BOXING: The school of hard knocks

Habib is five years old, yet insists that he can punch harder than me. Once his cherubic fist has finished pounding away at my palm I have to believe him. Under estimate opposition at your own peril, as they say. So began my introduction to the weekly boxing lessons at the UKIM West London Islamic Centre. The centre has been providing physical activities to the community for the past 6 years.

Inspired by role models such as Danny Williams, ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed and of course the inimitable Muhammad Ali, boxing is enjoying something of a revival amongst Muslims. Not just for the sake of sport, but also for the health and social benefits which it brings. Imran one of the trainers, explains, ‘Compared to the martial arts, boxing is unique because of its comprehensiveness. The lower, middle and upper body are all exercised rigorously through a mix of skipping, bag work, sparring and circuit training, and most importantly boxing gives an excellent cardiovascular workout’.

The mix and diversity of participants at the boxing class is eclectic with some recent attendee’s being of pensionable age and some travelling from as far away as East London and Oxford! The reason for the broad appeal of this sport lies in its simplicity, according to Imran, ‘Effort, determination and resilience are paramount, with skill becoming secondary to stamina’.

Afzal has been training here regularly for two years. We watch as he offers instruction to others on how to throw a phenomenal right hook.

As well as the promotion of well being and brotherhood, Imran emphasises that learning how to defend oneself is also of paramount importance. However, he stresses that the class ethos is that any fighting skills learnt are only to be employed when strictly necessary; ostentation is frowned upon, and egos left at the door.

Boxing as a sport, therefore, has a great deal to offer participants. The myriad of personal and group benefits bear testimony to this. In the words of Muhammad Ali, ‘If they can make penicillin out of mouldy bread, they can sure make something out of you’.

Boxing classes
Boxing classes are held at the UKIM West London Islamic Centre on Thursdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm and Sundays from 2.30pm-4.30pm. Everyone welcome

For further details please call 020 87994425

Article supplied, courtesy of EMEL-The Muslim Lifestyle MagazineRelated