Our Boxing Sisters project was originally set up with the help of Cathy Brown, a retired professional British boxer and certified Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. Inspired by Cathy, the boxing and self-defence taught by our trainers teaches girls about strategy and focus, relieves stress and increases their confidence as well as physical strength. By learning self-defence techniques, women and girls feel more secure knowing that they can protect themselves.
The classes also help with anger management, as the physical activity allows pent-up feelings and trauma to move through the body and be released from the muscles. Finally, the project builds friendships and a community, because the Sisters always have a coach and a sparring partner.
Since the first iteration of Boxing Sisters, the programme has grown hugely, and is now one of our most popular and in-demand projects.
Cathy Brown, co-founder of Boxology Academy
CASE STUDY
As one of our younger beneficiaries, Rushna has found our regular girls’ boxing classes to be hugely beneficial – for both her mental and physical wellbeing. “I really enjoy boxing because it makes me feel strong,” she says. “I hope one day to be a boxing trainer myself, so I can teach other women and girls to defend themselves. It’s not all about physical strength, but it also gives you a strong sense of self-confidence and self-determination to face the difficulties in our lives. I want to share that with other young girls.”
Rushna also finds great comfort in visiting our women’s centre, adding: “It gives me opportunities to learn new skills and meet new friends, so we can spend time together instead of being stuck in our accommodation.”