Knockout Zone Disrespecting and Threatening Customers Miami Florida

On Thursday 2/20/14 I made my way to my 9am cardio boxing class, getting excited about moving my body and how I was really gonna have to push myself today because I hadn't been in a few days. Walking in the door of the small gym, I felt blessed that it's the type of place where people know you, recognize you and say good morning (that can be rare in Miami). I had a great workout- push ups, running, hitting the bag, more running lol. Bradley is a great instructor and I always feel like I've done my body good when I go to his class.

After the boxing portion of the workout, I always remove my gloves and go wash my hands because of the sweat. On this day, I noticed the toilet was overflowing with paper, so on my way back to the workout area, I passed by the front desk to alert the manager to the situation. I feel like bathrooms should be kept in good working order for customers. She informed me that this is an ongoing issue "because of the building" and they are working on it. I said ok and went back to class.

There were about 8 or 9 of us and we were finishing up class with the ab workout which we do in the last 5-10 minutes. The owner of gym (who I had only met once before this) came into the workout area and said that he wanted to say something to the ladies, only the ladies. I thought he was going to tell us about a special or event for ladies lol. Instead he went on a violent tirade. He proceeded to yell at the women in the room about the broken clogged toilet in the bathroom.

He said that if he found "the b**** who messed up the f***ing toilet" he would grab her by the back and throw her across the room. It was a surreal feeling that overtook me. I remember asking myself, is this really happening? Am i really in a boxing class that is supposed to be about self-defense and being a strong woman and being subjected to this crazy misogyny? He also said he would find out where that b**** lives and come f*** up her house.

At this point, I stopped listening, gathered my things and left. I paused by the front desk to tell the manager and the owner that I felt disrespected and violated and that I would not be back. Mr. Knockout Zone then told me that if I didn't break the toilet then he wasn't talking to me and that he has the right to speak to women that way. I felt sad that more women did not walk out with me because we should really take a stand against men feeling like they can treat us that way just because we're women. It's the only way to change things.

I would like an apology and an understanding that you violated the safe space you say you are creating for women by calling names and making threats. Women deserve to feel safe and respected wherever we are. Period.