HIDDEN GEMS • Oceanside Athletic Club

THE OSIDER MAY / JUNE 2022

OCEANSIDE ATHLETIC CLUB

WORDS: KATIE LALICATA PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

Intentions often dictate outcomes. At Oceanside Athletic Club, they’ve mindfully crafted space, hired professionals, and built community that’s intended to uplift, educate, empower, and serve locals with a healthy watering hole for all kinds of needs. Oceanside Athletic Club isn’t just another gym offering Boxing and Muay Thai classes. Like their name implies, it’s a club—a club where everyone’s welcome.

“What I love about the Oceanside Community is that everyone wants to give and contribute and come together. And in return, we like to run things like self defense seminars and community events, that are generally free events just to get people in and get them exposed to something different that maybe they aren’t comfortable with, but still want to do,” said owner Tabitha Newton. This is one of the many gestures of kindness extended by Oceanside Athletic Club, and just one of the ways they keep growing, evolving, and embracing this dynamic community and its diverse needs. On the surface, OAC embodies a classic boxing gym: A full sized ring, spacious industrial ceilings, equipment hung, and bags securely fastened. It’s bright and clean, and is the kind of place that could feel intimidating, but doesn’t. It’s apparent that the owners and coaches want to make members and newbies alike feel welcome. Tabitha and her husband Chris Newton took over the space, formerly called Brick by Brick, in 2020. They’ve spent the last two years, through Covid and all, building Oceanside Athletic Club into the beautiful community womb that it is today.

They’ve hired the most professional and knowledgeable coaches and believe in big dreams. Both a woman and veteran owned establishment, this is the kind of business that keeps the soul of Oceanside thriving and real. They boast youth programs, are invested in establishing Rocksteady boxing for Parkinson’s program, and have classes that teach the most basic beginners and challenge the most skilled and experienced fighters. From sparring to fundamentals, private lessons, and a newly formed personal training space; a space that offers boot camps, gymnastics, and even yoga; there is no stopping the dedication the Newtons have to uplifting and enhancing this community.

Placing emphasis on the importance of the human aspect of life, the vibe and classes here are a perfect balance of fun and sweat. “One thing I feel really proud about,” said Tabitha. “We have a very welcoming group of people that offers fundamental based classes for everyone.” The OAC coaches and owners put emphasis and direct attention towards the development and blossoming of youth programs. With youth classes serving ages six to teens, this is a facet of the business that OAC is most proud of. They’re also leaning towards adding classes for kids under six, too! Family discounts are on the menu, and while self-defense, healthy lifestyles, and encouraging positive self-esteem is the goal; creating a bountiful community hub that uplifts and empowers one another is the foundation on which this business is built.

Oceanside Athletic Club has a team of coaches—all of who currently fight, or have fought in the past. Their schedule that has both male and female teachers and class offerings from 7am-8pm, as well as open gym hours all day long for those who prefer solo work outs. Come by OAC, bring a friend, bring your kids, put on some gloves, and enjoy what a good sweat and a great community have to offer.

Coach Jonathan Wilson, Owner Tabitha Newton, and Coach Joshua Fishman.

Oceanside Athletic Club 918 Mission Avenue Suite 200 (760) 981-7273 oceansideathleticclub.com @oceansideathleticclub