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About NITO Boxing
NITO Boxing is a boxing gym at 261 California Avenue, in the California Avenue district. It is one of two NITO Boxing gyms. The other is on Kilauea Avenue in the Kahala area of Honolulu, where the brand started. The Mountain View Voice described the Palo Alto gym as recently opened in May 2024, in a report on the fitness businesses clustering along this stretch of California Avenue.
The gym's website says it serves "beginner and veteran practitioners" and uses traditional and progressive tiered training to help each member grow. Classes are booked through an online member system. The site invites new visitors to sign up for a first class.
The trainer behind the name
The gym is named for its head trainer, Carlos "Nito" Tangaro. According to the gym, he built his reputation as a boxing trainer in Hawaii. More than a decade ago he worked under Golden Boy Promotions as a sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, whom the gym describes as a twelve-time world champion. The site also has a page for the gym's fighters, which shows that some members train for competition as well as fitness.
Programs
NITO Boxing groups its offerings into adult training, youth training and a program it calls NSW at NITO Boxing Palo Alto. The website lists these areas:
- Adult boxing classes: group training on a weekly schedule posted on the Palo Alto schedule page, for members from first timers to experienced boxers.
- Youth boxing: the gym lists explosive power, precise footwork, cardiovascular endurance and practical self-defense as the main goals.
- Youth jiu jitsu: a newer addition, covering takedowns, throws, leverage, body control and submission techniques.
- Pricing and getting started: separate pages on the site cover membership pricing and how to begin. Prices are not repeated here because they change.
The youth program pitches boxing and jiu jitsu together as a way for children to become well-rounded athletes, with fitness, discipline and self-defense as the aims. Parents comparing activities can see our youth sports guide for team sports and other martial arts in town.
Who it suits
Boxing training builds stamina, power and footwork at the same time, which is how the gym itself pitches it. That makes NITO Boxing a fit for adults who want structured cardio with a skill attached, people training for their first amateur bout and anyone who has drifted away from the sport and wants a coach again. The youth program suits kids who have energy to burn and would rather learn to move and defend themselves than play a ball sport. Visitors to Palo Alto for a few weeks can call to ask about short-term options.
A fitness block
The gym sits on a part of California Avenue that has filled with fitness businesses. In its 2024 report, the Mountain View Voice placed NITO Boxing a little east of the Pure Barre studio and noted that the Palo Alto Fit gym was moving onto the street. Across the avenue, Tamayo's Judo reopened its dojo at 290 California Avenue after a fire destroyed its old Los Altos space. Families with kids in more than one martial art can often fit both into the same evening.
Tips for a first visit
- Book ahead. The gym takes sign-ups for a first class through its website, so reserve a spot before you show up.
- Bring hand wraps if you have them, plus water and a towel. Ask the gym whether loaner gloves are available for a first class.
- Call 650-391-9896 with questions. That is the Palo Alto number on the gym's site, separate from the Honolulu gym.
- California Avenue is closed to cars on the busiest blocks, which makes the street pleasant for a meal or coffee after class. Our California Avenue guide covers places to eat. The Sunday farmers market sets up a short walk from the gym.
For other fitness options in the city, from yoga studios to running routes, see our running routes guide and the fitness and sports section of the directory.
Location and getting there
NITO Boxing is at 261 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area of Palo Alto. Our California Avenue guide covers what else is around.
The California Avenue Caltrain station is less than a quarter mile away, a walk of a few minutes.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
What is nearby
- Protégé, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- FedEx Office Print and Ship Center, California Avenue, service business, under 0.1 mi
- The Coder School, school or studio, under 0.1 mi
- Bar Underdog, bar, under 0.1 mi
- Vitality Bowls, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
- Bowden Park, 0.2 mi
- Peers Park, 0.3 mi
- College Terrace Library, 0.4 mi
Other fitness, dance and martial arts nearby: Pure Barre (under 0.1 mi); Silicon Valley Fit (under 0.1 mi); Tamayo’s Judo (under 0.1 mi); Victoria Ballet (under 0.1 mi). Browse the full fitness, dance and martial arts list.
Before you go
- Many studios offer a first class or trial pass. Ask before you buy a membership.
- Classes at popular times fill up, so book through the studio's app or website where that is offered.
- Bring water and check whether the studio provides mats, towels or rental gear.
About this listing
Checked October 30, 2026 against NITO Boxing website; Palo Alto training schedule; Youth training; Mountain View Voice, May 2024. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is NITO Boxing in Palo Alto?
NITO Boxing is at 261 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.1 miles away.
Is NITO Boxing good for beginners?
The gym says its training is aimed at both beginner and veteran boxers, using a tiered approach so new members can build skills step by step. New members can sign up for a first class through the website.
Does NITO Boxing in Palo Alto have classes for kids?
Yes. The gym lists youth boxing and youth jiu jitsu, covering footwork, conditioning, self-defense, takedowns and grappling. Call 650-391-9896 to ask about ages and times.
Where is NITO Boxing in Palo Alto?
The gym is at 261 California Avenue, in the California Avenue business district. Its other location is in the Kahala area of Honolulu.