Every Thursday afternoon young men and women from multicultural backgrounds are ‘strapping up’ to participate in kickboxing classes.

The ‘Kick Start' classes, developed by Moonee Valley City Council, Essendon Youth Accommodation Group, Ultimate First Rate Gymnasium and the Victoria Police, target young people considered to be 'at risk'.

 

Organisers say many of those who have taken part in the 3 year old program have been subject to violent behaviours. The training is aimed at developing an overall mental, emotional and physical well being of local people aged from 10 to 20.

“We have a lot of young Somali, Sudanese and Ethiopian youth who turn up to class each week wanting to seek advice on gaining certain skills and tricks from kickboxing classes. They are also seeking career advice and support, ultimately, that’s what we are all about," according to Moonee Valley City Council youth mentor and kickboxing trainer Michael Piccolo.

“We aren’t here to judge them, we are here to help boost their performance in life. That’s the difference and the thing these kids aren’t used to,” Mr Piccolo said.

Moonee Valley City Council youth worker Shane Stamos wants the young people to learn about nutrition, building self-esteem, taking initiative as well as self defence. The hour-long classes are high intensity workouts comprising non-contact kickboxing techniques, plus fun.

 

“We try to provide an outlet for the youth. We want to see them achieve their greatest potential both in class and within the community,” Mr Stamos said.

Mr Stamos said all participants are challenged by the classes regardless of their gender, age, cultural backgrounds and physical or mental abilities. He believes boxing provides young people with discipline, as training and behaviour are closely supervised.

As each week punches along the young people keep coming, bringing with them their friends and family members. More than 70 youths have benefited from the 'Kick Start' program over the past 3 years. 

“All of the time people stereotype us. They think that because we are all ‘black’ then we are all from just one place - Africa. We aren’t”, explains an eighteen year old Ethiopian man.

“We all come from different countries and all share in different cultures and traditions.”

“There is a big difference between what I used to think of myself and others compared to what I think now”, admits a seventeen year old Ethiopian female. “I want to have more of a positive influence on my family and friends. I really want to be involved in more activities like ‘Kick Start’.”

 

“It is really weird for me to be looking forward to something”, admits a ten year old Sudanese boy. “Before I was too conscious of what everyone else was thinking of me and not about what I was thinking about me.”

 Prominent sporting personalities have come along to coach the young people. Identities including world champion kick boxer and current boxing title contender Sam “King” Soliman, former world champion kickboxing legend Stan “The Man” Longinidis and leading professional boxer Samuel Colomban have been happy to deliver lessons on technique and motivation.

An award ceremony marks the end of the course, with each participant receiving a trophy and certificate. The ceremony encourages ongoing contact between the participants, trainers and organisers of 'Kick Start,' keeping graduates focused on their education and employment prospects.

What a great way to kick start the future!