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On Friday evenings in Abertysswg community centre, Jenna Perry leads a children’s boxfit class.
The lessons had been popular for the first few weeks they’d been running but when 40 children showed up Jenna was surprised. “It was organised chaos,” she said.
“The response has been overwhelming,” she added.
Jenna, 34, who lives in Abertysswg, started boxfit classes after she saw a need for more activities for children in the area.
“There’s nothing at all in the area,” said Jenna, who has a 12-year-old son. “It tells you that just from the amount of children that come.”
Jenna currently runs four boxfit classes for children aged between three and 11 years old every week – two on Wednesdays in Pontlottyn and two every Friday in Abertysswg.
Though she’s “never had a fight in her life” by her own admission, Jenna is a safe pair of hands, with experience in boxing and karate, boxing coaching and refereeing qualifications.
Plus, classes focus on fun and fitness rather than the sport itself.
“This is more about boxing fitness rather than boxing,” said Jenna, “we don’t have any contact, no sparring.
“It’s just nice to see the children having fun.”
Children learn how to do sit-ups and press-ups but boxing fundamentals, like combinations, also play a part – in case children want to pursue the sport in the future.
“It’s a good starting point really,” she added.
The approach of the classes also helps children learn skills, according to Jenna.
“Any kind of combat sport helps with confidence and discipline,” she explained.
“I think going forward then it’s good for them in school and home life.”
“He talks a lot more”
Nine-year-old Braylon, from Rhymney, is a boxfit regular who is flourishing thanks to Jenna’s classes.
Braylon is “more of a computer kid”, according to his Dad, Phillip Heath, but has really taken to the classes after only three weeks.
“He really enjoys it,” said Phillip, 38. “He’s more confident. He talks a lot more.”
Braylon takes after his mother, who also went to lessons with Jenna.
Phillip is keen to highlight the good work that Jenna is doing.
“I’ve got to be honest Jenna’s worked hard with them,” he said, “she’s doing a fabulous job.”
Phillip, who grew up in Rhymney, knows there is little for children to do in the area and said: “When I grew up we only had a youth club really.”
Little has changed, as he added: “There’s not a lot here for the children.”
Boxfit classes encourage communication as well as exercise. Jenna starts every class with everyone sitting in a circle, encouraging children to talk about their week.
It’s a long-term investment for Jenna who says she has invested the money she’s made back into boxing equipment – like gloves and bags.
The classes are £2 for children of all ages, which Jenna hopes will be affordable. However, if families are struggling they can get in touch with her privately.
“Nice for people to have someone to talk to”
If working as a counsellor and running four children’s classes a week wasn’t enough, Jenna also runs women’s boxercise classes for one hour a week every Tuesday and Thursday in Abertysswg.
Ages 16 and up are welcome – those 14 and above can join with a parent – and it’s a good way to get women, especially parents, together and out of the house to chat and exercise at the same time.
“I think it’s just nice for people to have someone to talk to isn’t it,” added Jenna.
“And if you can do that in a group while exercising and having a bit of fun – all the better.”
Jenna also works as a domestic violence advocate and so it’s important to her to create a space during the sessions where, if needed, women can come and talk to her.
In Moriah, there were 23 reported violence and sexual offence crimes in January 2023 alone, according to police.uk statistics – the highest of all crimes recorded in the area.
In fact, from February 2022 to January 2023 violence and sexual offences amounted to 42.7% of all crimes reported in Moriah.
Given her knowledge and experience, Jenna is also able to signpost or refer people to helpful services should they need it.
Overall wellbeing is the ultimate goal of her classes.
“It’s just about the wellbeing of everybody,” she said.
“That’s my main kind of priority – making sure there’s something and a safe space for children to go to,” Jenna added, “the same with the women.”
Kids Boxfit classes run at Pontlottyn boys and girls club on Wednesdays from 5.15pm to 6pm for children aged three to six and from 6pm to 6.45pm for children aged seven to 11.
The same times and ages run at Abertysswg community centre on Fridays. Classes are £2.
Ladies Boxercise classes run in Abertysswg community centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 8pm. Classes are £3.
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