In the brisk air of the Mittagong PCYC gymnasium, the sounds of Mike Tyson like punches were filling the air.
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Mike Tyson might be a bit of a stretch, but Southern Highland kids were up early and boxing up a storm.
The new PCYC Fit to Learn program has rolled out over the state and Highland kids are jabbing at the opportunity to join up.
The new boxing classes will get kids developing skills and values of resilience, commitment and respect, as well as open up alternative pathways or new opportunities in their education.
Teaching the kids a number of new boxing techniques Matthew Davenport said it's an excellent learning and fitness opportunity for kids.
"This is a program that is run through every PCYC across the state," Mr Davenport said.
"It's a good early morning initiative to give these kids a good start to their mornings and get them into a good state of mind for school."
As well as learning the basics of boxing and keeping fit, the program gives kids attributes that will help them in life.
"The kids hold themselves much more confidently now," Mr Davenport said.
"The way they walk into the gym is great to see. Their boxing techniques are developing and it's amazing to watch.
"They're all much better then when they started. It great to see the growth in them all.
As great as the Fit to Learn program is, the final outcome of the lesson leaves everyone smiling.
"It's good to see how happy they leave," Mr Davenport said.
"They might come in here tired and lethargic, but when they've finished the session they're leaving here happy and in a great frame of mind."
The kids hold themselves much more confidently now.
- Matthew Davenport
Harrigan Motors Moss Vale donated an Isuzu MU-X that takes the children to the gym and then to school. Without that car many of the kids could not attend.
One of the participants Jamie says she's enjoying the classes but there's one thing she still doesn't like.
"The classes been fun but I'm still not a fan of running (laughs)," Jamie said.
"I think it's great program for us kids who don't want to play soccer or netball. It's not too extreme and we aren't getting hurt."
Fit to Learn is designed to increase confidence and that's exactly what it's been doing with Rikaya.
"I feel much more confident," Rikaya said.
"It's very tiring, but the program has really lifted my confidence. It might be an early start, but it wakes me and sets me up for a good day."
Rikaya's friendship opened up the doors to join the program for her friends and they have't looked back since joining.
"Rikaya started going to the course, so we joined up too," Bonnie said.
"Our school was also promoting it, so I thought about joining up and when I did, I realised what a great idea it was."
The Fit to Learn program is currently running at the Highlands PCYC. For anyone interested please contact Mittagong PCYC on 4868 5200.
The next program will commence in early 2020 at selected schools.