“It’s about empowerment and providing a foundation for life-long wellbeing, both in mind and body.”
Kids/Teens
Boxing with Mindfulness
Boxing with Mindfulness combines the two disciplines of boxing and breathwork as an integrated programme which is especially beneficial for kids and teens.
BOXING trains body awareness through the rigorous application of technique; for example, where to place your hands, the position of your upper body, dynamic footwork, movement, and keeping in balance
BREATHWORK helps control stress, generate energy, promote clear thinking, and develop an awareness of emotional state.
Elite boxing is well known to require a high level of emotional control. But even simple boxing training can help people achieve a mind-focused state over just mindfulness training alone. Practicing meditation is notoriously difficult for young people as their mental states are restless and easily distracted. Boxing helps them to focus on something physical at the same time as being taught how to control breathing, recognise their emotional state, and develop situational awareness as a means of mindfulness training.
Studies show that boxing is a powerful tool for development far beyond the ring. Research has found that the focus required to learn boxing combinations and footwork directly translates to improved concentration and cognitive control in the classroom. The structured, respectful environment of a boxing gym teaches self-discipline, resilience, and confidence, helping kids navigate social and academic pressures. Paired with mindfulness, a proven method to reduce teen anxiety and improve emotional regulation, this combination provides a healthy outlet for stress and the mental tools to manage their well-being.
I have seen firsthand the positive effects of boxing with mindfulness on kids and teens. Students with severe ADHD began classes unable to concentrate for more than a few minutes; now, they remain engaged through a full session with focused attention. Those with poor physical fitness, previously unable to complete the warm-up, are now able to run, jump, and box for a whole hour, experiencing joy in their physical progression. Many who were once shy and lacked confidence now believe in themselves and their abilities, equipping them to face life’s challenges with greater resilience.
Boxing provides structured physical intensity and emotional expression.
Mindfulness provides cognitive clarity and emotional regulation.
Together, they reinforce executive function, emotional resilience, stress regulation, and flow states — all critical developmental skills for kids and teens.
“When I worked with Luke at Afewee Boxing Gym in 2022, he was a huge asset to the club. He made a real difference in helping manage the demands of a large, mixed group of children across a wide range of ages and abilities.
What stood out most was his ability to tailor his approach to each child, whether they were a promising competitive boxer, a recreational participant, or a child with special educational needs.
Everyone was treated with the same respect, patience, and high expectations. Luke brought the best out of each individual, and that kind of coaching is rare.
Any parent looking for someone who genuinely understands how to connect with and develop young people through boxing will be in great hands with him.“
- Simon Stacks (Head Youth Boxing Coach | Afewee Boxing Gym)
“Romeo thoroughly enjoys all of the sessions and makes a conscious effort to practice on his own while on holiday or when coach Luke is on leave.”
- Lingfeng (Romeo’s father)
“The findings suggest that martial arts training... may improve children’s ability to regulate their attention and executive functioning. The cognitive discipline required to learn complex sequences and techniques appears to transfer to better performance on cognitive tasks.”
