Suggested questions

1Your own story moves from elite kickboxing and world titles into psychology, youth work and CounterPunch. When did you first realise that combat sport could be much more than physical training?

2A lot of parents would never think to put their child into boxing or martial arts, so what are they missing when they only see combat sport as fighting?

3Why do you think a combat gym can become such a powerful place for adolescent confidence, belonging and emotional regulation?

4What is the difference between teaching a teenager boxing technique and using boxing as a medium to teach life skills?

5You have said CounterPunch is not just for “kids at risk,” but for all adolescents. Why is that distinction so important?

6What kinds of teenagers often benefit most from this kind of structured gym environment, especially the ones who may not seem like natural athletes?

7How can gym owners reach parents who are not looking for a combat class, but are looking for resilience, confidence and positive role models for their child?

8Many youth programs run for a few weeks and then disappear. What changes when a young person can stay connected to the same gym community throughout high school?

9You have seen young people move from participant to mentor to facilitator. What does that pathway do for their identity and leadership?

10Why do so many combat coaches fall into the trap of helping young people for free, and what needs to change for that work to become sustainable?

11For a boxing, martial arts or combat gym owner listening to this, what would they need in place to deliver a youth resilience program safely and effectively?