There’s a photo of mixed martial arts fighter Danny Martinez on the wall of the Friday Harbor Boxing Club. Martinez, sparring with another boxer, exudes the raw power of the punch.

At the Friday Harbor club, however, boxing is not about violence. “It’s about accountability and life skills,” says Brock Hauck, coach and club founder.

His business card states, “Our mission is to build champions not only in the ring, but in life.”

Hauck acknowledges that boxing often draws blood, but he sides with the image of boxing as Sweet Science rather than violent sport.

“Violence has been there since the beginning of sport, like the gladiators,” he says. But amateur boxing is safer than football and, as coach, he enforces the use of mouth guards and head gear.

There are a lot of low-key aspects to this club. There is no aggressive promotion of the club. Many people on San Juan do not know it exists, and there is no sign or name plaque noting its location. The club is located amid an eclectic cluster of business offices on Tucker Avenue.

The club has achieved some noteworthy accomplishments. The club is certified by USA Amateur Boxing. Three boxers are at the competition level and collectively are 5-for-5. In June, the club was featured in a commercial for local rocker Devorah, produced for the NWA Wrestling Showcase.

There are 50 members, but eight are regulars, Hauck said.

Hauck said some members come from challenging backgrounds and come to the club for release or for self-discipline.

“People sometimes want that challenge,” he says, but he expects accountability from his members. “I can’t have my boxers out on the street causing trouble.”

When the discipline of the club proves too much for some, Hauck says he continues to mentor in any way he can. The club is more a family than a sport.

Club member Megan O’Brian, 11, adds, “I like the way we all work out together. There is no one judging you.” Megan is an example that boxing is “not just for boys.” She’s also an example of the diverse demographic of the club. Ages range from 10 to 50. It’s $25 to sign up, and dues are $25 a month. A boxer can push himself or herself as much as they please.

“In a way, it’s not really about boxing,” Hauck said: It’s about what goes on behind the punch — fitness, and fun.

For more information, call Hauck, 378-9149; or by cell, 909-322-0022.