Introduction
In this exclusive interview, Afeef Chenath who is a dedicated boxing coach shares his journey from childhood surrounded by martial arts to building a unique, structured coaching system. Drawing inspiration from family and early experiences, he explains how the discipline of boxing became his passion and how he now strives to make sport accessible and enjoyable for young learners. Through thoughtful methods and a focus on character development, his approach goes beyond physical training, nurturing confidence and resilience in every student. Continue reading to discover the philosophy and heart behind his coaching, and what’s next in his mission to inspire future champions.
Q&A
FightMatrix: You come from a martial arts background, right? How did you first step into fighting?
Afeef Chenath: Yeah, you could say I grew up in that atmosphere. Both my brothers were into karate, so my childhood was filled with the sound of kicks, punches, and shouts from their classes. I used to tag along with them sometimes, just watching from the side, trying to copy a few moves at home. That’s really where the seed was planted.
The real push came later from my mom. She’s the one who said, “You should learn fighting — it’ll build you.” So, I joined Chinese Kung Fu classes for about three months, just to explore. That opened the door to everything that followed.
FM: When did boxing take over as your focus?
AC: After Kung Fu, I met Coach Younus Kerala. Honestly, I’d never seen anyone like him — his energy, knowledge, and way of teaching just stood out. He introduced me to kickboxing, and I fell in love with the rhythm of it. After that, boxing became my world. I realized I loved its simplicity — no fancy moves, just focus, timing, and mental calm. Boxing gave me more balance than anything else.
FM: Your sessions are known to be fun and different. What’s your secret?
AC: My trick is to hide the “hard work.” I use **games, drills, and small challenges** to keep kids engaged so they don’t even realize they’re learning serious skills. They laugh, they move, and before they know it, they’ve built footwork, coordination, and control.
I’m big on **footwork**, that’s where everything starts. Good footwork saves you energy and keeps you out of trouble. And I always remind students: punching is half the fight; **defense** is everything else.
FM: You’ve built your own structured system for coaching. Can you explain that?
AC: Yeah, I divide my training into **three modules: Basic, Core, and Advanced. **
– **Basic** is where we get the stance, rhythm, movement — all the foundations locked in.
– **Core** focuses on defensive drills, ring awareness, and reaction skills.
– **Advanced** brings in strategy, combos, and controlled sparring.
It’s all part of a **one-year blueprint**, with **two sessions per week**. I designed it that way, so every week builds naturally — no rush, just consistent progress. The idea is to keep students improving while enjoying the process. I am working on a book launching about sharing the blueprint with the world. That will be my third book after my books on psychology and wellness.
FM: What’s one core lesson you try to pass on to all your students?
AC: Control, not just physical control, but the kind that keeps your mind calm even when things get heated. Boxing teaches patience, timing, and respect.
FM: If you could talk to your younger self watching your brothers train, what would you say?
AC: I’d probably say, “Don’t stop watching — you’re going to live this one day.”
(laughs) It’s crazy how things come full circle. Everything started from those classes I used to attend as a kid. Now, I’m in the building class that spark someone else’s dream.
FM: And what’s next for you?
AC: Just to keep teaching with heart. I want to keep boxing accessible, especially for kids who need it most. A good coach doesn’t just train fighters — they build confidence, discipline, and character. And I plan to keep doing that, one jab at a time.
Conclusion
This particular coach’s journey from a martial arts-influenced childhood to developing a structured and heartfelt approach to boxing demonstrates the profound impact of blending discipline, creativity, and compassion. Afeef Chenath’s innovative methods not only make training fun and accessible but also instill essential life skills like confidence, control, and resilience. By prioritizing character development alongside athletic achievement, he continues to inspire young athletes, shaping not just champions in the ring but strong individuals outside it. His ongoing dedication ensures that the next generation will benefit from a sport—and coach focused on growth, opportunity, and heart.
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. As a teenager I practiced Judo, this is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.