Paul Perkins

This resource has been prepared to support the development of reflective thinking and practice. It provides a variety of information intended to aid the learning of new knowledge and behaviours and/or enhance existing ones. The information, however, is quite flexible and is designed to assist with the construction of practices appropriate to the needs of individuals rather than being prescriptive.

Learning theories attempt to explain the various ways in which knowledge can be generated, processed and recalled. Having an understanding of these complex processes may assist with the design and implementation of ModBox training activities that not only take the principles of learning into account but are more likely to be effective for the development of skill.

I have come to a frightening conclusion.
I am the decisive element in the training environment.
It is my approach that will affect the outcomes.
It is my behavior that will set the mood.
As the coach, I can make the lives of my athletes miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool for resentment or an instrument of inspiration.
I can humiliate or humor; hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether an issue will escalate or de-escalate and if a person is humanised or de-humanised
- Adapted from the work of Dr.Haim Ginott

Following a process when planning to deliver a training session can be beneficial as it enables coaches to maximise the use of the floor space, equipment and time in an orderly and systematic manner. This document is intended to assist ModBox coaches with the preparation and delivery of their own training sessions:

The University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE) entered into an official partnership with the Canberra Community Youth Club (Canberra PCYC) to establish a Field Research & Development Centre. The Centre became the primary setting for a research project that sought to determine whether a modified from of boxing could be developed in such a way that would enable sustainable large-scale community participation and significant involvement of population sectors not well- reached by mainstream sports. It enabled continuous improvement of the concept of modified boxing through daily interaction with program participants and systematic observation in 'real-world' training and competition settings. Five years of systematic and continual aggregation, analysis, testing and refinement of ideas from various sources (including program participants, bio-scientists, engineers, social scientists, exercise scientists and sports management personnel) resulted in the development of ModBox.

Funding through the Australian Government's Asian Sports Partnership Program enabled the implementation of a community-focused modified boxing program (ModBox) in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The project achieved numerous positive outcomes, including achievement of public diplomacy outcomes sought by the Australian Government.