Naenae Boxing Academy Testimonials
Evidence of the impact the programme is having, is borne out by a wide range of testimonials as to the transformations being seen in the attitudes and lives of the academy members and their families.
The coaches here are phenomenal...
From the day I walked in, I knew that this would be my second home. The coaches here are phenomenal and every training has made me stronger and stronger. My social skills have developed and I have met many new friends. From junior girl
the class is excellent...
My son is in the beginners class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I would like to give you all some feedback.
I think the class is excellent. I've been really impressed with the values that the boys are being taught and the fact that they are constantly reinforced, not just talked about. I always tell people about the whole handshaking thing at the start and at the end - but it's not just that, it's the fact that the boys HAVE to learn each other's names AND something about each other. My son was reluctant to start and be the new boy on the scene but straight away everyone had to learn the names of the new boys, where they went to school, what sports they play and more. Whenever they had to pair up, it was all about looking after the new kids and making sure they were picked first and this went on for weeks.
The standard of behaviour expected of all of them is high and therefore sends the message that what they are doing is important and valuable. I was gobsmacked one day when one boy wasn't listening and he was told, "X, you are done for today, we'll see you next week." The boy had to go home. This sent a message to the rest, and to the boy, that you all deliver on what you say, but implicit in the message was that the boy was welcome back next week. As a teacher myself, I thought this was clever, firm and also caring.
The boys get worked hard, but they seem to love it. Everyone's level of skill and fitness is appreciated and noticed. You guys do a great job, thanks so much. August 2017
We have been sooo impressed...
We came along to Naenae Boxing club not really knowing what to expect but knew that we were privileged to get in due to Billy Grahams involvement. Billy is a man who shows respect to all and when he comes into the room you feel his presence. *** (Son) loves the variety of the classes and his fitness has improved especially his push ups. Young men can never have enough role models which is why all the leaders in the club are so important. David and his team are so kind and patient with the boys. They are also tough on bad and disrespectful behaviour which I feel is missing in schools. We have been sooo impressed by all aspects of the gym and our daughter can't wait to get into the girls class when she is old enough. Thank you. September 2017
His confidence level has gone through the roof...
My son has been attending the NBA for just on 1.5 years. During this time he has grown not only physically but his attitude to life is amazing. His confidence level has gone through the roof! He always was a level headed young fella but since being at the gym he's gone to another level. *** has taken on leadership roles at school both academically and sports. Co-captained his club rugby team, selected to attend a rugby leadership academy, selected for Hutt Valley age grade rep team, age grade club rugby rep team and named house captain at school.
As parents we're incredibly proud of his achievements and can't thank NBA for the time they give, not only to our son, but the many families around Lower Hutt. We can't wait for our girls to follow their brother to NBA.' September 2017
My son has since come out of his shell...
My son joined Naenae Boxing Academy in Term 2. He has never really been interested in sport/exercise but showed an interest in joining the academy. My son has since come out of his shell – hes enjoying the program so much that he comes home beaming. Yes there are days when hes tired and wants to stay home instead - but we encourage him to go along as some of his friends go there too and we know he will be glad he went. Our friends and family are commenting on how much he is slimming down and we see his fitness level is continuing to improve. He will come home and say how many squats etc he can now do! It’s great that twice a week he is away from the xbox etc at home and being taught how to train hard, learn the correct techniques and to respect others. He knows he needs to work hard and to listen to the coaches who are very motivational
My husband and I are more than happy with the program! September 2017
that sense of belonging...
Since coming to the the boxing academy we have noticed many great changes in our son. Dedication, commitment, passion for this sport (he is always speaks so highly of boxing and his training) and also, his self confidence. As a 15 year old young man these are all attributes that we as parents want to see flourish within them. We also love how the academy has introduced him to other boys within the community. He say's that the year 13 boys from boxing walk past him at school and give him a hand shake and all his friends say "woah...how do you know him?!". That is such a great feeling as a teenager to have that sense of belonging and have something as positive as sport to unify them. We have been so impressed with his time so far at the academy and we are very grateful to Billy and all the trainers for their time and commitment to our boys". September 2017
billy teaches boys how to become (Good) Men...
As a parent of two (very different boys) who attend the Naenae boxing academy, I cannot say enough good things about Billy & his support team of trainers and staff.
Not only are my boys extremely fit and strong these days but their confidence has soared, couple this with their newly learned empathy/kindness for others and you'll soon learn that more than just Boxing, Billy teaches boys how to become (Good) Men.
I love the fact that my boys are always excited to go to their boxing training sessions and that they want to practice their skills & fitness in their own time. Couple this with the disapline advantage being apllied to their school work means we've all noticed, much improvement in their academic abilities. At home these days, they are also more invested with helping out around the place- something usually lacking in teenage boys especially.
In summary I think if "every child" had the chance to work with Billy at the Naenae boxing academy or a similar organization- this country would be a better place.
Finally- I would just like to thank Billy & all his team for the wonderful work that they do. I can rest easier knowing my boys will be thoughtful, "Handy" young men with brighter futures install for them. September 2017
The girls absolutely love going...
We have *** (Son 14), *** (Daughter 12) and *** (Daughter 10) in boxing, that's a total of 4 times a week!
*** (Son) heard about it through some mates at school and was keen to join up. He loves it, he's really proud of his fitness and strength having increased a huge amount since he started. He also enjoys the positive environment. Someone is always encouraging him on to do better and push himself, believing in him. It's having a big impact.
I enrolled my two girls because *** (Daughter 12) had a trouble with being bullied last year and it was a hard year. I thought a boxing class might give her some self confidence, and it has done more than that already. The girls absolutely love going; they both said they love pushing themselves each week, feel fitter than they have ever been, but more than that it's given them self confidence at school and in their interaction with others. They believe in themselves and feel stronger in who they are and what they can do.
You guys do an amazing job for the individual and the community.
Very thankful. September 2017
nothing but excellence and honour...
My 2 boys have attended Naenae Boxing Academy for 3 terms unfortunately due to sports commitments they have had to pull out. In the time they have been there I have seen nothing but excellence and honour. They really value individuals and show the boys how to respect each other and adults. Their culture is nothing less of excellence. Apart from the values they install there is fitness and discipline demanded of the kids. We would highly recommend the Academy and its well worth the wait to get your child in. September 2017