About MJKO

Mission

MJKO is a youth charity with our centre of operations in South Parkdale, Toronto.  We use leadership training to promote positive, healthy lifestyle choices for children and youth. With certified coaches, MJKO builds Community Champions by focusing on the needs of the whole person through two streams: non-contact (recreational), and contact boxing (competitive) which includes physical training (skipping, shadow boxing, defensive moves) and mental skills training (visualization and meditation). Our programs allow students to develop an appreciation for physical fitness, inclusive communities, mindfulness, healthy eating, and volunteerism.  

History

MJKO was co-founded by Ibrahim and Miranda Kamal in 2010 to share the life skills they learned through boxing. Miranda is a survivor of sexual assault as a teen and rediscovered her strength as a competitive boxer. Ibrahim, grew up in one of Toronto’s priority neighborhoods and went on to become an eight-time National Boxing Champion. Both Miranda and Ibrahim know firsthand how sport can change one’s life for the better. 

Core Values

1. All things are possible with training, preparation and belief (confidence);
2. Everyone has a duty to maintain and improve their community.
3. All children and youth should have access to high quality, free fitness based programming.
4. Physical fitness is a cornerstone for a healthy, happy and balanced life.
5. Positive relationships among people are the foundation of life.

Programs During COVID 19

Despite the challenge, we are pleased to report that we have delivered over 600 boxing classes to allow youth participants to ensure exercise and positive mental health is part of their new pandemic daily routine. Classes delivered to multiple youth groups and on various platforms and include:

• Daily live “at home” boxing technique classes delivered by certified coaches and a youth “assistant coach” who is provided with a $10 stipend to create and deliver a portion of the workout with the head coach.
• A six-week at home YouTube beginner boxing series which young people can access on their own schedule. These classes have encouraged our participants to form routines that positively impact their physical and mental health
• Weekly boxing programs for children living in foster care, in partnership with Pathstone Mental Health and Mountain Plains Mental Health in Edmonton.
• Weekly private beginner boxing class for Toronto District School Board students. This started as a class for International students struggling with belonging but has transformed into any student or teacher wanting to take advantage of our free class.
• Weekly private classes for Pathstone Mental Health Youth Justice Unit
• Monthly meditation classes lead by Spiritual Healer Sally Santiago
• Collaborative events (talent show, penal program, meditation and karaoke) with Coach Amy in Manila, in the Philippians supporting an orphanage and home for survivors of human trafficking.

We have been focusing on creating opportunities for youth to connect and laugh as teammates outside of our boxing classes during our social programs like karaoke, a cooking show led by the families and trivia which run three times a week for students and their families.

Additionally, MJKO’s post-class “snack program” has transformed into an Emergency Food program for 133 families within our South Parkdale neighbourhood every Saturday, providing over $300,000 of healthy produce, dairy and proteins. We have a waitlist for this program.

PRE-COVID 

MJKO provides the following to over 1500 participants annually:

1. A fun and inclusive atmosphere for children to engage in athletics with certified coaches.
2. An innovative approach to youth mental health, using the sport of non-contact boxing as a tool for coping with mental health related challenges such as aggression, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and suicidal thoughts;
3. Access to nutritious food at every program;
4. A free March break and summer day camp for children ages 5-18;
5. Volunteer positions, mentorship and paid employment opportunities for youth.