Founded in 1997, the Women's Boxing Club known as Baraka Bouts is the largest all-female club at the University of Notre Dame. From September to November, hundreds of women are given the opportunity to participate in the most unique Notre Dame experience. Pairing service with athletic ability, Baraka Bouts offers an experience no student can forget.

TRAINING & SPARING

Baraka Bouts is the most physically fit club on campus. If you don't believe us, attend one of our practices and see for yourself. Whether the day is targeting arms, abs, legs or full body - our coaches and professional trainers are guaranteed to get the participants in shape for the fights.

After four weeks of conditioning and technical training, the women are ready to begin sparring. First spars begin with simple offensive and defensive drills and progress to full contacts spars that more closely resemble an actual bout. A coach and two medical assistants supervise every spar.

FUNDRAISING

Leading up to the tournament, participants are asked to fundraise for the Holy Cross Missions in East Africa. Fundraising generally spans from September to November. In 2018, Baraka Bouts more than $220,000.

BOUTS

After months of hard work, the women are ready for bouts. The tournament takes place over three nights with a quarterfinal bout, semi-final bout and final bout. Participants fight three rounds for one minute and 15 seconds each. Five judges determine the winner in each bout.

Matches are determined according to height, weight and skill level to ensure an even fight.

MISSION

Baraka Bouts is not only an athletic club, but a club committed to service and education. Since 2002, participants have focused their efforts outside of the ring towards raising money for the Holy Cross Missions in East Africa. Through ticket sales, advertisements and general donations, the women have offered assistance to the Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School in Jinja, Uganda and Saint Joseph's Hill Secondary School in Kyarusozi, Uganda.

SCHEDULE

Participants determine their own schedule but are expected to attend a minumum of four practices each week. Practice begins in September and ends in November.

PRACTICE TIMES

MONDAY

6:00 - 8:00 a.m., 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

TUESDAY

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY

6:00 - 8:00 a.m., 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY

4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

2019 TOURNAMENT DETAILS

QUARTERFINALS

November 6 • 6:00 p.m.
Duncan Student Center - Dahnke Ballroom

SEMIFINALS

November 11 • 7:00 p.m.
Duncan Student Center - Dahnke Ballroom

FINALS

November 17 • 7:00 p.m.
Duncan Student Center - Dahnke Ballroom

ADMISSION:

Tickets are $15 for an all-session pass (admission to all three nights). Tickets may be purchased from any boxer. All-session passes are also available through the Murnane Family Ticket Office for $20; individual round tickets are $10. All proceeds benefit the Holy Cross Missions in East Africa, specificially Lakeview Secondary & St. Joseph Hill schools.