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DARCY ELLIS

Darcy appears in the Top 100
Innovators & Entrepreneurs Magazine

Ellis, Darcy-1.jpg

Darcy Ellis

Darcy Ellis, founder and CEO of Hitfit, is redefining what it means to step into the ring. A former professional boxer and the son of five-time Australian World Champion, Lester Ellis, Darcy grew up immersed in the sport's discipline, resilience, and transformative power. But he had a vision far beyond the traditional confines of boxing: to make its life-changing benefits accessible to everyone.

Founded in 2019, Hitfit proudly bears the tagline "The Boxing Gym for Everyone." With three thriving locations across Victoria, Australia, including the record-breaking Hitfit Melton— crowned one of the biggest boutique gyms in Australia and recognized with a Business Excellence Award—Darcy is on a mission to shatter stereotypes. Boxing, he believes, isn’t just for seasoned athletes or gym enthusiasts; it’s for everyday people of all ages, skills, and fitness levels.

Darcy’s innovative approach has garnered national attention, with Hitfit featured on TV and endorsed by world-class ambassadors. The success of his second location, one of the fastest-growing in the country, is a testament to his ability to connect with individuals seeking more than just exercise—they're seeking empowerment.

Under Darcy's leadership, Hitfit is punching its way into uncharted territory through strategic franchising. This initiative not only broadens the reach of Hitfit’s welcoming ethos, but also provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and support to build their dream businesses. By expanding the brand, Darcy ensures that more people across Australia can channel their inner fighter, break through personal barriers, and thrive.

We spoke with Darcy to learn more about his inspiration, unique business model, and the incredible franchise opportunities he offers.

Darcy, what inspired you to start Hitfit?

I was inspired by my dad, a five-time world champion, whose journey from humble beginnings to becoming a champion shaped my appreciation for boxing’s transformative power. Growing up surrounded by the sport, I saw firsthand how it could change lives—not just physically but mentally and emotionally. That experience sparked my lifelong passion for boxing.

When it came to creating Hitfit, I realized that many gym owners focus on things like having the best equipment or the most stylish facilities. While those things matter, I believe the true value of a gym lies in the relationships it fosters. People don’t stick with gyms because of fancy equipment—they stick around because of the connections they build with coaches and fellow members. That’s why we’ve designed Hitfit to prioritize people over everything else. We invest in our coaches and ensure they’re building meaningful relationships with our members. When people feel cared for, when they know they’re part of a supportive community, they’re more likely to stay consistent. And consistency leads to results.

At Hitfit, we’re not just about workouts; we’re about creating a space where people feel accountable, supported, and empowered. That’s the real heart of our model—helping people transform their lives through connection and boxing.

What makes Hitfit unique?

What truly sets Hitfit apart is our ability to cater to everyone in the family, from young children to older adults. We’re one of the few gyms offering services for all ages—our youngest member is just 3 years old, and our oldest is an inspiring 91-year-old who was even featured on national TV. Not many gyms can boast that kind of inclusivity, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

Another key aspect that makes Hitfit unique is our team of coaches. Many of them have competitive boxing experience, but what’s even more special is that most started as members of the Hitfit community. They’ve experienced firsthand the transformative impact of our programs and now dedicate themselves to helping others achieve their goals—whether that’s improving fitness through boxing-inspired workouts or training to step into the ring as a boxer.

This deep connection between our staff and members creates an unparalleled sense of authenticity and community. Our coaches are living proof of how Hitfit can positively transform lives. They’re not just instructors; they’re walking testimonials of what’s possible within our supportive environment. That combination of inclusivity, experienced coaching, and a genuine sense of belonging is what makes Hitfit truly one-of-a-kind.

Your franchise model is also unique—and true to your mission to be a positive change in the community. How is it different from other franchises?

Our franchise model stands out in several key ways. First, we’ve designed it to have a low startup cost and a simple setup. Essentially, all you need is an open floor space and boxing bags, which keeps the build-out and initial investment very lean. This streamlined approach makes it easier for franchisees to get up and running. Second, our focus is exclusively on boxing. Unlike other gyms that offer a wide variety of classes—like boxing, Pilates, or boot camps—we stay true to what we do best. This singular focus simplifies operations while delivering exceptional value to our members.

Another unique aspect is our ability to serve both adults and kids, which allows us to build a much larger membership base than typical boutique gyms. While standard gyms often struggle to surpass 500 or 600 members, our Hitfit location in Melton has 1,100 members—and it’s still growing. This dual focus not only fosters a more inclusive community but also creates a significant revenue advantage for franchisees.

Ultimately, our model is both affordable to start and highly profitable to operate. Franchisees can often achieve three to four times the income of a standard boutique gym, making Hitfit not just a fitness business, but a truly rewarding opportunity for those passionate about boxing and community impact.

What do you enjoy most about your work? What drives you?

For us, it’s not about being the biggest—it’s about being the most impactful. We’re team boxing before we’re team business. What drives me is the potential to inspire people to embrace boxing and transform their lives, whether they join a Hitfit gym or another boxing community. In the next 5–10 years, we’ll measure success not by the size of our company, but by the difference we’ve made. How many lives did we change? How much did we contribute to boxing’s rise as a go-to exercise for all ages and abilities? If someone discovers the transformative power of boxing because of our efforts, that’s a win in my book.

 

Darcy Ellis
Founder and CEO
Hitfit
Website: https://www.hitfit.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitfit-official/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554813207502 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilovehitfit/

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