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A boxing club that goes all out to help the community is celebrating a change of venue.
The future is now looking even brighter for Evolution Boxing Gym after it moved to Deal Welfare Club in Cowdray Square.
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Founder and qualified England Boxing coach Mike Williams undertook a full refurbishment of the upstairs area when he took the space over in November.
It was officially opened by Deal's deputy mayor Cllr David Cronk about two weeks later and members have been fighting fit ever since.
Boasting eight punching bags, strength and conditioning gear and a new ring, it's fully equipped to take boxers and keep-fit enthusiasts of all levels - from beginners through to more experienced stages - adults and children. It even nurtures those who want to compete in bouts and shows.
Mr Williams has cultivated a lifetime of boxing knowledge. He took up the sport aged four. For the past decade he has taught friends and a few fighters he knows and in 2019 he qualified as a coach with England Boxing (formerly known as the Amateur Boxing Association of England).
He opened Evolution Boxing Club in Queen Street, Deal in June 2019 having moved from Bermondsey, London.
The club has three coaches: Mr Williams, Craig Amer, who has won numerous titles in different combat sports including K1, and Jason McCallum, who has had a boxing career for over 40 years including boxing for England.
In the short time it has been running, he established a thriving programme for training including mixed general classes, women's classes, junior classes and children's classes as well as one-to-one training.
A community outreach side has also flourished - he puts on specialist training for vulnerable people including people with autism and mental health problems as well as those suffering from domestic violence.
As part of an anti-bullying campaign he is working with a select few youngsters from Goodwin Academy on a referral basis, providing a free service to build up confidence and combat bullying.
He said: "Boxing is good for mental health and getting stress out.
"With myself I try to be easy to talk to, that's why we are so busy. It's more of a family gym where they can bring their kids with them and they can sit and watch."
Due to the current Covid restrictions, the gym is unfortunately unable to offer classes but it is still open for training.
Day gym passes and pay as you go classes at Evolution Boxing Gym are £5.99 and monthly memberships are available. For a full price list and opening times visit evolutiongym.org.uk or contact Mike on 01304 279988.
