Dedicated young kickboxing coach recognised for exceptional leadership

Dedicated young martial art instructor Harrison Gent gets a real kick out of teaching people of all ages and already has his sights set on achieving his black belt. 

The 14-year-old, who has been involved with Suggy’s Gym in Newark since he was eight-years-old, is a junior kickboxing instructor at the gym where he trains adults as well as children.  

Harrison’s dedication, selflessness to help others, and outstanding contribution to his club are just some of the qualities that really shone through after he won  our coveted Leadership Award.

This award, which forms part of our prestigious Nxt Gen Awards scheme, recognises young people who lead projects, show initiative, and encourage others to do their best, while showing reliability. 

Harrison, who is also a keen amateur boxer, said: “I feel really proud to be recognised. It gives me a lot of confidence in myself and my ability, with what I do at Suggy’s.

 “I enjoy seeing the people I instruct get something out it and achieving something from it.” 

Nicki Peters-Bayford, Chair of the Newark Amateur Boxing Club (NABC), nominated Harrison for his award having been taught by him herself many times. 

NABC members train regularly with the highly experienced boxing coaches at Suggy’s Gym. 

She said: “Harrison is an exceptional young person who is hard-working, conscientious, polite, and reliable. 

“He rarely needs asking when something needs doing as he has already noticed it needs doing and has completed the task! 

“An example of this is, if a class is yet to start and the instructor is busy, Harrison will move to the front and take the class through a warm-up.

"This is not restricted to the kids’ classes but he will proactively teach and instruct in the adult class and has the confidence to do so. 

“His attitude, mature manner, and quiet confidence mean that he is well respected by all who train - adults and juniors alike - and classes follow his instruction without question.”

She added: “Harrison will often be the first in the gym before any session ensuring all doors are unlocked, extractor fans are turned on, and all safety aspects are adhered to.

"If he is in the last session of the evening, he will also ensure that doors are then locked, everything is turned off and the gym is left clean and tidy. 

“These are things that Harrison has never been asked to do, but, as a responsible young man is something that he has chosen to undertake on his own initiative. 

“He is calm but assertive in his leadership approach which allows people to feel comfortable being taught by him.

"He is incredibly patient and ensures that all that he is teaching feel seen, heard and that everything is clear with a good understanding throughout. 

“Within our kids’ classes, there are some children with severe special needs. Harrison will always ensure these children know what they are doing and will spend extra time with them working with them at their ability while always encouraging them to give more. 

“He ensures that everything they do is done with fun and enjoyment at the heart of it but maintaining a level of discipline needed for any martial arts environment. 

“Harrison is an extremely highly valued member of our gym. He shows humility and respect to all those who teach him and is someone who will offer support before it is even asked of him.”

Harrison was among our group of award finalists honoured at our exciting Nxt Gen Awards ceremony held at force headquarters on Friday (8 May).

In total, 13 winners and runners-up were recognised on the night, honouring young people who have shown exceptional resilience, selflessness and talent, or who have overcome adversity to inspire others.