A Brief History of Azteca Boxing Club

Azteca Boxing Club’s mission is to develop student-athletes to perform at a high level in the classroom as well as in their sport of choice. Through the Youth Athletic Program, Mentorship Program, and tutoring services, Azteca prepares student-athletes to make ethical and moral choices in everyday life through their involvement in competitive sports. They are a strong advocate of core values and implement teamwork, discipline, respect, and self-control. Azteca’s  mentorship program improves academic achievement, self-esteem, social competence, and avoidance of problematic/high-risk behavior by providing a relationship with specially trained coaches, staff, and volunteers.

Executive Director Aj Vasquez’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of redemption. Growing up entangled in gang life and violence, Aj experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of this path, including incarceration and profound personal losses, the most heartbreaking being the loss of his own son. Through these hardships, Aj found solace and a sense of purpose in boxing and physical activity. This passion became a beacon of hope and a foundation for change. Driven by a deep desire to prevent others from enduring the same struggles he faced, Aj channeled his experiences and resilience into creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to intervening in the lives of at-risk youth. What began as a back alley boxing club for a handful of friends and family has turned into a thriving nonprofit organization where Aj uses his lived experience to empower local at-risk youth to forge their own paths to success.

Azteca Boxing Club’s long term goal is to purchase a plot of land and build a multi-million dollar recreational facility with the capacity to serve 500 youth per month. However, Azteca needed a more immediate solution to its rapid growth. In December of 2024, Azteca moved to the new building, The Mexica Center, which will allow the organization to build capacity to serve 150-200 youth per month. It will also allow Azteca to formally roll out its Education and Mentorship Program, which will provide free tutoring and life skills training.

A Warm Welcome

From the moment we stepped through the doors of the Mexica Center, we were greeted with energy and enthusiasm. The gym buzzed with activity from friendly conversations among staff and volunteers to new friends and old supporters. The vibrant atmosphere immediately set the tone for an evening that was as uplifting as it was informative.

Event Highlights

The open house was a thoughtfully curated experience, offering attendees an in-depth look at the Mexica Center’s mission and programs. Some standout moments included:

• Facility Tour: Azteca’s Board Members and volunteers were on site to not only greet attendees, but were a guide providing tours that showcased Azteca’s state of the art equipment and capacity to provide quality services to our most vulnerable youth.  
• Mentorship Stories: Hearing about youth who have benefited from the Azteca’s programs was deeply moving. Coaches and mentors have guided them not just in boxing, but in making positive life choices and pursuing their dreams.
• Academic Support Showcase: The Mexica Center has a dedicated tutoring area where youth can come to get help with homework, explore career paths, and more. Computers, desks, and printers are available free of charge. This component of the Mexica Center’s work clearly demonstrates their commitment to holistic development.

Our Takeaways

As consultants dedicated to empowering nonprofit organizations that make a difference, we left the event deeply impressed by Azteca’s commitment to their mission. Their multifaceted approach—combining physical fitness, mentorship, and academic support—is greatly needed in our Northern Colorado community. 

We were particularly struck by the center’s ability to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can thrive. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among all involved highlighted the profound impact this organization has on the community.

In Conclusion and Looking Ahead

The Arula Team is so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful event and to experience firsthand the amazing work this incredible organization is doing. For those who haven’t yet visited, we encourage you to connect with the Mexica Center. Whether through volunteering, donating, or attending future events, there are countless ways to support their vital work. Together, we can help ensure that the Mexica Center continues to inspire and uplift the youth in our community for generations to come.