Fascinating to talk to my former boxing and fitness coach Chris Rattenbury who joined me to consider one of the big themes of the moment – ‘what is masculinity?’

As well as considering his chances with Donald Trump in a scrap, Chris talks about what it is to be a real man in these complex times.
We talk about the ‘old days’ of our club where ‘Chef’, ‘The Viking’ and ‘The Fridge’ came together and perhaps surprisingly learnt something about themselves by immersion in the art of boxing.

Chris looks at the origins of formalised combat and talks about his own experience as a teacher, working with hundreds of young people over twenty years.
Based on his insight from the ring and the gym – currently, the hugely successful Kings Boxing Academy in Kingsteignton, Devon - Chris also offers his unique and perhaps old-fashioned view of masculinity and manliness.

I’m eternally grateful to Chris for giving his time, energy and passion to me and others at our short-lived, yet deeply impactful club. My prejudiced view of boxing and physicality was changed forever by his approach and I recommend it to anyone who spends too much time in their head.

He also manages to address capitalism, social media, and what young men might do, to find themselves in a challenging world.

Perhaps a big part of being a man is taking action? Taking action on improving yourself, stepping up in your community and working for the benefit of others?

Carl ‘The Cobra’ Munson

Pictured: Chris Rattenbury showing his 'feminine side'?