COACH MANNY DUNHAM & THE BUMBLEBEE LEGACY

The Nomad Boxing Club was started in 2019 by Manuel ("Manny") Dunham, a retired, 22-year veteran boxer who was ranked #6 in the nation after winning multiple titles during his career, including: 3-time PNW Champion; 3-time McCracken Fight Champion; Arctic Glove Champion; Oregon State Golden Glove Champion. Manny is a certified NCAA personal trainer and works with a variety of individuals, from people who want to get in shape to athletes.

While most of the club's current members are youth and young adults from minority/underserved populations, individuals of any age and all backgrounds are welcome; some members have been formerly incarcerated individuals who are committed to changing themselves and turning their lives around, while others are young students working their way through school. Some are hoping to compete as amateurs, and others are hoping to turn boxing into their professional career. No matter what your level and reason for being there. Each team member is expected at practice 5 days a week for 2 hours training sessions.

If you believe in the Nomad's goal of teaching respect, discipline, and integrity though the sweet science of boxing, please consider becoming a patron on this organization. Each donation goes directly to benefit the team; buying gear, paying for travel to competitions, and covering gym dues.

no guts * no glory * no pain * no gain * no mercy * no fear * nomad

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meet the coaches

COACH GATO

Coach Gato started boxing at 10 years old after meeting Coach Bumblebee and had his first fight at 11. He went on to have nearly 80 amateur fights. Along the way, he became one of the youngest Tacoma Golden Gloves champs, won a Junior National title, and was nationally ranked before going pro. Now he’s coaching at the Skyway gym, helping the next generation of fighters build discipline, confidence, and skill — inside and outside the ring. His goal is to pay forward what boxing gave him, just like Coach Bee always did.

COACH MATT

Born and raised in the Bronx, Coach Matthew brings East Coast grit and serious heart to everything he does. A combat veteran of the Iraq War and former member of the FDNY, he’s been coaching for 3 years—going back to when Nomad was on Market Street in the old Ballard flower shop. These days, he leads our Youth Program at Nomad North, where he puts the fun in fundamentals for kids as young as 5—building confidence, setting standards, and showing them they’re capable of more than they think. (100 push-ups for preteens? 50 for the littles? Totally normal after a few weeks with Coach Matt). He also teaches adult classes throughout the week and makes time for one-on-one training sessions. When he’s not in the gym, you’ll find him out on the field with the Seattle Rugby Club.

COACH ISAIAH

Coach Isaiah discovered boxing at the age of 14 and quickly found it to be more than just a sport. It became a powerful outlet for discipline, strategy, and personal growth. From early on, he showed a strong commitment to mastering the craft, and through boxing, he learned the value of respect, self-control, and perseverance. Much of Isaiah’s growth as a boxer came under the guidance of his longtime coach and mentor, Coach Bumblebee. More than just a trainer, Coach Bumblebee served as a father figure, taking Isaiah across Washington state to compete in boxing events and helping shape his path both in and out of the ring. Over the course of his amateur career, Isiah competed in 15 sanctioned bouts, gaining experience and insight with each fight. His journey took him beyond Washington, with standout opportunities to compete in championship events in Las Vegas and Arizona.

Contact us

Please reach out if interested in any volunteer opportunities or for any general questions

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