It’s an exciting time for Fight for Peace as we recently introduced some new sessions to our schedule of sports. These new additions come in the form of women-only Fighting Fit gym sessions and Flex and Flow pilates classes. We’ve also welcomed 12-weeks of Capoeira taster sessions for all members, and begun rollout of our new grading systems to support more young athletes to progress into competitive training. 

It’s always a pleasure to be able to offer new sessions to our young people, and we’re particularly excited about the expansion of our women-only offer. These particular additions are aimed at increasing opportunities for women and girls to access our sports services, to provide a space for young people to try something new, and strengthening our offer for younger age groups to transition seamlessly into competitive training. 

Adding to our already popular women-only boxing sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, we wanted to offer our weights room space to young women to ensure everybody feels comfortable coming to Fight for Peace to train strength and conditioning. These sessions are an add on from our weekly Fighting Fit sessions open to all genders, and are led by Sports Development Coordinator Intern, Matilde. 

It’s been a real delight to see our weights room full of young women and the energy has been electric since Matilde joined our team. Sessions are overseen and led by Matilde, to ensure young people are supported while using the equipment, while receiving professional personal training advice. 

As well as these gym sessions, we have also introduced women-only pilates sessions (Flex and Flow) on Mondays from 5-6pm. The Fight for Peace team was successful in gaining funding for these sessions after our Lutadoras (women-only personal development group) expressed a need for the space.

Flex and Flow sessions led by Youth Worker and coach, Angel and focus on core strength, mobility, flexibility and much more. Sessions take place in the Fight for Peace dojo for 14-25 year olds and Angel has created a positive and calm environment with LED lights and zen playlists making the space even more relaxing.

Both of these women-only sessions have been off to a flying start, and we’re really pleased to see so many young women and girls engaging in so many activities on offer at Fight for Peace.

Another exciting addition to our timetable is our Capoeira taster sessions. Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art blending movement, music, and self-expression, and is led by Brazilian coach, Claudio Joao, who has 20 years of experience teaching the sport and mentoring young people. 

While there’s always apprehension around launching new sessions, young people have taken to Capoeira like fish to water and the sessions have been jam packed. The hope is that if Capoeira continues to be this popular we can implement them into our weekly session timetable permanently. 

Capoeira also brings us back to our roots in Brazil, where our sister-organisation Luta pela Paz is located. There’s something special about being able to connect with our Brazilian roots from our home in Newham, North Woolwich. 

In addition to these new sessions and as part of our 2025 sports strategy, we are introducing grading systems across all sports to help young athletes transition smoothly from foundational skills (FUNdamentals) to more advanced training in our junior sessions (7-14). 

The structured approach allows young athletes to track their progress, gain recognition for their achievements, and stay motivated, all while having fun. Our coaches are implementing this framework in the hope that more young members will feel compelled to take an interest in competitive sports.

We’ve seen a shift with young people who initially joined just for fitness and fun now eager to develop their skills after seeing their peers grow and develop. It’s been great to see this transformation happen so quickly, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for the Fight for Peace juniors, and for all of our new sessions.

To see our latest session timetable head to this link via our website, and to sign up to become a member click here.