Ana Apatu: Women flex their sisterhood muscle

Ana Apatu.

I am with a group of women who attend the Flaxmere Boxing Academy. Since moving back to our Flaxmere site located at the Flaxmere Community Centre we have opened our classes to women. Without the need to advertise, it's the women who have flocked in. Why? Perhaps connections through Henare's sister Shona or Henare and Pam's daughter, Rebekah.

I watch those attending a Saturday morning class. The energy and enthusiasm is palpable. One of the female participants, Jackie Geor, tells me the reason she loves the boxing classes so much is because of the people and the support and encouragement she receives. Apart from the love of boxing and learning boxing techniques, if she has a bad day she can exercise which helps to get rid of her frustrations. Jackie tells me when she first started with Flaxmere Boxing Academy she punched like a bird. "I was 'unco' - no coordination at all." Jackie laughs and remembers Henare O'Keefe saying "I don't know about this woman".

"What Henare does not know is I wear glasses. I am pretty blind, in fact, I have to focus on the white on the pads." When Jackie first started nine months ago she was 86kg, "I had no stamina and was very unfit. I did not know what on earth was going on initially. But very soon Monday and Wednesday nights was my 'mums night'.

"I hate running and love walking. I have Rebekah O'Keefe to thank for motivating me and inspiring me. She helped me with starting to exercise by walking between one lamp post and running between the next post. Flaxmere Boxing Academy provides a family environment. You are made to feel so welcome, they help you and encourage you to do your best. I used to be really shy. The women help you out. I heard about boxing classes from Rebekah. I am much fitter and I love boxing. I have gained confidence with exercise. We share our progress on Facebook."

Nine months later Jackie is 66kg and her husband tells her how proud he is.

Val, a member of the Boxing Academy, has also motivated me. My weight had plateaued and it was Val who helped me get on track with healthier eating.

Val is a smoothie queen. She would not tell me what was in the smoothies she made me but I could taste fresh fruit and chilli. It becomes apparent to me when listening to everyone that the women have developed a sisterhood, a supportive network amongst the academy. Henare asks me one day: "What do you think the most important piece of equipment is at FBA?"

My reply - the ring, the bags, padding? No it is the seats along the side of the room. It provides an opportunity for everyone to sit and connect with each other. To share, support and listen.

The women tell me it is about the atmosphere and the people. You want to see how everyone is getting on. There is evidence that physical activity improves emotional and mental wellbeing. That by exercising we can alleviate depression and low moods. I hear from Shona, Henare's sister, how she has seen changes in the way some of the women think and behave. Some women used to be a closed closet, lacking in confidence and negative in their outlook.

Bree Keefe tells me she was so shy at the beginning she would train with her sister in the side room - the storeroom at the Boxing Academy because she was too embarrassed to exercise in front of others. So for one month she and her sister would do their exercises out of sight until eventually they made their way out to the main room with the others. In four months Bree has lost 6kg and feels better in herself, she feels more confident and more motivated. Val, I have to end with saying a few words about you. Your friends affectionately call you energiser bunny. I watch Val during her stretches at the end. Supple and strong. She tells me how she can do headstands and handstands anywhere, any time. Val a grandmother, a mother - you are an inspiration to us all. In seeking happiness for others, you find it for yourself. - Anonymous

- Ana Apatu is chief executive of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere.