The following Case Study provides conclusive evidence in how the medium of Boxing can help everyone achieve – both Coaches and participants.

Several members of “Unorthobox”, an Inclusive Boxing Fitness organisation based in England, were consulted to help identify the impact Boxing can have on peoples lives.  Each individual was asked 10 questions – please find samples of the answers provided:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PARTICIPATING IN BOXING?

“5 years on and off”, “Over 12 months”, “3 years”, “4 years”, “2 years”

WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU / WHY DID YOU START TO GET INVOLVED?

“I was attacked at work and my upper body wasn’t strong enough to get out of his grip. I realised I needed to be able to protect myself”

“I left rehabilitation due to an injury, I struggled to control anger/frustration and I was uncomfortable meeting with new people, so it has been great in helping me to deal with those issues and more”

“I wanted to get fit”

“I went to a Sports Taster Session and I really enjoyed it”

“Always wanted to try it, saw a leaflet in café saying Non-Contact”

WHAT WAS YOUR PERCEPTION OF BOXING BEFOREHAND?

“I thought it could be dangerous and a mans sport, I was naïve”

“Before participating i saw it as a competitive sport only..?”

“Really enjoyed watching it, thought it was a dangerous sport to get into.  So when I heard it was non contact I thought it was going to be a good session for me”

“Didn’t think I could do it as I’m a wheelchair user”

“I thought it was Male dominant and only about fighting”

HAVE YOU SEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE GYM / YOUR PRACTICE / YOUR TRAINING SINCE WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?

“The gym I first went to (with my brother) was not very female friendly. They were all hard faced and unfriendly, I thought that was the norm. At Unorthobox age is not a problem it changed my perception. I like that its mixed, friendly and welcoming. I never thought I would come across a gym that was open to people with disabilities. I didn’t think I would feel comfortable, welcome and part of family as I do now”

“I have learnt I am ambidextrous and I am able to run now, I was unsure if I would be able to run after injury as my balance was off & suffer a disability but now know & feel comfortable running”

“Up until lockdown I was losing weight and generally becoming fitter.  It seems better on my breathing”

“Yes, I have more upper body movement, and both arms”

“I’ve got a lot better, definitely improved my fitness and confidence”

HAVE YOU EVER / DO YOU FACE CHALLENGES IN BOXING?

“Learning how to box seated”

“The only challenges I have done has been pad work”

“I have asthma so that was quite a challenge.  I also lacked confidence”

“No as my Coach adapts it for me to be able to participate.  Sociallising, but Boxing has helped me to be more open”

“Learning a new Technique”

IN WHAT WAY HAS BOXING HELPED YOU TO OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?

“I used to think I couldn’t do boxing sat down as a disabled person but now I know you can”

“It has taught me to believe in myself and not to put myself down & that I am capable of anything if I wish to & it has also helped me to curb my anger & frustrations”

“Meeting new people through Boxing has helped me with my confidence.  I like to get involved and help others in the class.  Getting fitter has helped me with my breathing”

“Given me more confidence, and now I know I can do things I want to, even if it’s in a different way”

“Improving my fitness has helpded me learn the new techniques”

WHAT PART OF BOXING TRAINING DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

“I like all the training. I like the encouragement and motivation from the coaches the most”

“Shadow sparring & pad work”

“I really enjoy padwork and bagwork.  I get a lot out of helping others in the class”

“Putting on my gloves, sparring with my Coach or someone else in the Team”

“1 to 1 Training”

HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU TRAIN PER WEEK?

“2-3 a week”

“Not often enough unfortunately, once-twice a week”

“2”

“1”

“2 – 3 times”

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE IMAPCT(s) BOXING HAS HAD ON YOU?

“Improved my confidence”

“Given me more belief & confidence”

“Confidence and fitness”

“Knowing that I’m included and I can do it”

“Confidence”

HOW DO YOU THINK BOXING COULD BE MADE MORE INCLUSIVE?

“Meeting with coaches to discuss any worries before starting training. Coaches explaining everything thoroughly being reassured that there is no discrimination and if there is that it is nipped in the bud immediately. Knowing that if you have any problems you can talk to the coach. No pressure to attend each week. Mixed classes with all abilities putting you at ease as a disabled or vulnerable person”

“I personally think more people are needed to run & maintain these boxing groups and in a permanent site with equipment so its easier for all coaches/ parties/participants involved”

“Coaches getting more training”

“By getting more people involved, all abilities”

“More facilities available, more inclusive clubs”