UBX, the Australian boxing and strength training concept of Empowered Brands, has launched in Japan with three clubs in Tokyo at Kodenmacho, Kagurazaka and Omori.
This entry into Japan marks the brand’s seventh global entry, joining its existing network of over 100 clubs across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland and U.S, and it sees this latest international expansion as its next step towards over 500 gyms worldwide by 2033.
UBX Japan has been achieved through a combination of direct entry from the Australian-based head office team and a master franchise partnership with Prova Group (Japan) and Empowered Brands (UK and Ireland). UBX plans to open a minimum of 145 locations across Japan over the next 10 years.
Mark Pinner, chief executive of Empowered Brands, commented: “Seeing UBX expand into its seventh territory globally is incredibly exciting and a further demonstration of the transportability of the UBX model and brand.
“Here at Empowered Brands, we’re excited to be working on the rollout of further UBX gyms across the UK and Ireland, with many more openings in the pipeline to add to the launches of Media City (Salford, Manchester), Sheffield, Bath and Stepaside (Dublin) earlier this year.”
Tim West, UBX co-founder and managing director, said: “Japan is an exciting market for UBX due to its strong interest in boxing, longstanding affinity with martial arts, and long list of world champions including former pound for pound number one boxer Naoya Inoue. As seen globally, consumer interest and participation often follows professional success in sport.”
Further reinforcing the brand’s stronghold in boxing, UBX says it has signed a partnership with adidas Combat Sports globally to co-brand and collaborate on product design, marketing and distribution for the release of boxing gloves, apparel, staff uniform and equipment.
UBX was founded in 2016 in Brisbane, Australia by fitness and tech entrepreneur, Tim West, and four-time world champion Australian boxer, Danny Green.
West commented: “Our mission is to give everyone the opportunity to train like a boxer without stepping into the ring. We want to create the largest boxing community worldwide. Boxing is experiencing a new golden era and demand follows public interest.”
The UBX fitness model combines boxing and strength training in a 12-round circuit and its mission is to democratise boxing and provide an opportunity for everyone to train like a professional boxer. Setting itself apart from traditional gyms, UBX says it fosters an environment that is fun, flexible, addictive and inclusive; and is poised it become the go-to destination for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
www.ownaubx.com
www.empoweredbrands.co
Posted: 11th September, 2023