Rotorua Boxing Club is looking for new members who want to learn the basics of boxing - without the blood noses.
The club has a six-week beginners class that has new members attending twice weekly sessions to learn the basics of martial arts style boxing and work on their fitness.
President andcoach Rob Walker believes his club is the only boxing club in Rotorua teaching the basics of boxing, with non-contact boxing and fitness making up the core of the six-week class.
"I offer the learning of how to box more than the blood nose side of things - if you teach the basics you can't go wrong," he says.
He has been involved with the club since he was 10 years old and has been coaching for the past 10 years.
Mr Walker says the club's biggest achievement has been getting members to the Commonwealth Games, including himself and former club member Michael Sykes who now runs his own club.
"I think the results we get are great. Boxing is a natural high, and we try to encourage everyone," he says.
Club secretary Chris Walker says some boxers choose to stay in the beginners classes while others get more serious about the sport and attend another class on Friday nights when they learn a combination of styles.
The Friday classes are more for people who want to compete and the club has about 15 members who regularly attend.
"The classes are more one-on-one, learning more styles than in the beginners class," she says. "They are for people looking at going at going into competitions."
Although the club doesn't hold its own competitions, members compete regularly in regional and national competitions. The club also takes members to beginners tournaments.
About the club Who: Rotorua Boxing Club
What: Self-defence style boxing classes for beginners and competition boxers, from age 10 and up
Where: Tuesday and Thursday, 6.30pm, at the Rotorua Boxing Club on Te Ngae Rd
Fees: Junior $80, senior $100
For more information contact Chris Walker 027 295 9899 for more information
