Byron Boxing
About Us
Sam Jackson
Head Coach & Owner
Sam’s journey into boxing began as a way to build confidence and improve fitness—over 20 years later, it has become a lifelong craft and calling. With more than two decades in the sport and over 20 years’ experience as a high school teacher, Sam brings a rare blend of technical expertise, patience, and people-first coaching to every session.
At 28, Sam was told after surgery that he would never play sport again. Defying the odds, he not only returned to training but stepped into the ring for his first fight—an experience that now shapes his belief in what’s possible when mindset, technique, and support align.
Sam has been running Byron Boxing for five years, building a reputation for technical excellence, inclusivity, and genuine connection. His coaching focuses on strong fundamentals, smart progression, and developing long-term relationships with clients while helping them hit meaningful goals—whether that’s confidence, fitness, or stepping into the ring.
Outside the gym, Sam is a local soccer coach in Byron, trains 3–4 times a week, and makes the most of the beach, saunas, reading, and music—especially house and hip hop.
Jade Jackson
Owner
Jade is a lifelong lover of sport and movement, with a background shaped by elite competition, leadership, and community. She played lacrosse at the top level for many years and was Head Coach of the Victorian State Under 15 team, experiences that built her belief in discipline, teamwork, and lifting others to succeed.
Growing up at Newport Lacrosse Club—where she is now a life member—Jade was surrounded by strong role models who instilled the importance of community connection and supporting others. That ethos continues to guide her approach at Byron Boxing, where inclusivity, encouragement, and belonging are central to the culture.
An Ambassador for This Girl Can, Jade has inspired women and girls of all ages to stay active, confident, and healthy. Always up for a challenge, she took up weight training at 40 and started playing football at 44 with the Byron Bay FC Women’s team—proof that it’s never too late to try something new.
Alongside her sporting life, Jade brings 20 years’ experience as a teacher and educational leader. She holds a Master of Education and is a Lecturer in Secondary Education at Swinburne University, with a strong commitment to learning, growth, and personal development.
When Jade isn’t in the gym supervising Open Gym, holding pads, or hitting bags alongside members, she’s running things behind the scenes—editing the website, creating social media content, designing merchandise, and making sure everyone is booked in, supported, and happy.
Gareth Kreft
Coach
Gareth got into boxing over 25 years ago as a way to stay fit for rugby, but it didn’t take long for the sport to become a lifelong passion. Drawn to the discipline, skill, and challenge of boxing, he has dedicated his career to mastering and teaching the art.
With more than 15 years’ experience in the fitness industry, Gareth brings a deep and well-rounded background to the gym. He has worked as a personal trainer and boxing coach, managed a Mixed Martial Arts gym, owned and operated his own boxing gym for over a decade, and promoted multiple boxing shows in Melbourne.
Training with Gareth means a strong focus on fundamentals, smart technique, and hard but rewarding sessions. His coaching style blends technical precision with intensity, helping clients build real boxing skill while developing fitness, confidence, and mental toughness.
Outside of boxing, Gareth is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoys a wide range of sports. When he’s not coaching, you’ll find him at the beach spending time with his wife and their two daughters.
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Welcome to the Byron Boxing team! We can't wait to welcome you.
