A new group aimed at developing and supporting the youth of Paeroa are gearing up for a fight with a martial arts fundraiser event on May 17.
Nga Tama Toa is a budding youth group for 13-16 year olds, run by Waihī Martial Arts owner/trainer Hemi Keelan. It currently operates out of the Paeroa Community Support Trust Carehouse on Willoughby St.
Hemi, who was named Hauraki Coach of the Year in 2018, has been teaching the dozen or so youth group members Muay Thai, a martial arts form focused on kickboxing. They’re now preparing for their first fight in Hikutaia.
The sport has been great for boosting their self-esteem, Hemi said.
“Seeing the confidence grow within these boys. Their label is ‘naughty’ around town – to be honest, they are. But when we get them in here, we look at them as diamonds in the rough,” Hemi said.
“A bit of polishing and these boys are starting to come out of their shell and they’re starting to shine.”
Alongside martial arts, Hemi is hoping to develop a positive space where youths can build new skills.
“We’ve got a few boys that I’ve seen around town and they’re just loitering, not at school… Basically, I’ve been using our martial arts as a vehicle to draw these boys in,” Hemi said.
“With getting them under our wing, we start to do things like teaching these boys how to live off the land and the sea: giving them a positive male role model. That’s what I’m aiming for, and hopefully along the way, get these boys skilled up and put them back into society as great young leaders.”
Ten of the group will be competing in the May 17 fight, Hemi said, against other gyms from around the country. Funds raised from the event will go back into Nga Tama Toa.
“[It’s] a free youth group, self-funded. We’re still in our infancy,” he said.
“One of the things we want to do is take [the youths] to Dive HQ because it’s part of living off the sea. Go hunting, fishing, diving, all those great things – just some activities that we can give back to the community, that creates a positive outcome for the youth.
“There’s too many falling away on the wayside… We’d like to change that and the only way we can do that is if we can get them here and use the martial arts to change their mindset.”
DETAILS: Toa Fight Show, May 17, 12pm at the Hikutaia School Hall. Tickets $50; contact 027 896 0003.
