A BOXING club with the mantra “knives down, gloves up” is changing lives in Bradford.
Father-of-four and coach Ismael Khan has been running his club, Untouchable Boxing Academy, for a number of years.
It is about much more than just learning hooks, punches and footwork for those who attend Ismael’s club.
Ismael – who knows the harsh reality of prison life first-hand – is on a mission to make sure young people stay on the right path.
A young girl practising at Ismael’s boxing club on Croft Lane (Image: Newsquest) They could be facing trouble at home, struggles at school, or even getting roped into crime.
“We’ve had a lot of kids who’ve been committing crime – some have been in prison,” said Ismael, who was jailed for four years following a fight.
“We’ve changed their lives by getting them in the gym, disciplining them, showing the right way around life instead of going out and doing crime.
“When we tell kids what they can achieve in boxing like become a champion, go to England Boxing where Anthony Joshua went, get onto the Olympics.
Police officers, Khunais Khan, and Cllr Kamran Hussain at Ismael’s club on Croft Lane (Image: Newsquest) “It’s not only about the boxing, we’re working with the kids about education.
“I don’t want them to go back on the streets and commit these offences.
“I’ve given them a better mindset to say ‘look, it’s not worth it to be around these gangs, to carry this knife, even if I don’t stab no one carrying the knife I’m getting five years prison’.
“In my days, when I was younger, I experienced this life. I’ve seen it.
“These things are not worth it.
Some of the equipment ready to be used by young boxers (Image: Newsquest) “People think prison is easy. It isn’t easy. I cried inside, I was upset, I was asking for my mother, my father, for forgiveness. When I came out I realised this isn’t life for me. I changed my life completely.
“If they’re in the gym they’re going to think about their fitness, health, their life and ambitions.”
He shares the message alongside his son, Khunais, who is a three times Yorkshire boxing champion.
Ismael Khan back when Khunais was at the start of his boxing career at six years old (Image: Newsquest) Ismael said: “It helps from a young kid where he’s showing people he’s in the gym, having that discipline.”
After a long search for new premises, the club has moved into a building owned by Mr T’s on Croft Lane.
The sessions attract young people of all ages and backgrounds across the district.
Inside the gym (Image: Newsquest) As well as his usual sessions, Ismael is running a summer camp throughout the school holidays where eligible children can get free meals.
Ismael said: “Some of the kids’ parents, circumstances are very hard for them.
“I’m scraping everything from my own pocket and giving it to these kids.”
If parents or young people would like to find out more email ismael786@hotmail.co.uk