SAXON

I was introduced to Naenae Boxing when my teacher interrupted my friends and me messing about on the field and suggested I join a lunchtime session that was happening the next day. When I entered, a senior student warmly greeted me with a firm handshake, emitting an aura of coolness. Instantly I knew I wanted to join. I love boxing and I love the sport, but the thing that keeps me coming back is the community of the gym. A handshake, a smile, and a good conversation are guaranteed from every person you meet in the gym as you first enter. This is a community that was built by Billy Graham, 17 years ago, still holding the same values as it did back then, champion young people contributing to their communities, but now with David Graham at the forefront.

The best physical skill I learnt while boxing has got to be skipping, it used to be so difficult but now it feels more like therapy that I could do with my eyes closed. Mental strength is so important when boxing which is why you need a support team behind you like the boys and girls at Naenae. The first time I put the gloves on was before sparring with a very experienced boy during a school class. Knowing he could hurt me at any point was scary but exhilarating. Of course, he took good care of me but ever since then, I've loved that feeling and soon after I joined the full senior class to begin my journey. The community at Naenae Boxing Academy is something that you will always carry with you, no matter how long it has been since your last training, once a Naenae boy always a Naenae boy.

I am now currently studying Health Psychology at Victoria University and really enjoying the challenge. The most important skill I've taken from boxing into my life is how to have confidence in myself and my abilities. Before joining Naenae I had always been shy but boxing brought out something else in me, now I am a confident university student who is not afraid to speak my mind in front of others. The impact the academy had on my life has been immense and I would not be the same without it. When boxing you must have dreams and then set goals to reach those dreams. Being successful in boxing allowed me to dream bigger than before and set a goal of going to university unlike many of my family before me. And I achieved that, thanks to Naenae Boxing Academy.