5 weeks ago I was introduced to a very enthusiastic, keen energetic man who wanted to learn to box, a family man who I am sure one of his reasons to do this is to make his family even more proud of him than they already are. His name is Rob and not only is it is his desire to learn to box, but it was his dream to compete in his home town, a very big ask many would think, Rob you see is an above the knee amputee.
I knew instantly that I wanted to make this dream of Robs a reality as I have always been an absolute admirer and supporter of individuals who want to achieve, want to prove others wrong and show what can be done if we totally dedicate ourselves and believe in what we can do, in doing so achieve their goals.
Last week I introduced Rob to the WBC Cares UK team in Brighton who are now operating the newly launched Wheelchair boxing, safer boxing programme. Rob spent an evening with wheelchair boxing trainers Luiz Faye and Chris Middleton, he was also introduced to the former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight boxing Champion and Chairman of the WBC Cares UK Scott Welch. Rob received introductory training whilst in a wheel chair, he learned how to handle a wheelchair inside a boxing ring and the process of being able to move himself into the positions required to be able to throw his punches as if in a boxing competition, it was inspirational just to see this, watching Rob along with other keen to learn boxers getting to grips with boxing from a wheelchair was quite something to be proud of.
Rob this week begun his training camp being coached by myself on a one to one basis at New Era Gym in Bournemouth. The training will be hard, it will be demanding and it will be at times very frustrating, but the end goal will be rewarding and an experience that Rob will never forget and neither will all those who get to watch this warrior box and display what he has learned.
Rob is a true inspiration, he is totally dedicated, positive and hungry to learn the skills he will require to box on the 28th March and it will be for me to ensure he is ready, as Robs coach I will need to be sure that Rob understands, learns and proves to me he is competent to take on this challenge.
For me, I coach people for a living and I love what I do, whether it be in a gym or mindfulness, coaching Rob is as I see it such a privilege, coaching a man who refuses to let any disabilities restrict him from learning a sport he loves and has a dream to compete in is totally energising for me.
Rob now has a tough training regime for him to undertake, which will comprise of him learning all of the offensive and very importantly defensive techniques and skills he must have to allow him to enter the ring on the 28th March, he also has a training regime to build on his fitness and stamina, of which will need to be the very best they can be to complete his preparation. Rob will be boxing on the Box Beats Cancer Charity boxing show which will be taking place at The Royal Bath in Bournemouth on the 28th March, this is raising funds for Youth Cancer Trust and is all as a result of the time and effort put into making it happen by Stella Payne and Derek Smith, without them the show would not be happening.
As the training commences, the emphasis will always be on safety of the boxer and that will never be compromised.
Coaching Rob, the journey continues.
