Boxing for Change: Young people practice boxing for self-defense

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Europe

03:09

A growing number of young people in London have become victims of violent crime. While many of them say they carry knives to defend themselves, CGTN's Kitty Logan reports that some are learning to use their fists instead.

Elijah Akimeo grew up in one of London's most deprived areas – where gangs dominate. He's often witnessed violence close to home. But since taking up boxing at a local community center, things are looking up. Time spent here is time away from the dangers of the streets.

ELIJAH AKHIMIEHO AMATEUR BOXER "Before I came here, I was doing a lot of wrong things, but in here it was a step to be more confident in myself. Not just here, but also outside in the world."

The charity Fight for Change offers free boxing sessions to encourage kids to stay out of trouble.

ELIJAH AKHIMIEHO AMATEUR BOXER "When you go out, you feel good. You feel good within yourself. You feel like you've accomplished something. I feel like it can help a lot of youths to come in here to find help."

Many believe cuts in social services – such as the closing of youth clubs – have contributed to the escalation in violence. Boxing coach Adam Martin says giving young people a sense of purpose can save lives on the streets.

ADAM MARTIN BOXING COACH, FIGHT FOR CHANGE "I think boxing teaches them self-control, discipline. They're letting a lot of their anger out in here, so they don't want to get into trouble out there. It gives them something positive to do. Gets them off the street corners, out of gangs and doing other stuff."

There were around 300 fatal stabbings across the UK last year and those numbers appear to be on the rise, with 48 people killed in knife attacks so far in 2019. Many incidents involved teenagers – the youngest victim was just 14. Police are increasing spot checks to stop people carrying knives. But some say this won't help much, because the issues driving the violence run much deeper in society.

KITTY LOGAN LONDON "The government is now desperately trying crack down on violent crime. They hope that community projects like this one will help save lives."

Many of these kids have admitted to feeling frightened even walking to school, before they took up boxing. The training is tough – but they say it has helped them feel secure.

ELIJAH AKHIMIEHO AMATEUR BOXER "I feel very safe at the end of the day. I feel I can defend myself. I don't feel I need to carry a gun or a knife to defend myself. I don't need that."

For these teenagers, they hope the only fighting they'll see in the future will be in the boxing ring. Kitty Logan, CGTN, London.