Growing up in any community you witness the trials and tribulations, heartaches and highs in shared lives dealing with all the incumbent obstacles, barriers and challenges each of us face. For some people these experiences come to define their lives. So it's so important that we encourage the development of good habits early and support those we care about later in life, who want to make a positive change.

A good daily habit like exercise or mediation or even a simple quiet moment for reflection should remind ourselves of that. Reminding young people of this is crucial to their future development. This is one of the many reasons I support boxing, sports, learning and self improvement of any kind.

Even within the smallest population, you meet people with the fundamental characteristics that you will rediscover in others throughout the course of your life.You notice that many have a single thing in common - good habits.

Fortunately through experience or circumstance many of us rediscover, that everything we know about ourselves was learned in those early formative years and that if we only took the time to look outside at others as we see ourselves - we recognise all those same shared needs and desires - regardless of our upbringing and path. That is community.

Wherever work, chance and circumstance have taken me, I have always made sure to find a local boxing gym or martial arts school. There you will find the best people you'll ever meet - from all walks of life. Why is that ? Any sport and particularly combat sports are the great levelers - they let you know exactly who you are and what potential lies waiting to be discovered as you push yourself to your limits.

Like many who preceed us, every person that looks to test themselves or has indeed been tested in life has this need to seek value and answer difficult questions about themselves and their relationship to others. Within the boxing community wherever that may be, you never fail to meet truly inspiring individuals with the heart of a fighter.

For the kids and community served by all the gyms I have trained in whether that be Eastside here in Vancouver, Wellington Boxing Gym New Zealand, Sydney University Boxing Club and PCYC, Legends Boxing Singapore and Punch London in Finchley North London - young and old people can come together and share life experiences and pass on hard won fundamental skills for life that encourage others to have confidence in themselves and hopefully live the best life they can.