COACHES
ADAM JACO
Adam's vision for opening a boxing gym in Sarasota was to create a safe, fitness-focused environment emphasizing strong boxing fundamentals while fostering a family-like atmosphere. Coming from a lineage of professional boxers, Adam followed in the footsteps of his father and brother, competing at the highest level before transitioning into coaching. After he and his brother retired from professional boxing, they each opened their own gyms but remained dedicated to mentoring young athletes in the area.
Their mission extends beyond teaching boxing skills—they strive to shape young fighters into responsible, disciplined individuals. Through training, they instill valuable life lessons, emphasizing the importance of following orders, maintaining discipline, showing respect, and consistently putting in the work. In Adam’s gym, it’s not just about becoming a great fighter—it’s about developing the mindset and attitude necessary to succeed in life.
EJ GRIFFITTS
EJ began boxing at eight and has dedicated the past 14 years to mastering the sport, training exclusively with Adam at Jaco’s since the beginning of his journey. Alongside his boxing career, he played varsity football for four years at Riverview, demonstrating his athletic versatility. As an amateur boxer, EJ competed in over 40 matches and secured multiple titles, including four-time State Champion, the 2022 Florida State P.A.L Champion, the 2023 Florida Golden Gloves Champion, and the 2024 Bob Nicholson Annual Champion.
Since 2021, he has also worked as a personal trainer at Jaco’s, helping others develop their skills and strength. In 2024, at 22, EJ made his professional boxing debut and is now actively competing at the professional level. He is passionate about the sport because of its individual nature, which demands discipline and resilience—believing that in boxing, the best man wins because, as he says, "the ring don’t lie."
BELLA BARBALATO
Isabella Barbalato is a high-energy boxing and fitness coach with over a decade of experience training athletes and individuals of all fitness levels. She is NASM certified in personal training, corrective exercise, and is an advanced boxing instructor. Starting boxing at the age of 14 under the guidance of renowned coach Tony Spain - Isabella developed a relentless passion for the sport going on to compete as an amateur with a current 2-0 record.
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With 10 years as a trainer, Isabella specializes in athletic performance, functional training, and boxing for all levels - from young athletes looking to sharpen their skills to adults who want to stay active and strong. Whether coaching explosive group classes, or delivering focused one-on-one sessions, Isabella is committed to building power, endurance, and confidence in every client. Their training blends technical precision with high-intensity workouts, ensuring every session pushes its limits and delivers real results.
JEN
Boxing Coach
