Unit 41 Marbella: Inspiring the next generation

LAYING the groundwork for a fit, healthy and full life, Unit 41 wasn’t created for the money. With a vision of getting children off the streets and into gyms to build confidence, coordination and connections with others, the team are utilising fitness to teach valuable life skills.

The Euro Weekly News spoke with the team at Unit 41 along with current BKB World Champion Dan Chapman about what the gym offers children who need some direction and stability. Dan, who had a troubled start to life, understands the benefits of having a community gym to create strong foundations and values, he told us: “This type of gym changes children’s lives. Some of their parents are in prison or absent, so the gym is a lifeline for them. We know every child’s nameall 70 of them ­ and it’s an opportunity for them to have positive role models, ask advice, and get their feelings out in a productive way.” community, Unit 41 is more than just a gym for kids. The elite coaching team is made up of World Champion BKB Dan Chapman, former Olympic coach Vassili Boguslavski, boxing coach Peter Evans White, personal trainer Stephen Johnston, female boxing coach Vica Tirantou, and jiu­jitsu Gold European Cup Champion Carlos Varona. in the field.

Many people think of boxing, MMA and fighting as a violent or intimidating atmosphere, imagining the small local gyms of the past where women and children weren’t necessarily seen. But Unit 41 has the only women’s boxing classes in Spain and prides itself on its inclusive and family­friendly atmosphere.

Unit 41’s team told us about their most recent trip to Portugal, where the 10 children that competed from Unit 41 were against some of the top clubs in Europe, winning eight golds and two silvers.

He said: “Seeing the kids’ faces is amazing. In Marbella, the children grow up too quickly. To see them still being children while achieving something great, getting them off the streets and out of trouble, as well as seeing them progress with their fitness. That’s why we do this.”

Although focused on building children’s futures through fitness and

Stephen Johnston teaches junior strength and conditioning, MMA’s Merv Mullholand heads up the teen and adult MMA classes, Antonio Gomez and Adrian Guerrero lead the K1 classes, and jiu­jitsu coach Carlos Varona will be joining the team soon.

Through these experienced and top­class trainers, Unit 41 is preparing athletes of all ages to be the best

Train, get a haircut at Uppercuts Barber Shop, a sports massage through Unified, and a good meal all under one roof.

Unit 41 will soon be opening Academy 41 near the gym, where children can learn life skills, get an education, train alongside their studies, and be taught in a safe and welcoming environment. This July, Unit 41 will also be holding a tournament with clubs from all over Spain attending, which will be a fantastic and fun day for the whole family including a barbecue, bouncy castle, and a competition with trophies.