WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION

Started off with an introduction to MODBOX which is a modified boxing practice intended to be safer, more inclusive and involves a heavier emphasis on fitness, skill and fun.

Where? PCYC NSW, multi-purpose halls, some parts of India

Who? Young people at risk, older people wanting to get into fitness and people with certain disabilities, a wide age range

Why? Aimed to reduce crime, focus on fitness, less injury and violence, bring a community together

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Professor Alan Hahn's and Paul Perkins' Presentation

Professor Hahn and Paul Perkins went through the whole process of creating a safer boxing practice and 'removing the intent to harm' which was so key in traditional boxing.

In the earlier trials of the practice, findings included:

- Aim to build participation was successful with BoxTag, strong appeal to females and a larger age range

- BoxTag transitioned to MODBOX through the love of collaboration, social outreach and performance

- Focus on safety, special community, fun was a focus and games developed skill/fitness, performance was also more important than competition

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New Areas of Focus

- Gloves that will reduce impact, development of games

- New focus of 'display', rehearsals with partner, no winner/loser, strengthened sense of community

- Aimed at overall education, community, team dynamics

- Environmental awareness programs and early intervention programs (PCYC) have been linked

Different Possibilities

- Integration of music, enhance performances, musical games eg. striking areas and hearing different musical notes

- Improving coach relationship through an app? Tracking progress and communicating through there?

- Collaborative scoring as a team (measure of work not number of hits)

- Adjusted protective vests that provide no pain when hit

- Video training could identify needs?