Women’s Health
reported ‘decreases in feelings of
despondency, helplessness, and/or
anger’. As far as understanding why such
a relationship might exist, researchers
aren’t clear, but do theorise. Exercise
could stimulate the endocannabinoid
endorphin system and improve sleep
in the process; and group exercise may
provide people who have been isolated
by trauma with social connection and
community. A team at the University
of Canberra believes that the key could
be in the way that combat sports impact
inflammation and cortisol regulation,
noting that regulation of the hormone
is typically impeded in those with
PTSD, resulting in exaggerated and
unnecessary reactions to stimuli.
‘Boxing brings everyone together, and
these women are being forced to interact
and build relationships with each other
because we practise most of the moves
in pairs,’ says Taban. ‘People don’t go
to talking therapy in [rural] Iraq, so my
hope is that Boxing Sisters will be a discreet
form of therapy that gets them to a place
where they can actually ask for help.’ She
has plans to roll out the teacher training
scheme to three other camps that currently
have a Lotus Flower Women and Girls’
Centre, alongside ambitions to bring the
scheme to new locations globally.
‘Khallas! Khallas!’ Cathy shouts over
the din on the final day. That’s Arabic slang
for ‘enough!’ and it’s not the first time she’s
had to yell it. The same group who just
earlier in the week were exercising caution
at the back of the room are laughing,
messing about and exuding the sort of
shrill silliness that should be a universal
experience for young women the world
over. They’re even comfortable practising
combinations with Cathy’s husband and
Boxology co-founder Greg Williams. The
session comes to a close, and Hussna asks
Cathy again about continuing her boxing
journey in London. Nadifa looks on, her
world now expanded beyond the grey-
white walls of the temporary shelter that’s
been her home for four years. A cure-all
balm, boxing isn’t, but thanks to the
empowerment that exercise can deliver,
it’s one small step on what might be a
lifelong journey of reckoning and recovery.
‘So many times when I get sad, usually
I don’t speak, I’m not a person who speaks
to get out what’s inside of herself,’ says
Nadifa. ‘Sometimes, my body is trembling
because of all this inside me that I can’t
get out. Boxing helps me a lot, and the
boxing girls are becoming my friends, but
I still need time to be able to speak.’FEEL-GOOD
FIGHT CLUBS- The groups helping people
get box-fit for purpose
SEPTEMBER 2019 | 113
DOUBLE JAB ABC
This community-run gym in
South-East London transforms
the lives of people in the local
community, with some seriously
hardcore boxing trainers
drilling the rewards of hard
work into teenagers. The
diverse membership’s a
testament to what London does
best – including some badass
female coaches. Best part?
Ladies-only classes start at £6.
(South London)ECCLES BOXING SCHOOL
All levels and abilities are
welcome at this expertly run
training club. The Eccles team
pride themselves on developing
fitness levels, with constant
motivation and encouragement.
You can build on your boxing
skills in the large gym, which
features two boxing rings, free
weights and other training
equipment as well as one-to-
one classes. Pow. (Manchester)PUNCH UP CHARITY
Punch Up is a children’s boxing
charity that aims to offer a taste
of the sport in a safe and
inspiring environment, free of
charge to schools and youth
groups. They give a tour of
gyms and the equipment and
encourage kids to take part in a
basic session to highlight how
key sport is in building a sense
of personal responsibility.
(London)PINK COLLAR BOXING
This is the all-female version
of white collar boxing, giving
women a chance to train for
eight weeks, ending in a fight
night to raise money for a
charity close to their heart.
It’s a great way to get stronger,
build confidence or meet new
people. All shapes, sizes and
fitness levels are welcome.
(UK-wide)- To support the Boxing Sisters,
visit thelotusflower.org
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