This year marks a major milestone for the Sandhills Boxing Club in Leader, Saskatchewan, as it celebrates 10 years of helping locals improve their fitness, learn boxing skills, and build discipline. Founded by Kennith Blohm, who moved to Leader from Ponteix about 15 years ago, the club has grown from humble beginnings into a vital part of the community.
Blohm’s journey to founding the club wasn’t an easy one. "When I first moved to town, I wanted to start a boxing club," he recalls. "I tried, and my coach from Ponteix, who was driving three hours each way, helped me get started. But after the first year, he told me I was ready to take it on myself."
Blohm ran the club for three years in the local community hall, but the time demands and the challenge of balancing the club with raising young children forced him to pause. However, the passion for boxing never left him. "About three years later, I got a phone call from a guy asking me to help train him in his garage. He wanted to get in shape, and from there, things just exploded," said Blohm. "Within six months, we had everything going, and it’s been amazing ever since."
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Today, the Sandhills Boxing Club serves around 30 children under the age of 10 who attend to learn basic boxing skills, defensive techniques, and get fit in a boxing-style workout. Although these young members aren’t looking to compete, the club also boasts a few competitive fighters, with three adults actively fighting in competitions. "For adults, we have another 30 participants who come in regularly to work out, not necessarily to fight, but to better themselves at their own pace," Blohm explained.
Blohm sees boxing as more than just a workout—it’s a powerful way to relieve stress and frustrations. "When you’ve had a tough day, it’s easy to come here, hit the bag, and let go of all that built-up tension. We do things that people aren’t used to anymore, like skipping, which has become a lost art. Parents see it and love it," Blohm shared.
A big part of the club’s appeal is its strict focus on discipline and respect. Blohm runs the club with a "no fighting outside the club" rule and insists that participants show respect to themselves, the coaches, and their teachers. This structured, almost military-like attitude has made the club a hit with local parents who appreciate the values it instills in their children.
Reflecting on the club’s 10 years, Blohm expressed pride in the impact it’s had. "I’m so happy to be able to do this. I’m not here to teach people how to fight; I coach to give people an opportunity to build skills and walk a healthy path. If I can help a young person become more responsible and respectful, even if they leave after a year, that’s a win for both of us."
As Sandhills Boxing Club celebrates a decade of success, it remains a testament to Blohm’s dedication and the power of boxing to change lives.
