Boxing classes are one way for sailors to stay fit while deployed

A few members from the HMCS Winnipeg crew practise their boxing skills on the flight deck for physical training. Photos: Sailor First Class Melissa Gonzalez

Kateryna Bandura 
Editor

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Nothing beats boxing under infinite sky at sea – that’s according to one Marine Technician aboard HMCS Winnipeg.

Finding time to exercise on a deployed ship can be challenging, Sailor First Class (S1) Adrian Cordari says, so a solid fitness routine during a deployment is a must.

“A Marine Technician’s job onboard a ship is very demanding,” he says. “Eating healthy on ship can be occasionally challenging but the cooks are very accommodating; you are more than capable of limiting your duff intake.”

HMCS Winnipeg is currently deployed on the Rim of the Pacific 2022 exercise with HMCS Vancouver. This is S1 Cordari’s first deployment after two years.

S1 Cordari grew up learning karate and jujitsu in southern Ontario, but found his way towards boxing when he moved to Victoria. He says hearing about and seeing sparring clubs on ships encouraged him to join up with other sailors to start boxing classes during this deployment.

Various HMCS Winnipeg sailors attend boxing classes every second morning at 8 a.m. to beat the day’s heat. A typical session consists of 20-30 minutes of skill development geared towards each participant’s capabilities, followed by sparring for those who wish to practice more.

A few members from the HMCS Winnipeg crew practise their boxing skills on the flight deck for physical training. Photos: Sailor First Class Melissa Gonzalez

The movement of the ship at sea poses an additional challenge and requires another level of awareness, said Captain Christine MacNeil, Public Affairs Officer aboard HMCS Winnipeg.

“Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of those participating is important. We want people to be challenged and to learn, but not be overwhelmed,” she says. “It’s important to find an activity you enjoy so you are more likely to keep at it.”

Capt MacNeil said extracurricular activities like boxing spring up because someone has a passion to share it with others. “Everyone on board is a sailor first, meaning anyone can be called upon to haul a rope or fight a fire,” she said. “Being fit, being strong, is an important factor in doing those jobs well.”

S1 Cordari encourages sailors to make fitness a priority, and stay hydrated and motivated during a deployment. “Do something every day, no matter what it is. Even if it doesn’t feel like enough, it all adds up to a healthier life,” S1 Cordari says.

A few members from the HMCS Winnipeg crew practise their boxing skills on the flight deck for physical training. Photos: Sailor First Class Melissa Gonzalez