Belgian Students Punch Away Exam Stress in Free Boxing Sessions

Students aged 12 to 25 in Bilzen-Hoeselt, Belgium, are channeling their exam stress into physical exertion through free boxing sessions offered this June. Held at the De Kimpel sports hall, these sessions provide a unique outlet for students to literally box away their anxieties under the guidance of boxing instructor Axel Thoelen.

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It helps to clear your thoughts.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Overkop-huis and the city of Bilzen-Hoeselt, was conceived as a way to help students cope with the intense pressure of the examination period. The first session saw a small but enthusiastic group of students who expressed their intention to return for future classes. "It helps to clear your thoughts," one student remarked, highlighting the mental benefits of the activity.

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Boxing is slowly shedding its bad image. People are starting to realize that it's not purely about aggression, but about self-control. Control over breathing, movement, and condition. Everything comes together in boxing, and that makes the sport so suitable for letting off steam.

Axel Thoelen, the boxing coach, explained that boxing is increasingly recognized for its emphasis on self-control rather than pure aggression. He noted that the sport integrates control over breathing, movement, and physical condition, making it an effective tool for stress release. "During the exam period, young people build up a lot of stress in their bodies," Thoelen said. "Boxing is the ideal way to get stress out of the body and recharge mentally."

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During the exam period, young people build up a lot of stress in their bodies. Boxing is the ideal way to get stress out of the body and recharge mentally.

The boxing initiations are designed to be accessible and require no prior experience in combat sports. Thoelen adapts the training to accommodate participants of varying skill levels, ensuring everyone can have a positive experience. Sessions focus on technique and power within an hour, aiming to provide a constructive way for students to manage the pressures of academic life. The next sessions are scheduled for June 8 and June 29.

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The intention is certainly not to hurt each other, but to help each other with self-control and technique.