Boxing helps pupils' confidence

Boxing - to some it may seem like a violent sport but at Owhata Primary School it's helping students become more confident, focused and fit.
The Rotovegas Boxing Gym has been training the school's Year Six boys since the beginning of term three. Now into the last term of the school year, pupils have not only become more physically fit, they are doing better academically and have developed friendships.
"One of the big things for them is the sense of belonging they get ... being part of a whanau and a group, developing friendship," principal Bob Stiles said.
He said a mix of students were taking part, including academics and pupils who had been struggling at school.
"They're all getting lots out of it. Probably, the most noticeable just talking to their parents and their teachers is the self belief."
Mr Stiles said the idea of bringing the boxing training to the school was welcomed by the Board of Trustees but some of the staff were worried the sport might have been a bit too violent. However, once the trainer Aaron Warren spoke to them, they were supportive of the course.
Mr Stiles said that since the pupils had been doing boxing twice a week with trainers Aaron Warren and Boss Te Kowhai, pupils had learned about motivation and mentoring.
"Through that, they're developing consistency and learning how to try hard at things you're not good at. They're learning to apply themselves."
He said all students were also doing better academically, too.
The 16 boys who have been boxing celebrated the end of the first part of their training by having a presentation at the school yesterday. Students were given medals and did a demonstration for the school and guests.
Meanwhile, Mr Stiles himself has been continuing his boxing training since he started early this year to take part in the Rotovegas Corporate Fight Night-Round Two charity boxing night in April. The event raised money for the Rotovegas Boxing Gym's youth programme.
Since then, Mr Stiles has admitted he's living healthier and has lost 23kg.
When he started in January he weighed 139kg and now weighs 116kg. He wants to lose another 15kg but said he was healthier, fit and had changed his lifestyle for the better.
He said "a long time ago I was fit" and he was starting to get there again, which he was excited about.