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Coming from all walks of life, they are coming in droves to experience the outstanding benefits derived from the sport that is boxing. Some are there just to push their body to the limit, others are there to feel the intense rush when tissue and bone connects with leather and others are there to learn how to dance around a ring like Ali. Some again, are there to learn lessons that cannot be taught without getting the hands ‘dirty’ and some are there because they were born to become our champions in this sport.

Australia’s ruggedly proud heritage still embraces the courage and spirit that a hard won battle entails. Today, in The Boxing Shop Gym at Griffith University Nathan Campus, there is a piece of each of these Aussie battlers, princes and princesses of the boxing ring, who are making an impact on the community and those around them.

Take Todd Kidd as an example. Arguably Australia’s finest and most experienced welterweight amateur Boxer who tumbles, spins and shadow boxes with the grace of a panther- right alongside a class of Butterfly Boxers – ladies who are learning mastery of the basics. Todd is in training for his first Olympic Games, having already represented at World Titles and The Commonwealth Games.

Traditionally, Boxing gyms were about mean, hard sweaty males who ignored anyone, in particular any female, who dared to enter their domain. Now, these ladies are welcomed to places like The Boxing Shop with open arms, by people who love the sport and are helping
others to build superior fitness, conditioning, focus and confidence.

Next there is former professional Australian Junior Welterweight Champion, Chris McCullen, who is the glamour boy-next-door type. Underneath a humble and unassuming nature is a tough and fierce competitor who demands the highest from himself and those around him. Having the privilege to train alongside such a genuine Australian champ is rare and enjoyed by those lucky enough to train alongside him. One young lady recalls that ‘on the brink of collapse and perhaps tears during a intense training session, a word of encouragement, a hand on the shoulder, or tips on how to improve is always extended, along with the hand of mateship. That is what I love about this place”.

Then there is Eleni Pippos, the ‘songbird in gloves’ who at the age of 21, has shown how much grit and determination she has to lose more than 50kg and become an athlete. The nightmare and sadness of being an overweight youth is now overshadowed by a confident, attractive young woman and a skilled boxer. Eleni will have her first amateur boxing bout in 2008.

Not the least bit in the shadows is the Head Coach of The Boxing Shop, Gareth Williams, who is the inspiration, drive and passion behind the rapidly growing gym. His Coaching and training skills are highly sought by both boxers and elite sporting teams on the strength of his reputation for being tough, honest and innovative. The fact that he can make you laugh, even when you are hurting, is both a blessing and a curse for those who come to learn from him. Williams says “I can say with absolute confidence that many people are coming to learn, compete or train as a Boxer and are finding so much more. They are finding strong friendships and sense of community that supports their health and wellbeing, and an opportunity to extend themselves beyond what they first thought possible.” Caryn Thomas (35) of Tarragindi, who has been training for 2 years says of Williams “quite simply, he is the best motivator that I have ever known”.

Being a great motivator is just the beginning. Boxing to compete is something that must be rigorously and meticulously prepared for by both the athlete and the coach. It is not something that can be left to chance or to an unexperienced and uneducated trainer. In training and preparation, it is vital to prepare both the body and the mind for the task. Boxers are athletes that must stay focussed and must be physically fit to last the rounds. When you are tired, you stop thinking clearly, and that is when it becomes dangerous. A well conditioned body and mind stays focussed and sharp and is likely to respond the way you need it to when the chips are down.

Sport Psychologist and Life Coach, Huia Hikaiti, who is partner in The Boxing Shop says “we have a favourite word and definition here and that is “Resilience”. We understand that inside each person, there is the most amazing and complex ability to heal, regenerate and grow beyond the last known limit. We like our Boxers to put it to the test and we admire those who show resilience and a commitment to improving themselves.”

There are many boxing gyms who loudly proclaim they are the best, most fittest, most equipped. The key to finding the best gym is to find the one that fits you perfectly. If you aren’t enjoying what you are doing, or the people around you, perhaps it is time to look for a more welcoming place, where the people are smiling (albeit through a grimace of exertion), where the training is constantly being improved and innovated and where you are encouraged to be the very best that you can be. Maybe you might just love it too.

Albert & Logan News
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ON FIRST appearances, Yasmin Grimmer looks to be anything but a boxer.

She is slim and softly spoken, with dark shiny straight hair.

Her 23-year-old frame is tiny and one suspects she may get blown over on gusty days.

But then she pulls on the gloves to practise her left hook, keeping the elbow high and the forearm
straight to block any incoming shots.

Her partner holds tight on to a red punch pad, but rocks backwards slightly as Grimmer’s fist connects
with a thud.

She is transformed from timid public servant to a tiny titan.

“I’m small and maybe people think they can take advantage of me,” she says, hands on hips.

“But they’re wrong.”
Grimmer, from Jimboomba, southwest of Brisbane, is one of more than 50 women signed up to a new
personal development course that mixes sound boxing techniques with life coaching.

Classes are run beside the lily-covered water and preened gardens of Underwood Park at Springwood
and there are plans to run others in Brisbane.

On this balmy late afternoon, these dozen women are among the first to try butterfly boxing.

Teaching them how to throw a quick jab, followed by a hip-driven left hook, is coach Gareth Williams,
who also trains Australian welterweight champ Chris McCullen.

“Most of the women are not here because they actually want to fight,” says Williams, 31, who developed
the course with his partner.

“Many of the women talk about this feeling of power they get from the boxing – they become confident
with their bodies.”

Williams wanted to design a course that taught women genuine defensive and attacking boxing skills,
rather than the popular boxacise classes which focus on fitness.

“This is all about giving the women some self-confidence,” Williams says. “But as well, if ever anyone
did try anything, they would have a way of looking after themselves. Victims only become victims if
they act like one.

“Standing strong puts doubt in an attacker’s mind.”

“We start by teaching the women the right stance and how to block punches.

“By the end we want them to be able to defend themselves, but also have the instinct to throw one back.”

The women say they take part for all sorts of reasons, from learning self-defence techniques to staying
fit and having fun outdoors.

Anne-Maree Newbery, 47, from central Brisbane, is another butterfly boxer but a polar opposite in
stature to the petite Grimmer.

She admits she’s overweight and, in normal circumstances, would never line up for physical activity.

“It’s just nice for someone like me who hates exercise to find something like this that feels so bloody
good,” she says, unfurling a pink boxing wrap from her reddened knuckles.

“I know that after a session I feel very strong and powerful.

“Some of the girls here are fit, some aren’t.

“There are fat and skinny girls and old and young, but we are all real people,” she says.

There are three levels of course that last from four to six weeks and start from $69, including lifecoaching
sessions. Butterfly boxers who pass through all three levels can choose to take each other on in
a sparring match, complete with 16 ounce gloves and head and breast protectors.

Williams’s partner Huia Hikaiti, 29, is a formidable athlete and has represented the state at netball.

She is preparing for her first fight and delivers training as well as delivering the life coaching.

“There are so many people who want to learn boxing without the pressure of having to jump in the ring,”

Hikaiti says.

“I know what it is like to walk into a boxing gym with my high-heels and make-up – it can be
intimidating.”

Hikaiti holds the life-coaching sessions when the gloves are off, usually in a local coffee house.

“We are focused on the boxing but the life coaching adds real value,” she says.

“We work through issues in their lives and talk about ways they can move forward personally.

“The girls really open up and we build a rapport very quickly.”