Lawrence North welcomed Down But Not Out boxing club to their Red Day PE classes on Sept. 15 to instruct students through the fundamentals of boxing.
“We were teaching the basic fundamentals of boxing: 1-2 combination, jab and moving, and hitting timing, and getting your timing on the speed bags. That’s basically what we were teaching them today,” Alphonso Bailey, head instructional coach for Down But Not Out, said.
PE teacher Michael Mango heard about Down But Not Out Boxing from wrestling coach Jacob Aven.
“Actually, Mr. Aven works out with one of the coaches he introduced to the head trainer—the coach that came out–and I called him, and he said he’s worked with schools before, such as Warren Central. I thought it would be a great opportunity for our students: a little physically active and maybe find a new sport they’d like,” Mango said.
Physical education teachers are in charge of an important role when it comes to students’ physical exercise at school and also have the platform to give students exposure to new and different ways to stay healthy and fit, such as boxing.
“I think it’s important for physical activity. One is getting kids active because an active body makes a stronger mind, makes it more effective in the classroom. Thinking, working, it’s a muscle just like everything else, your brain is, so working out here and working your brain in a classroom, they go hand and hand,” Mango said
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are a lot of benefits to boxing. such as helping with weight management and mental health. It can also be a healthy outlet for anger or aggression. Physical and mental benefits like this give all the more reason to expose the youth to boxing in places of education.
“I think boxing was important just because it’s another sport to try to introduce kids into,” Mango said. “They see it on TV all the time with all these fights happening on Netflix. If we can get them involved at a young age and maybe someone finds a passion they have, and that’s the whole purpose: trying to introduce them to new things.”
Students spent the block jump roping and practicing boxing jabs and punches, and many enjoyed the class. Opportunities and experience such as the one Lawrence North provided by hosting Down But Not Out Boxing during the school day doesn’t just give students exposure to the sport but also so to clubs and programs around the city.
“Some kids don’t like the sports that schools provide, so it’s good to bring other stuff for other kids to try out just in case they don’t like sports that we provide. They can do the clubs to experience new things and find a hobby that they like,” Humphries said.
Learn about Down But Not Out boxing club and what boxing means to themhttps://www.dbno.org/about
