Boxing Beyond Barriers was developed initially as a response to reasons gave us for introducing their kids to us, and to boxing. These reasons included bullying (both as the victim and the perpetrator of bullying), shyness and social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and poor mental health. These same issues are also identified risk factors for poor school attendance and disengagement from education, which is also a strong risk factor for involvement with the youth justice system; only 30% of children in the youth justice of compulsory school age (aged 15 and under) regularly attended school. Compounding this, from 2013-17 the total number of disciplinary absences from school increased by 24 per cent.
Due to the results we were achieving with kids (see testimonials) we now deliver school-based training for high school students who have been referred by Youth Engagement Officers from more than 18 schools across Brisbane and Ipswich. In the schools we work with, teachers report better attendance, improved behaviour regulation, de-escalation of aggression, and positive peer influence.
The Boxing Shop started in 2005 as a way of training friends in a backyard,
growing into a purpose-built facility in Salisbury (QLD) offering more than 30 classes each week. Affiliated with Boxing Queensland and Boxing Australia, The Boxing Shop offers individual and group training and fitness classes for the whole family as well as coaching for elite boxers and athletes from other sports.
In 2017 The Boxing Shop established a not-for-profit entity (S.E.Q Youth Boxing & Self Defence Inc) to deliver Boxing Beyond Barriers, a program to help at-risk and disadvantaged young people to develop a secure sense of self, greater control and confidence, mental maturity, social skills, respect, anger and stress management. We currently deliver training and mentoring through boxing to schools, PCYCs and community groups.
Cultivating self-respect through discipline.
The Boxing Shop offers an incredible school mentoring program, Boxing Beyond Barriers, which aims to guide our youth in the right direction, teaching them precious lessons such as self-respect, discipline and confidence, all in a well structured, fun and fitness oriented environment.
Stimulating our youth and making them believe they can dream is what this is about because we believe they are worth fighting for.
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43 McCarthy Road.
Salisbury, QLD 4107
(just next to Ballistic Brewery)
Phone: 1300 660 017
Email: info@theboxingshop.com.au
” – …after having completed the program, one student was able to use the skills he learnt to de-escalate an altercation between two junior students in the schoolyard during the lunch hour. He assisted staff and was overheard advising the younger student, ‘This is not the place to fight.’ – “
” – Students became very committed to the program and in term more committed to school attendance. Some students had more drive to further their passion for the sport. – “
” – Parents have reported a more responsible mature person at home. Cannot believe the difference in a short amount of time. – “
” – A more mature interaction with staff was noticed and ownership of their actions. There was a little chest puffing at first but soon settled when spoken about at next session. Actually pulling each other up when their behaviour started to decline or making poor choices – “
” – There were noticeable differences in the participants, a notable difference in self-confidence and resilience . A couple of the students engaging in school activities where previously they would refuse to participate, (from classroom discussions to presentations of assessment). How they approach people was different, head now held high, maintaining eye contact when spoken to and speaking. – “