CounterPunch uses performance psychology and physical activity as a medium to connect with self, relate to others and communicate your full potential.It is a powerful non-clinical youth development system Combining Psychology and Sports and Exercise Science, the program uses boxing training to teach participants the skills and strategies to respond to life’s challenges and opportunities. The Coun
terPunch name is a boxing term used to describe a “thoughtful intelligent response” to an attack. Learning and applying the CounterPunch strategy in life enables the participant to choose positive outcomes with positive consequences. Participants are motivated to allow themselves to contribute to their own learning experience, using a values linked combination of practical boxing skills, physical activities and thought provoking discussions. By identifying what’s happening in the body as a result of physical activity participants begin to understand the connection between the physical body, thoughts and emotions. This connection is then related to life’s challenges and a toolbox for effective communication is established. Participants are taught how to reconcile this awareness of the connection between physiology and emotions to be able to connect, relate and communicate effectively in life and “CounterPunch” their way toward optimising their potential. This unique well-being program has a flexible application to the specifics needs of individual and groups. It is offered as a personal or professional development for all those who would like to connect, relate and communicate in a powerful way. This program also provides opportunities for coaches, particularly combat coaches, to become licensed providers of the CounterPunch method in their own gyms. CounterPunch Facilitator training is highly recommended for those interested in helping adolescents and would like to increase their effectiveness by learning innovative and powerful strategies to connect, relate and communicate for positive mental health and performance. Mercedas Taaffe-Cooper is a registered Psychologist (MSc Clinical Psych, APS), A Sports and Exercise Science graduate (BSc Sports Science) and an International Boxing Coach with almost 40 years of coaching experience. She is also a former European and World Kick Boxing Champion.
