Our Story
Boxing Makes You Better was founded by Kat Hamilton, a former social worker and the founder of 12 Rounds Boxing, a successful community boxing gym that she ran for over 13 years.
Throughout her time at the gym, Kat witnessed something remarkable. While people often joined to get fitter or learn to box, many experienced far greater transformations. They developed confidence, resilience and self-belief, formed meaningful friendships, and became better equipped to cope with life's challenges. The supportive community created around the gym became just as powerful as the training itself.
Kat also brings her own lived experience of mental health challenges to the organisation. She understands that when you're struggling, it's incredibly difficult to think your way out of feeling overwhelmed. Real change often begins with movement. The body and mind are deeply connected, and physical activity can be the catalyst that shifts mood, reduces stress and creates the mental space needed for healing.
At Boxing Makes You Better, we believe movement is the first step. Through boxing, yoga and mindfulness, we help people regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with themselves and rediscover their inner strength. Once people begin to feel safer, stronger and more hopeful, they are better able to make lasting changes in their lives. That's when the deeper work can begin.
Our Directors
Kat Hamilton
Kat Hamilton is the founder and face of Boxing Makes You Better CIC. With a background in Social Work, Kat later followed her passion for fitness and boxing into a new career.
An entrepreneur at heart, Kat was co-founder of 12 Rounds Boxing, a successful commercial boxing gym which she ran for 13 years. Throughout this time, she saw first-hand the powerful impact that boxing and movement could have on people’s confidence, resilience and overall wellbeing.
Having drawn on her own experiences and challenges with mental wellbeing, Kat has always had a strong interest in the connection between physical activity and mental health. She is passionate about helping people take control of their mental wellbeing and discover practical tools that can help them feel better, manage life's challenges and build inner strength.
Through Boxing Makes You Better CIC, Kat brings together her experience in social work, boxing, fitness and wellbeing to create supportive and accessible programmes that help people build resilience, confidence and a stronger connection between body and mind.
Dr Jai Shree Adhyaru
Dr Jai Shree Adhyaru is a Consultant Psychologist in the NHS a founding member of CAST – the Centre for Anxiety, Stress and Trauma. With a specialism in trauma, PTSD, bereavement and disaster response, Dr Jai is passionate about helping individuals and communities recover from some of life’s most challenging experiences to rediscover their strengths. Her approach combines evidence-based practice with a belief in the importance of human connection, resilience and growth. Alongside her professional work, Dr Jai has a strong interest in the role of movement and wellbeing in mental health. Exploring the mind-body connection, Dr Jai is interested in how activities such as boxing can help people move forward after adversity and support recovery from psychological challenges.
Caroline McGuckian