Named America’s fastest growing franchise in 2015 by Inc. Magazine, TITLE Boxing Club is open for business and teaching enthusiasts in Cobb County to roll with the punches.

Officially opened in late September, the Kennesaw club features personal trainers, free weights and 42 heavy bags. The location sits at 2090 Baker Road in the Publix shopping center next to Big Pie in the Sky, and Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling attended the grand opening to throw the ceremonial “first punch” at the club.

“Mayor Easterling has been phenomenal,” said Ben Olmstead, the franchise owner. “He’s a great individual. He’s very, very supportive of us.”

While TITLE Boxing is one of the leading names in boxing equipment, the company only broke into the boxing club world about 10 years ago. Its focus is a little different than the traditional club or the stereotypical version seen on television and in films.

“We put you through a boxer’s workout,” Olmstead said.

Bryan Scott and Ben Olmstead — photo courtesy of TITLE Boxing

There is no sparring and no one-on-one contact. Instead, the workout emphasizes high-intensity interval training and cardio workouts used by professional boxers. Olmstead said the lack of physical contact between attendees is a positive element of his boxing club.

“It dials down the intimidation level,” he said, “when someone walks in and doesn’t see someone getting hit in the face.”

This is important, Olmstead explained, because the club encourages members of all ages and fitness levels to join.

While TITLE Boxing Club is part of a national franchise, the owners stress that the Kennesaw branch is invested in the community. In October, the boxing club hosted Ladies Fight Night to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

“What better way to fight breast cancer than to take it out on the punching bag?” Olmstead said.

In addition to events like Ladies Fight Night, this location is a member of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and supports initiatives like Kennesaw’s Grand Prix 5K running series and the Swift Kids running club. Earlier in the fall semester, the Kennesaw State University women’s basketball team attended the boxing club twice a week for training.

Keeping ties to the community has been important for Olmstead in opening this business, and he wants to use it as a way to help people feel safer and more prepared.

“It’s a very empowering thing to know how to punch and know how to defend yourself,” he said. “The police can’t be everywhere all the time. You have to be able to handle yourself for whatever situation arises.”

During the month of December, new members can purchase a Holiday Hits package, which includes gloves, wraps and two weeks of unlimited classes for $99.