Knock-Out Parkinsons with Aussie Mike
/Early in my career I was very fortunate to meet a fellow by the name of Des Duguid, an ex amateur boxer who represented Australia in the 1960 Rome Olympics, (NB: for more on my first meeting with Des Duguid, click here)
DES DUGUID REUNITING WITH A FRIEND AND FELLOW 1960 OLYMPIAN BY THE NAME OF MUHAMMAD ALI
As a lifelong boxing fan I knew something about Duguid’s boxing history, but still had to be convinced about his concept of selling boxing training to the general public. But like so many people who came in contact with him he used his wit, guile and charm to make me agree to a 6 week trial period at the Coles Myer Fitness Centers I was managing at the time.
Following the success of this 6 week trial Des went on to popularize the boxacise concept in the land. Down Under bringing “boxing training without the lumps and bumps” to Fitness Centers throughout Australia. Follow link: https://downunder-fitness.squarespace.com/fitness-articles/2013/11/15/boxacise
After some intense training under Des and experiencing quite a few of the lumps and bumps associated with boxing I became one of his team of instructors at the Australian Boxing Academy and helped him bring boxing skills to Fitness Clubs in Melbourne
From Coles Myer office workers, a Victorian Police cadet to Pentridge prisoners Des was a brilliant teacher of Boxing skills and movement. Des also taught groups with profound learning disabilities and it was here that I saw his skills and human abilities shine. The look of joy on previous sullen faces when Des walked into the room to teach these folks how to skip or hit the speedball was a true testament to the strength of his humanity and friendly spirit.
Now 30 years later I have embarked on new adventure. After retiring from the World Bank in 2017 I began teaching boxing skills to folks with Parkinson’s disease at the Virginian Outpatient Therapy clinic in Fairfax Virginia.
It is a great learning adventure. It gives me great pride to think that my old coach Des Duguid who eventually would himself suffer from Parkinson's and pass away from its complications in 2008 would be looking down with a smile ,knowing that his kind and irascible Aussie spirit lives on in his students, on the other side of the world
My hope is that by sharing these articles and video anyone with Parkinson’s disease or people who may have a friend or family member with Parkinson’s can be inspired to add a boxing component to their exercise program to assist with their balance and strength and overall fitness.
Click here if you would like to speak with Aussie Mike about starting a “Knock Out Parkinson’s Program “ for your group or organization.