'We want to give back to our mob': Couple fighting for Indigenous health

A couple is using their sporting prowess in kickboxing and rugby to help transform the lives of Indigenous children whose families cannot afford fitness classes.

Nick Ariel and wife Julie and their baby Zemira

Nick Ariel and wife Julie with their baby Zemira Source: SBS John Baldock

Nick and Julie Ariel have the highest sporting credentials and the young couple are using them to help transform the lives of indigenous children. 

Nick is a world champion kickboxer while his wife, Julie, has played for Australia's Jillaroos Rugby League team.

Now their Whiplash Training Facility in Sydney has received funding to help provide a fitness program for people who cannot afford classes and membership.  

Nick Ariel and wife Julie and their baby Zemira
Nick Ariel and wife Julie with their baby Zemira Source: SBS John Baldock
Nick was known as the "Whiplash" - the namesake of the gym - when he was rising the world kickboxing ranks.

The Indigenous couple have been in their new facility since June and their community-based program has attracted funding from the NSW government to help run some of the classes. 

"We want to give back to our mob we love working with the indigenous community," Julie told SBS News.



The pair now have a young daughter and with both of them often involved in classes at the same time, their family are often at the centre to help mind her. It's the perfect example of the community-focused gym in action.

It is very much a joint effort but there is a division of labour with Nick doing more training than Julie, with his wife handling more of the administration on the website and phone calls.

They met at a kickboxing fight and now they are fighting to grow their business and make a positive impact on their local community.

"We both want to give back to the community," Julie told SBS News.

Julie Ariel
Julie Ariel teaching a boxercise class at her gym in Sydney Source: SBS - John Baldock



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By John Baldock


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