Nyika’s counterpunching Parkinson’s
David Nyika’s family are punching Parkinson’s against the ropes.
The Hamilton boxer is launching a programme at his Ringside Gym called Counterpunch Parkinson’s, which is an initiative that uses boxing exercises to knock back the effects of the disease.
Nyika’s inspiration is his English grandad, Derrick Depledge, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012.
Depledge, 79, will be one of his grandson’s students at the first class of its kind in Hamilton on November 4, having only boxed once before in his life.
Pulling the gloves on might be a novelty but playing sport isn’t. Depledge played football until he was 59 and he used to run up to 50/60km a week.
Nyika is among the first graduates in New Zealand to have qualified to coach the initiative.
Lisa Gombinsky Roach brought the programme to New Zealand and founded it with boxing coach Shane Cameron last year.
Counterpunch Parkinson’s is inspired by Rock Steady Boxing - a non-profit organisation led by a boxing coach in the United States.
As founder, head coach and managing director of Counterpunch Parkinson’s, Gombinsky, who’s worked in Parkinson’s rehabilitation and exercise for 20 years, explains how the programme uses boxing to literally fight the disease, which is an incurable degenerat-
‘‘Boxing gives the proverbial middle finger to Parkinson's.’’
ive condition that affects the motor system.
‘‘Boxing gives the proverbial middle finger to Parkinson’s,’’ said Gombinsky.
‘‘There’s research from various countries around the world talking about the benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson’s, specifically exercise that directly addresses things that Parkinson’s makes difficult, such as balance, coordination and agility.’’
Nyika will be managing his time so he can take classes and continue his training to increase his weight. He said there had already been interest in the classes but he did have one con- cern.
‘‘Hopefully grandad doesn’t show me up.’’
Counterpunch Parkinson’s Ringside Gym launch, 16 Bandon St, Hamilton; Friday, November 4, 10am. For more info visit www.counterpunchparkinsons.com or call 07 848 2145.