In July 2023, Zarius, just four years old, joined Radojunkie Combat Academy (Radojunkie), embarking on a transformative journey that has seen him grow both on and off the mats. His first session coincided with Radojunkie's one-year anniversary, and while he was initially a quiet and reserved boy, his development over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable.
One of our assistant coaches, Imaan, reflected on Zarius' progress, saying, "Zarius has changed so much in such a short time. He used to be so shy and quiet, and now every session he's running around screaming and shouting!" 😂
From being hesitant to speak, Zarius has blossomed into a confident young boy who is now vocal and enthusiastic. His confidence shines through during every session, where he eagerly participates and bonds with his peers. Zarius not only views his coaches as role models but has also formed strong friendships within the academy. His Thai boxing skills have shown tremendous improvement, and it’s clear that he takes pride in his progress.
His mum also shared her perspective on his journey: “When Zarius joined Radojunkie, I was on a hunt to find something he was interested in. He can be shy at times and needs patience and time to get into things. A lot of the different classes he tried didn’t provide this and were often too strict. The way the coaches at RJ discipline is encouraging, rather than disheartening."
She added, “Zarius was shy and sometimes disinterested in lessons, but Coach Andre always kept him engaged in a fun way. Now, Zarius is so enthusiastic about his classes that he wakes up asking if it's a 'Muay Thai day.' His confidence has grown massively, and when I show him his progress, he’s proud of himself. This sense of achievement has motivated him to push through challenges, both in and outside of RJ classes.”
Zarius’ journey is a testament to the positive environment at Radojunkie, where children are encouraged to thrive at their own pace, supported by patient coaches and a welcoming community. We are incredibly proud of Zarius' growth and excited to see how he continues to develop in the future!
Here are moments captured of his journey by his supportive mum!
Where it all began in Summer 2023...
How it is going now Summer 2024...
We are dedicated to ensuring that all young people thrive and grow every day. We hold ourselves accountable and make the most of our available resources to help everyone in our community develop the skills and values needed to succeed in life.
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