Free boxing lessons are about more than just teaching kids how to fight, says Rotovegas Boxing Gym owner Aaron Warren.

Aaron has been coaching youngsters the art of boxing for almost a decade, and now the gym owner is teaching youngsters for free at his gym on Rotorua's Te Ngae Street.

Some of the children who train at the Rotovegas Boxing Gym. Photo: Supplied.

The free classes are held at his gym every Wednesday afternoon at 3.30pm for an hour, and targets children from nine-years-old up to the age of 16.

Already at its maximum number of 40, the classes are proving hugely popular, with a waiting list of another 40 youngsters waiting in the wings.

While many people look at the sport of boxing as violent, Aaron disagrees with this view.

'It's about teaching discipline and respect for one-another,” says Aaron. 'We try and instil in boxers our golden rules: Stay out of trouble, stay out of gangs, respect people and support those around you.”

Aaron began the classes because he says there was a need to give youngsters a good direction in life.

'I've had parents coming up to me wanting to pay for the classes but I refuse to take their money,” he says.

'I want these kids to see that with hard work and dedication, there are better things out there for them. Our club is about family and supporting everyone who comes here.”

While some parents are apprehensive about putting their children into the ring, Aaron says he doesn't rush anyone.

'It's about slowly building up their confidence and making sure they are ready. We never put our kids' health at risk.”

Aaron says his gym is more than just a boxing gym, with treadmills and free weights also available. They also have different types of classes to cater for all levels of fitness.

He says he has noticed a lot more mothers joining the gym to get fit and healthy.

'We have the facilities for mums to bring their babies down here. Being a mum isn't easy and you have to fit everything around the children, so why not the gym?”