On the 22nd of September, a coach called Kenneth came in from Monkstown Boxing Club. He came in to teach the TYs the basics of boxing and give them a few small taster classes to encourage them to take up boxing. These taster classes spanned over three weeks during the TYs’ PE classes.
Some of the TYs were a bit hesitant to participate in the exercise but as the weeks went on they grew more confident in their abilities. To start off each session, Kenneth gave the TYs a few warm ups to complete. The warm ups were meant to get the TYs ready for punching the boxing pads.
After the warm ups the TYs were separated into pairs and began to practise punches and ducking without any boxing gloves on. Over the three weeks, the TYs perfected their moves and grew comfortable with punching thin air. The TYs found the warm ups intense but it prepared them for the boxing pads.
Some TYs got very involved and were encouraged by Kenneth to join Monkstown Boxing Club. Many of the TYs enjoyed using the boxing gloves and getting the experience of boxing which some of them would never have experienced had it not been for the opportunity given in TY.
At the end of the three weeks, the TYs had improved their technique from the first week. Many of the TYs enjoyed the warm ups as it made the transition into the boxing gloves easier on their muscles.
The TYs really enjoyed the experience and would love to do it again! The TYs are really grateful that they got this opportunity because it’s so hard to know what boxing will be like in clubs and this opportunity really gave the TYs an insight into boxing.
Some students said:
“It was a really good experience!”
“It was good for getting out my frustration and helped regulate my mental health!”
“It helped teach me discipline and boxing is a great sport!”