Staff Bios
Joe Czerwinski – Owner
Joe Czerwinski began climbing in 1994, and throughout his life as a climber, he has routeset for some of the biggest international events like the Asian X-Games and Junior X-Games. He continued route setting for the biggest production level events in the Asia and North America, working for ESPN, ESPNStar, NBC, Disney and OLN, and is still the most experienced production level route setter in the United States.
In competition, he was ranked in the top 20 for every national level adult event he has entered. In 2008, he was a member of the U.S. Adult National Bouldering Team and competed in the first IFSC Bouldering World Cup on U.S. soil, finishing 34th. (Vail, CO).
Outdoors, he has bouldered V13, climbed V11 in one hour, and flashed V10. He has climbed a route rated 5.13d/8b 2nd try, and flashed 5.13b/8a. He has been coaching for 15 years, and is the only male American to represent the United States as an athlete (08 Adult National Bouldering Team), and as a coach (USAC National Team Coach 2010-2012). During his tenure as Head Coach, he has produced 16 members of the U.S. Junior Climbing Team, 14 podium finishers, 2 National Champions, and 1 World Champion. He is also a state certified guide for Hueco Tanks State Historical Park.
SPONSORED BY
Wesley Monnette
1 week ago
I visited Focus while being in town for work. Focus is a modern take on what indoor climbing is supposed to be. Their facility is mostly bouldering with a smaller auto belay area, where practicing lead climbing is allowed. Personally, I haven't sucked at climbing that much since the last time I went outside. This is the place to go if you are looking to train for outdoor climbing! The movement of the problems is very refined. I think its evident heir setters get outside to climb quite a bit, and bring that experience to their guests. Truly, a top tier gym in the Phoenix area!
Wesley Monnette
1 week ago
I visited Focus while being in town for work. Focus is a modern take on what indoor climbing is supposed to be. Their facility is mostly bouldering with a smaller auto belay area, where practicing lead climbing is allowed. Personally, I haven't sucked at climbing that much since the last time I went outside. This is the place to go if you are looking to train for outdoor climbing! The movement of the problems is very refined. I think its evident heir setters get outside to climb quite a bit, and bring that experience to their guests. Truly, a top tier gym in the Phoenix area!
Hailey San Nicolas
1 week ago
I give my experience a 0/5.
Today, I planned on taking my little brother to Focus because I had heard great things about it from a friend. When we walked in, we noticed a sign that said the employees were busy and assisting other guests. However, there was a sticky note on it that said to come into the gym if we needed help, so we did.
When we entered the gym, we were greeted by an employee named Joe in a peach-colored shirt. He told us that a parent had to sign the waiver, which I completely understand. However, when we told him that we would only be spectators and not climbing, he became rude and aggressive. He started making snarky remarks about how we should climb and said that it was “ridiculous” that we weren’t.
When we politely told him that we just didn’t feel like climbing, he rolled his eyes and dismissed us. After we had my mom sign the waiver and let him know, he brushed us off again and told us to wait in the waiting area. After waiting for 15 minutes, we decided to leave.
I understand that climbers can sometimes have an eccentric attitude, but he was unpleasant . Needless to say, I’ve been to several other climbing gyms in Scottsdale, such as Alta and Gecko, where the employees are friendly and laid-back.
I highly recommend those places instead.
Today, I planned on taking my little brother to Focus because I had heard great things about it from a friend. When we walked in, we noticed a sign that said the employees were busy and assisting other guests. However, there was a sticky note on it that said to come into the gym if we needed help, so we did.
When we entered the gym, we were greeted by an employee named Joe in a peach-colored shirt. He told us that a parent had to sign the waiver, which I completely understand. However, when we told him that we would only be spectators and not climbing, he became rude and aggressive. He started making snarky remarks about how we should climb and said that it was “ridiculous” that we weren’t.
When we politely told him that we just didn’t feel like climbing, he rolled his eyes and dismissed us. After we had my mom sign the waiver and let him know, he brushed us off again and told us to wait in the waiting area. After waiting for 15 minutes, we decided to leave.
I understand that climbers can sometimes have an eccentric attitude, but he was unpleasant . Needless to say, I’ve been to several other climbing gyms in Scottsdale, such as Alta and Gecko, where the employees are friendly and laid-back.
I highly recommend those places instead.
Hailey San Nicolas
1 week ago
I give my experience a 0/5.
Today, I planned on taking my little brother to Focus because I had heard great things about it from a friend. When we walked in, we noticed a sign that said the employees were busy and assisting other guests. However, there was a sticky note on it that said to come into the gym if we needed help, so we did.
When we entered the gym, we were greeted by an employee named Joe in a peach-colored shirt. He told us that a parent had to sign the waiver, which I completely understand. However, when we told him that we would only be spectators and not climbing, he became rude and aggressive. He started making snarky remarks about how we should climb and said that it was “ridiculous” that we weren’t.
When we politely told him that we just didn’t feel like climbing, he rolled his eyes and dismissed us. After we had my mom sign the waiver and let him know, he brushed us off again and told us to wait in the waiting area. After waiting for 15 minutes, we decided to leave.
I understand that climbers can sometimes have an eccentric attitude, but he was unpleasant . Needless to say, I’ve been to several other climbing gyms in Scottsdale, such as Alta and Gecko, where the employees are friendly and laid-back.
I highly recommend those places instead.
Today, I planned on taking my little brother to Focus because I had heard great things about it from a friend. When we walked in, we noticed a sign that said the employees were busy and assisting other guests. However, there was a sticky note on it that said to come into the gym if we needed help, so we did.
When we entered the gym, we were greeted by an employee named Joe in a peach-colored shirt. He told us that a parent had to sign the waiver, which I completely understand. However, when we told him that we would only be spectators and not climbing, he became rude and aggressive. He started making snarky remarks about how we should climb and said that it was “ridiculous” that we weren’t.
When we politely told him that we just didn’t feel like climbing, he rolled his eyes and dismissed us. After we had my mom sign the waiver and let him know, he brushed us off again and told us to wait in the waiting area. After waiting for 15 minutes, we decided to leave.
I understand that climbers can sometimes have an eccentric attitude, but he was unpleasant . Needless to say, I’ve been to several other climbing gyms in Scottsdale, such as Alta and Gecko, where the employees are friendly and laid-back.
I highly recommend those places instead.
Schnebly Magee
2 weeks ago
still the best, thanks joe!
Schnebly Magee
2 weeks ago
still the best, thanks joe!
James Lee
2 weeks ago
The best climbing gym in Arizona. The owner Joe is a veteran of the sport. Knowledgeable, active and always happy to advise.
The routes are reset regularly, both boulders and auto-belay.
There are several categories of youth climbing teams for the younger climbers, with a high level of climber in the team.
There’s also a kids summer camp which is a fun way for kids to get into the sport.
This gym prides itself on being a local business and not a corporate run of the mill machine. Support local, you won’t regret coming here.
The routes are reset regularly, both boulders and auto-belay.
There are several categories of youth climbing teams for the younger climbers, with a high level of climber in the team.
There’s also a kids summer camp which is a fun way for kids to get into the sport.
This gym prides itself on being a local business and not a corporate run of the mill machine. Support local, you won’t regret coming here.
James Lee
2 weeks ago
The best climbing gym in Arizona. The owner Joe is a veteran of the sport. Knowledgeable, active and always happy to advise.
The routes are reset regularly, both boulders and auto-belay.
There are several categories of youth climbing teams for the younger climbers, with a high level of climber in the team.
There’s also a kids summer camp which is a fun way for kids to get into the sport.
This gym prides itself on being a local business and not a corporate run of the mill machine. Support local, you won’t regret coming here.
The routes are reset regularly, both boulders and auto-belay.
There are several categories of youth climbing teams for the younger climbers, with a high level of climber in the team.
There’s also a kids summer camp which is a fun way for kids to get into the sport.
This gym prides itself on being a local business and not a corporate run of the mill machine. Support local, you won’t regret coming here.
Micah Runyon
3 months ago
I would highly recommend you give Focus gym a try it's the best gym around. The routes are fun but still challenging, the staff is awesome, and the community is super friendly and supportive.
Micah Runyon
3 months ago
I would highly recommend you give Focus gym a try it's the best gym around. The routes are fun but still challenging, the staff is awesome, and the community is super friendly and supportive.
Kevin Boehm
3 months ago
Great route setting, and friendly staff. My favorite gym in phoenix area
Kevin Boehm
3 months ago
Great route setting, and friendly staff. My favorite gym in phoenix area
AZ SUPREME JUNK REMOVAL
3 months ago
Great setting and vibes. I've been coming here, on and off for years.
AZ SUPREME JUNK REMOVAL
3 months ago
Great setting and vibes. I've been coming here, on and off for years.
Andrea Sanchez
3 months ago
Awesome experience! Wide range of climbing options, great vibes and environment!!! Highly recommended 🤙🏽
Andrea Sanchez
3 months ago
Awesome experience! Wide range of climbing options, great vibes and environment!!! Highly recommended 🤙🏽
Joseph Craft
4 months ago
Exactly what I'm looking for in indoor climbing. In an effort to find the right pair of shoes I have been to nearly every gear shop and climbing gym in Phoenix. They are not all created equal. Some are long standing institutions that care about their community and the future of climbing.
Some are greedy corporate machines with entirely too much money behind them, that are capitalizing the current bouldering craze, destroying local climbing communities and dulling the sport by setting soft parkour problems for gym bros to take their shirts off and campus soft "V1's" for $95 dollars a month. Buying out gyms all over the country, creating a monopoly of mediocrity.
Focus Climbing Center is not that.
Focus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their problems and routes are designed to challenge you and make you a better climber. They are set by climbers Ie, people who climb rocks outside and care about the sport beyond setting clippable dinos to show off on instagram. Yeah they're sandbagged it's supposed to be hard. Grades don't really matter if your new anyhow. The staff is kind, helpful, and honest. You really get a family vibe from the place. Probably because it's owned and operated by a family of professional climbers. Their financial assistance program and discounted rates allow a level of accessibility to the sport no one else in the city is doing. Focus has integrity above all else, and if you fancy yourself someone who cares get down here and send it.
Some are greedy corporate machines with entirely too much money behind them, that are capitalizing the current bouldering craze, destroying local climbing communities and dulling the sport by setting soft parkour problems for gym bros to take their shirts off and campus soft "V1's" for $95 dollars a month. Buying out gyms all over the country, creating a monopoly of mediocrity.
Focus Climbing Center is not that.
Focus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their problems and routes are designed to challenge you and make you a better climber. They are set by climbers Ie, people who climb rocks outside and care about the sport beyond setting clippable dinos to show off on instagram. Yeah they're sandbagged it's supposed to be hard. Grades don't really matter if your new anyhow. The staff is kind, helpful, and honest. You really get a family vibe from the place. Probably because it's owned and operated by a family of professional climbers. Their financial assistance program and discounted rates allow a level of accessibility to the sport no one else in the city is doing. Focus has integrity above all else, and if you fancy yourself someone who cares get down here and send it.
Joseph Craft
4 months ago
Exactly what I'm looking for in indoor climbing. In an effort to find the right pair of shoes I have been to nearly every gear shop and climbing gym in Phoenix. They are not all created equal. Some are long standing institutions that care about their community and the future of climbing.
Some are greedy corporate machines with entirely too much money behind them, that are capitalizing the current bouldering craze, destroying local climbing communities and dulling the sport by setting soft parkour problems for gym bros to take their shirts off and campus soft "V1's" for $95 dollars a month. Buying out gyms all over the country, creating a monopoly of mediocrity.
Focus Climbing Center is not that.
Focus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their problems and routes are designed to challenge you and make you a better climber. They are set by climbers Ie, people who climb rocks outside and care about the sport beyond setting clippable dinos to show off on instagram. Yeah they're sandbagged it's supposed to be hard. Grades don't really matter if your new anyhow. The staff is kind, helpful, and honest. You really get a family vibe from the place. Probably because it's owned and operated by a family of professional climbers. Their financial assistance program and discounted rates allow a level of accessibility to the sport no one else in the city is doing. Focus has integrity above all else, and if you fancy yourself someone who cares get down here and send it.
Some are greedy corporate machines with entirely too much money behind them, that are capitalizing the current bouldering craze, destroying local climbing communities and dulling the sport by setting soft parkour problems for gym bros to take their shirts off and campus soft "V1's" for $95 dollars a month. Buying out gyms all over the country, creating a monopoly of mediocrity.
Focus Climbing Center is not that.
Focus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their problems and routes are designed to challenge you and make you a better climber. They are set by climbers Ie, people who climb rocks outside and care about the sport beyond setting clippable dinos to show off on instagram. Yeah they're sandbagged it's supposed to be hard. Grades don't really matter if your new anyhow. The staff is kind, helpful, and honest. You really get a family vibe from the place. Probably because it's owned and operated by a family of professional climbers. Their financial assistance program and discounted rates allow a level of accessibility to the sport no one else in the city is doing. Focus has integrity above all else, and if you fancy yourself someone who cares get down here and send it.
Newt Daily Garnick
4 months ago
YOU GET SPOILED HERE! Joe runs an amazing gym that has incredible climbs, staff, and climbers. I'm in the process of moving out of Arizona and after checking out multiple gyms in the state I'm moving to I can say without any question that FOCUS is the best rock climbing gym you will ever go to. I have not found any other gym that compares in the slightest. If you're new to climbing and start at focus every other gym will simply be disappointing.
Newt Daily Garnick
4 months ago
YOU GET SPOILED HERE! Joe runs an amazing gym that has incredible climbs, staff, and climbers. I'm in the process of moving out of Arizona and after checking out multiple gyms in the state I'm moving to I can say without any question that FOCUS is the best rock climbing gym you will ever go to. I have not found any other gym that compares in the slightest. If you're new to climbing and start at focus every other gym will simply be disappointing.
Madeleine Chandless
5 months ago
Great setting, fun gym! Check it out if you can!
Madeleine Chandless
5 months ago
Great setting, fun gym! Check it out if you can!
J Y
5 months ago
A great place to start as a new climber. Would recommend trying the hobby over some other places nearby. Ive met several beginner and veteran climbers who were so helpful and friendly that helped me improve from barely VB to nearly V1 climb in under a week, also helps me get over my fear of heights. Just need to start phrasing my questions better.
J Y
5 months ago
A great place to start as a new climber. Would recommend trying the hobby over some other places nearby. Ive met several beginner and veteran climbers who were so helpful and friendly that helped me improve from barely VB to nearly V1 climb in under a week, also helps me get over my fear of heights. Just need to start phrasing my questions better.
Eric Donley
5 months ago
Great spot to train. Friendly and welcoming vibes.
Eric Donley
5 months ago
Great spot to train. Friendly and welcoming vibes.
Jonatan Funtowicz
6 months ago
My 10 year old daughter has had a great time with her 10 day pass.
Jonatan Funtowicz
6 months ago
My 10 year old daughter has had a great time with her 10 day pass.
Isabella Huang
6 months ago
old school gym in all the best ways! loved the flowy and fun setting — properly sandbagged!
Isabella Huang
6 months ago
old school gym in all the best ways! loved the flowy and fun setting — properly sandbagged!
