The Manchester Ring of Champions Society is a nonprofit boxing club geared toward at-risk youth. The club is dedicated to providing area youths and young adults with education and training in amateur boxing. Its founder and boxing director is Paul Cichon, who has been a boxing instructor for 18 years, including 16 as the director of Boxing for the Manchester PAL.
The club is staffed with experienced volunteer coaches and staff who provide mentorship and boxing training with an emphasis on the sport's physical, mental and spiritual benefits. The Manchester R.O.C.S. promotes respect and discipline to trained and mentored youths. All coaches are certified by USA Boxing. Visit the website for information on upcoming fundraisers and events and to make a donation via PayPal.
Wininger's Gymnastics & Dance offers gymnastics and fitness instruction. Its program is based on providing an educationally sound, safe and fun environment. The children demonstrate individuality in a group setting through gymnastics and dance. It has a foam tumbling floor, in-ground pit, four uneven bar stations, a pommel horse, rings, parallel bars, a high bar and a trampoline with an overhead spotting system. It strives to provide a positive learning environment by teaching gymnastics and dance in a non-competitive setting. The program covers a wide range of gymnastics activities designed to enable each student to progress at his or her own rate. It uses a graduated approach to learning.
Founded in 2001, Samadhi Yoga Studio offers a wide selection of classes ranging from beginners to advanced to mixed level classes. Every class is taught in a quiet and controlled climate to ensure upmost concentration. All teachers at Samadhi have completed their required training and share a similar passion for yoga. You may register for a single class or sign up for an entire session. Classes are available seven days a week, you may visit the Web site or studio for class times and descriptions.
Zumba classes are also offered here.
Manchester Country Club offers members a 6,167-yard golf course, pro shop, banquet hall, cafe and banquet halls for weddings and private events.
The Connecticut Golf Academy in Manchester is one of the premier golf instruction schools in the state. The experienced staff provides years of knowledge in the sport. Connecticut Golf Academy also offers a full driving range for the public. It is located near the Manchester and East Hartford town line.
Camp Merri-Wood is located on Garden Grove Road in Manchester. It is a Girl Scout camp that hosts campers and programs in the Manchester area. It is a 7-acre area with hiking trails and camping facilities.
The Academy of Martial Arts & Personal Development is a martial arts studio that offers martial arts instruction for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Classes include cardio kickboxing, tai chi, traditional martial arts and hapkido. Please call for more information.
Globe Hollow is a public, seasonal outdoor pool located at 100 Spring Street across from Mt. Nebo Park. The pool is open for swimming lessons, recreational camps and public swimming from late June through late August. The pool is open to Manchester residents with a valid pool pass.
The Pathfinder's Club is a free meeting place for recovering alcoholics, located at 102 Norman Street in Manchester. The Pathfinders Club holds meetings seven days a week and offers several different programs for men and women. For a schedule of meeting times, feel free to give the club a call.
Manchester Racquet Club is an indoor tennis facility open to members only. The club offers training classes and individual lessons, as well as a tennis summer camp for children.
Stone Age Rock Gym is located on Adams Street in Manchester, down the street from the Buckland Hills Mall.
KevinWatts, owner of Stone Age Rock Gym since 1997, is a professional rock climbing instructor. He runs the facility on 100 percent clean energy and also hosts clean-ups at different rock climbing sites across Connecticut. The Stone Age Rock Gym instructors take groups to New Hampshire and Maine as well and offer instruction in all aspects of rock climbing.
Visit the gym's website for more information on instruction and outdoor guided tours.
MSI Pistol Range is located on Garden Grove Road in Manchester, next to the Connecticut Concert Ballet. This facility has a 25-yard range that is a safe place to shoot .22 rifles, handguns, air rifles and pistols. There are classes available and events sponsored by the range. You may become a member or use the range during the public-use hours.
Cardio Express is a a large work out facility located in the Parkade Plaza on Middle Turnpike West in Manchester. It offers a friendly atmosphere and motivation for you get in shape. There is a wide selection of machines available for use and an educated staff to help you get started. There are group classes available that start at different levels so there is something for everyone.
Summit Studios is a performing arts center that shapes the lives of creative youth, offering a multitude of services such as music lessons, vocal training and dance instruction. To help Manchester artists reach their prestigious goals, Summit Studios sells and rents instruments along with sheet music.
Founded by Michael Houle, Manchester-based Muvement offers a holistic approach to fitness and wellness. The center offers on-site fitness training, off-site adventure programs, nutritional counseling and assessments and lab testing to learn how your individual body is functioning. Visit the Muvement website to learn more about courses and registration.
US Tae Kwon Do instructors are dedicated to building the wellness of the mind, body and spirit through the self-discipline that the art of Tae Kwon Do teaches. The dojo is located on Broad Street in Manchester next to the Super Laundromat.
Manchester Country Club is an 18-hole, regulation-length golf course offering a fun, yet challenging experience. Designed to capture the feel of Old New England, this semi-private golf course will meet the approval of any golf enthusiast. It features 6,285 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. This beautiful course is complemented by an impressive level of maintenance that rivals that of a high-end private course. It has a pro shop with a knowledgeable staff that will answer any questions that you may have. In addition, its clubhouse offers a vintage feel to help you relax after you've completed your round. Manchester Country Club is located at 535 South Main Street near the Manchester/Glastonbury line.