Boxing teaching skills for real life
The Temuka Boxing Club is where young people not only learn the sport but also a place to let off steam and understand how to manage their emotions.
Volunteer club coach Tuatahi Taha (Nga Ruahine Rangi) who works as an alternative education tutor, said it gives the more than 40 regulars many life skills.
‘‘As well as getting fit, boxing teaches adrenaline management, self-control, coping with disappointment and humility.’’
He said part of boxing was about thinking.
‘‘You have to think. What works in one round may not work for another. You learn to adapt.’’
Like rugby there was aggression in the sport but it was about learning how to control it, Taha said.
At the start of each session the participants are allowed one minute on the punching bag to get rid of any anger or issues, he said.
Sometimes young people who did not have good self-control when pushed in a corner responded with a flight or fight response, whereas in the ring that could be let out with no judgment within guidelines, he said. ‘‘I used to be one of those kids.’’ Taha grew up the eldest of 13 children and had to take responsibility for them as alcohol was an issue in the family, he said.
‘‘Since learning boxing it has shaped me. I can see a destination and it got me out of my comfort zone, you face your fears. What you learn here can be used in the real world.’’
He started to learn to box six years ago and kept the gym aspect of the club functioning while it was in hiatus. At the end of 2019 he got the boxing part re-established.
Assistant coach Serena Menzies always wanted to box as a child but girls were not allowed to when she was young.
The mother of five teaches the under 10s and said it was great to watch them come out of their shell and embrace what they learnt.
‘‘It gives them confidence.’’ One of the eight girls in the club, Mahlia Hemara, 11, (Nga¯i Tahu) who is preparing for her first tournament in Christchurch in March 2021, said she enjoyed boxing and it had improved her confidence.
‘‘The hardest part is getting hurt sparring.’’
She said her friends thought it ‘‘cool’’ she had taken up the sport and a friend had joined too.
Kiwa Bruce Tuhakaraina, 15, (Nga¯ ti Ha¯ ua) said attending the club kept him out of trouble and kept him fit.