Former pro boxer aiming to promote mental health awareness with survival training business

Father, husband, friend, Garda, professional boxer, mental health advocate - Niall Kennedy has had a lot of roles in his 37 years.

Throughout his career, Kennedy has used his platform to promote mental health awareness, and often speaks about his own struggles with bipolar disorder.

Last year, Kennedy was forced to hang up his gloves when he was told a brain scan was showing early signs of CTE.

Having combined his family life, work as a garda in Co Wicklow and professional boxing, some would have thought it was time for some relaxation for Kennedy.

However, he prefers to keep his mind and body busy, and has now launched a new business that looks to teach people how to use fitness as a way to deal with the trials and stresses of life, NBK Survival Training.

He told BreakingNews.ie: "The target group is younger people, but it's for all ages, for everyone struggling with the ups and downs of life. I'm trying to give them the tools and the knowledge to help themselves. I want to show people that a walk is a positive thing, hitting a bag is brilliant for frustration.

"Exercise starts with a walk, then you'll realise you're going further, next time you might throw in a bit of jogging, and then you're running. The person who runs a marathon starts with a 5k. It's just a progression thing and trying to get people to realise that it is attainable."

I am very excited to announce the launch of https://t.co/I82PA2Xemf and hopefully help some people along the way. pic.twitter.com/THkKwjCiCE

— Niall Kennedy Boxer (@niallbaskennedy) September 3, 2023

Through a combination of talks, training sessions, and presentations on different areas including social media and addiction, Kennedy is hoping to teach people how to use fitness as a