has been associated with the club for around 20 years now, since they relocated to Central Avenue West, across the street from Kentucky Fried Chicken. She used to wait in her car while her friends trained in the club. One winter day, Chip noticed her waiting outside and asked her to come in. While sitting in the office, Jamie decided to help tidy up things, and she realized that’s where she enjoyed being.

Chip Martell started the club in his yard. They were setting things up and tearing them down every night. An anonymous angel offered to help by offering a building and has been a major supporter for the last 20 years. “He comes down to the gym whenever he gets a chance, and interacts with the kids,” explained Jamie. “He is just an amazing guy. I really wish I could say his name because I think he needs all the praise in the world, but he has asked to be anonymous. I honestly believe that if it wasn’t for him, we would have closed down 20 years ago.”

The club has a long history of encouraging children to put their education first. They always try to assist the kids with their homework and encourage them to take a few days off if necessary to catch up. When the club takes long trips, they expect boxers to bring their homework with them to work on during downtime.

The club does not teach children how to box so they can become bullies. Instead, they train them to become part of a team. Although they are alone in the ring, they have their coaches and teammates to support them. When they step into the ring, it’s the entire team with them. The club encourages self-defense but not aggression towards others.

Chip’s great-niece, Shawnee Lapierre, became the first person to win a belt at the club when she was just 13 years old, at the ringside tournament. Many experienced boxers at the club help train and coach the young members. Some of the coaches that have helped out in the last 20 years include Jerry “Chipper”Martell, Mark LaPier Sr., Joey LaPier Sr., Rob Wienholz, Gabriel YellowOwl Sr., Jerry Buck Sr., Jerry Raya, Jimmy Daniels, Quentin “Fish” Stump, Susie Keatts, Billy Wagner, and Todd Foster. They have seen kids grow up from the age of eight and become parents, with some of their own children showing an interest in boxing.

Several group homes have reached out to the club with kids who need an outlet for their anger. “We encourage them to come down and hit on the bag for a couple of hours,” explained Jamie. “Let that frustration out on something that you’re not going to hurt.”

Thanks to donations and other support from the community, there is no charge to join the club. Several members have donated their old gear that they have outgrown, so others may benefit from them. “Sometimes at the beginning of the year, it’s like a big swap meet with the kids,” explained Jamie. “Oh, you still have that headgear? It’s in great condition. I’ll trade my shoes for that.”

The Electric City Boxing Club is open Monday through Thursday, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. For more information, please contact Jamie St. Marks at (406) 231-8474 and let her know you found out about them in The Great Falls Gazette.