Some sad correspondence with Ahmed about Joey and boxing;

Good morning Ahmed,

I am very sorry to say that, for the time being at least, Joey will not be returning to boxing.  Essentially, he has had some social problems at school.  Nothing major but on a couple of occasions there has been some sort of argument with another kid and Joey has taken up a boxing stance ready to defend himself/attack.  I personally see nothing wrong in that, but the school has a zero tolerance for any sort of fighting and his teacher, who is very much on Joey's side, has said that if Joey was to throw a punch and connect, he risks being expelled.  I still strongly believe that boxing is good for Joey on so many levels but we cannot risk him being expelled.  Whether the school is right or wrong to take this attitude (and my feelings would probably be similar to yours) is irrelevant - it I what it is and we are not going to change that. 

It is a real pity.  I think that Joey has really benefitted from the time that Joey ha spent with you and am very grateful for the way in which you have encouraged and coached Joey.  I will also miss the sessions - I was hoping to take it more seriously and use the boxing as a way to get back into better shape. I hope that circumstances change and that Joey (and I)will be able to return, but for the time being we will have to find something else to do on a Saturday morning.

Thanks again, good luck with the gym and I hope that we can resume in the future.

Best regards

 

Gery

 

Hey Gery,

So sorry to hear that Joey will not be boxing any more. I am no longer shocked at the school's positions. It is pretty Pathetic that we cannot teach our children to defend themselves against unprovoked aggression! Thank you for your kind words and trust in my training. Please do not forget that Joey isn't gonna spend the rest of his life in a school. One day he will graduate and he should know how to stand up for himself. This is not about fighting, it is about learning to be a confident man who is willing to stand for his beliefs.

Best of luck to both of you and hope to have you back in the gym again.

Thank you once again for your kind words and your business.

Ahmed

 

We are on the same page on this, my friend!  Such is 'progress'  Small as he is and with his attitude. Joey WILL need to be able to look after himself!.    One day we will be back in the gym, I hope.