Steve is the founder of Onyx Boxing and has been training and coaching boxing for over 20 years. He opened Onyx Scottsdale in March 2021 with a singular mission: build a world-class fitness boxing community around certified USA Boxing coaching. His training philosophy is rooted in authentic technique — every punch, every combination, every movement with purpose. Steve leads both locations and is the driving force behind the Onyx culture.
Valerie has been with Onyx since day one, bringing high energy and heart to every class. Her go-to playlist is hip hop because the vibe just hits different for boxing, but she's always open to requests. Her favorite combo is a 1-2-3-2 — smooth, fast, and finishes strong. What she loves most is watching confidence and strength grow, both mentally and physically, in every person she works with. A proud mom of two, she lives by the mindset that movement is medicine.
Born and raised in Washington state, Tanner has been an athlete his whole life — playing football and running track in high school. About five years ago he stepped into Onyx and fell in love with boxing and the community. His favorite combo is 1-2-3-3b and his go-to playlist is hip hop. Onyx fulfills him because it pushes him to be better not only for himself but for every member he coaches.
Basil's path to boxing wasn't a straight line — he spent years in Ken-po and Krav Maga before boxing offered a fulfillment those arts couldn't match. He started training under Steve seven years ago and was here from the day Onyx opened in 2021. His favorite combo is 1-2-5-4, loving how each strike torques the body perfectly for the next. When he's not at the gym you'll find him playing drums with his band Vinyl Destination, chasing his kids around, or working on his next entrepreneurial project.
Shea has been a trainer at Onyx since 2022. Originally from Texas, she now calls Scottsdale home. Outside of the gym she's a registered nurse with experience in cardiovascular ICU and the Emergency Department. Her classes are a nonstop party — high-energy pop, EDM remixes, and rap to keep you moving. Her favorite combo is 1-2-5-2 slip 2-3-2. She wants everyone to leave feeling like the best version of themselves, having fun while getting a great workout in.
Sporti is a high-energy coach who loves to make people laugh. His favorite combos are 5-6-3-4 and his playlist pulls from Linkin Park, Eminem, and Lady Gaga. What fulfills him most about Onyx is making someone's workout something they genuinely look forward to — because exercising routinely is hard, and being a reason someone is excited to better themselves is something special. Outside the gym he's taking his wife out for fun date nights, chilling, and grilling.
Coach Kay found her purpose through boxing. What started as an outlet during a dark time became something that truly changed her life — and now she's passionate about helping others build confidence and grow. Her go-to playlist is high-energy hip-hop, throwbacks, and EDM, and her favorite combo is 1-2-3 roll 5-3-2. Onyx fills her cup because it's more than a gym — it's a space where people challenge themselves, let go of stress, and become stronger versions of themselves.
Born in Albuquerque, Josh moved to Phoenix in 2020 and found Onyx in 2023 while getting his life back on track. He trained at competitive MMA gyms when he was younger, so Onyx was a breath of fresh air — real boxing in a place his wife could learn as a total newbie. Since then they've both lost weight and built great friendships. His favorite combo is 6-3-4 roll out. Outside the gym you'll find him at coffee shops, exploring new restaurants, or catching a music festival.
Efren has called Onyx home for almost four years. His journey began after serving in the Army as an Airborne Ranger, moving through MMA and kickboxing before competing in boxing. He loves being part of a gym that has such a positive impact on people's lives. When he's not training others, he's practicing yoga in the sun, reading, collecting comics, spending time with farm animals, or eating farm-fresh food. His playlist pulls from 90s and 2000s alternative and hip hop — the music that hits the right chord.
Born and raised in Jerusalem, Palestine, Issam began his journey in combat sports as a young child through boxing and karate. After moving to the United States in his teens he expanded into MMA, earning a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while adding Judo and Muay Thai to his striking arsenal. A member of the Onyx coaching team for three years, he has earned both the Most Improved Award and the Sixth Man Award. Training with Issam means a high-energy environment where technical precision meets serious physical challenge.
