Non-profit Nawton Boxing Club has moved into new premises, with more space and equipment to encourage and support youth in the community.
The aim of the club is to motivate and discipline through the art of boxing. Founder Merrill Purcell said he never imagined being where they are now when he started the club in his carport in 2009 using borrowed and second hand equipment. Now they have been able to fundraise and have received grants to help purchase equipment.
"Too many kids around the neighbourhood play up. It is a good sport for those who lack confidence. Training is hard, it takes its toll, so the kids are really tired. They don't want to play up, they want to go home and sleep."
He said the main thing children gain from the boxing sessions is confidence and tolerance for others.
"Sparring takes dedication. I find it takes the kids longer to get angry because they are too busy."
He said boxing teaches them to listen because the consequences of not following instruction could lead to a bad result in the ring.
"In boxing, they always listen because it is potentially [painful], they may get hurt, so they listen."
Merrill's son Fabian started boxing when he was nine and has racked up about 50 wins in the ring. But he took a step back when he started a family. Now, at 27, he helps to train others and encourages people who are lacking confidence to come along.
"I got a few friends who had low self-esteem into boxing. They thought they weren't accepted, they never thought they were good enough. I said 'come do it'. They said 'no, I can't do it'. I told them that is the kind of attitude boxing will get out of you. It makes you believe you can be someone else. It is for people who are lost and are confused about what they can do."
The mission of the club is to help build strong young people for the future, so that they become leaders and contributors in the community. It aims to promote fitness, build confidence, train boxers to be successful, and positively promote boxing.
Surviving on fundraising, donations, and grant applications, the club provides boxing classes free and does not receive any support from central or local government.
Coach Winston Broadway recently committed to coaching full time, leaving his job of 10 years.
"The kids are why I do it. The group is getting bigger and bigger. I'm aiming to get some of our kids up to Commonwealth level, but even just getting them being a really good person in the community is great."
He said seeing the changes in people is what keeps him going.
"My reward is saying 'there is that guy I trained!'"
On December 14, the club will hold a 'Top Brands Christmas Bash Giveaway' tournament where 20 of Hamilton's top brands such as R&R Sport and Rebel Sport, will nominate a staff member to train and fight in the ring.
Tickets will be available to watch the game closer to the time. If businesses want to get involved contact nawton@boxing.org.nz. For more information go to www.boxing.org.nz.