Community Snapshot: BoxersFitness Academy
Since 2008, the BoxersFitness Academy, run by Ashraf Ali — a coach, teacher, and former trainee at Bethnal Green's renound Repton Street Boxing Club — has been making a lasting impact on the Tower Hamlets community.
Based at our Tarling East Community Centre, the academy welcomes people of all ages, from teenagers to those in their 50s, helping them train their mind, body, and soul through boxing. But beyond the sport itself, the club fosters lifelong friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
The club started back in 2008. Prior to that I was training at the Repton Boxing Club. One of the chaps from our club we were training out said "look, we need to have a session.
We start up with a warm up, jog, skipping, shadow box, pad work, drills, and a bit of technical sparring. Ashraf Ali, Founder of BoxersFitness Academy
For many members, Boxers Fitness Academy is more than a place to train—it’s a community. Attendees have formed deep friendships, competed together, and even organised events such as local competitions, community barbecues, and a dragon boat race.
All of us know each other through his classes. We've made lifelong friends. Shokoth Hussain aka 'Shox', Attendee & Helper
I heard about the club 7 years ago, gave it a go…I didn't realise it but after going in to it I realised that this space helps control my emotions. Yusuf Islam, Attendee & Helper
Inspired by his experience at the club, attendee Monir Ahmad has expanded its reach by running sessions in Barking. Originally starting a running club during the COVID-19 pandemic, Monir transitioned into boxing and now leads sessions for people in his community.
Over lockdown we started a community running club. Then, from a running club we moved into boxing. Now we do regular HIIT classes on a week to week basis. Monir Ahmad, Attendee & Helper
Recognising the barriers that some Muslim women and girls face in accessing sports, Monir's Barking club also offers dedicated boxing fitness and HIIT sessions, providing a welcoming space for those who might otherwise struggle to participate.
We also benefit Muslim women who traditionally have found it a barrier to get into sport because they want a safe space where they can take off their head garment. Monir Ahmad, Attendee & Helper
Ashraf's club has had a profound impact—by bringing his community together through a shared passion for sport, Boxers Fitness Academy has benefited another community. That ripple effect is why community organising is so important.
Whether it's someone's first time stepping into the gym or they’ve been attending for years, the club clearly serves as a vital part of the lives of its members, offering discipline, resilience, a sense of belonging, and a positive outlet for energy and emotions.
A lot of people come. We see timid, and shy. From there, they flourish - they become confident individuals. I don't teach boxing, it’s also life skills. That's what my logo says, train the body, the mind, and the soul. Ashraf Ali — Founder of BoxersFitness Academy
Most of the young people don't have opportunities. There's some people who haven't studied enough, they've failed their education, and they're out on the streets. So, when things like this are not around, they're going to use their aggression somewhere else. With this, you can use your aggression here. Yusuf Islam, Attendee & Helper
We're proud to support and highlight initiatives like these. You can find out more about our community centres here.