CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Coach G, the owner of RockBox in South Park, is encouraging kids to find new ways to handle their problems. Specifically, he's encouraging kids to put down their guns and pick up their gloves.
"Sometimes you feel like you just want to release and for many young people, they don’t have an outlet to do so," he said.
He says boxing is a safe option for people who feel boxed in, allowing you to release tension without harming yourself or anyone else.
"I've trained young people myself and sometimes they come and say 'it's not for me', but once they do it they learn a lot about themselves," said Coach G.
Coach G said the accomplishments they make more than likely help deter them from choosing violence when they're facing conflict.
Data from the CDC shows violence prevention programs were associated with reductions in violent behavior at all grade levels. Coach G said Rockbox is allowing kids as young as eight years old to put on gloves, all to redirect and reinforce positive choices.
"We will work with any school or any organization free of charge so that children can experience other ways to release anger," he said.
Coach G says the sport of boxing can not only teach our youth discipline, responsibility, and accountability, but it can also deter kids from a lifestyle that typically ends behind a cell or in the ground.
"Whoever you are or wherever you are, make the choice," said Coach G.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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