Buddy Harrison was arrested at age 19 for armed robbery and sentenced to 19 years in prison. Released after 10 years, his faith and devotion to his family led him to turn his life around. He decided to open The Old School Boxing Gym in southeast DC to help local youth stay off the streets, even offering free training to local police officers to encourage positive relationships with the kids. Buddy says he used to be known for how bad he was; now he is proud to be known as a “good guy.”
Buddy Harrison
Coming from a poor family in Washington, DC, Buddy Harrison never went on a field trip or to the dentist. No one ever asked him for a report card. Consequently, he hardly ever went to school and dropped out of middle school in the 8th grade.
At the age of 11, Buddy was sent to reform school for stealing bikes, shoplifting, and hijacking cars. The school just made him tougher and more determined to stay on the path he was on. Later Buddy was sentenced to 19 years in prison for armed robbery. He believes this was the best thing that could have happened to him. During his time in prison, Buddy found God and changed his outlook on life. He decided he wanted wanted to be known as the good guy and made it his life’s mission to impact others. Without prison, he says, he would not be the person he is today.
Buddy got the idea for a boxing gym soon after his son was born. He wanted his son to be able to take care of himself in the rough neighborhood, so he started teaching him to box. They lived near an elementary school and soon the students began to come, so he moved to a larger location and opened the Old School Boxing gym.
Every night Old School Boxing is packed with kids from poor neighborhoods, foster homes, and group homes. It is a safe haven for these kids, keeping them off the streets, out of trouble, and away from drugs. In the beginning, Buddy was focused on winning boxing matches and only wanted the kids who would win golden gloves, but his tune quickly changed and he welcomed anyone.
Buddy even began offering free training to police officers in the D.C. area to foster relationships between police officers and the kids. Police and teenagers train side by side, get lunch together, and have each other’s cell phone numbers.
Buddy attributes his success to his wife, to the numerous avenues of learning he sought out while in prison, and to being in tune with God. Buddy continues to learn and teach, always with the goal of helping others. He is currently looking for a new gym location with more room in a safer area. Through dedication, learning, and discipline, Buddy continues to lead by example in his community.