Articles & Stories

At the time, I wasn’t sure where I stood in life. I wasn’t happy, I barely left my house, and I was struggling mentally. I don’t know if it was the release of emotions when I cried in someone’s arms halfway through sparring, but I didn’t realize how much weight I was carrying. I wasn’t crying because I was physically in pain, but because of everything mentally. I ended up showing up early every day, excited to train hard and push myself. I loved the gym, helping the kids, and trying to get better.

Over 13 years ago there was an episode on the “Sunday” TVNZ program about Billy and the Naenae Boxing Academy – I was intrigued! I had also seen how some of the boys from school had become extremely fit and gained a really positive attitude from going to the gym. I went to sign up as soon as I could after that.

The Academy has had a pretty massive impact on me, it makes me think of the consequences of my actions before I act. It’s made me like myself, who I am and are becoming as a person, and how I carry myself and act towards other people.