A Teddington-based dad has launched a boxing fitness app for kids.

Jack Ansbro told Nub News that he founded Dad Jab, the app, to help kids "boost confidence through boxing".

Currently, the app is free and offers a ten-session block with 15 minutes' worth of video content per lesson.

The videos begin with a warmup structure, followed by some skills-based work.

"For example, members will learn how to throw a jab or get into their stance," Ansbro explained.

This is then followed by drills or "some further development" says Ansbro.

"This is where the parent would get more engaged and then children will finish off the phone game," Ansbro said.

The Dad Jab app is free to sign up to (Credit: Jack Ansbro)

He added: "It has a game element to it to keep kids engaged and to create a sense of a parent and child bonding experience. So, the whole purpose of the app is learning to box at home."

The dad said that he wants parents to get involved with his app to "help build their children's confidence and get them away from their iPads, essentially".

Speaking about why he founded the app, he said: "I saw dads everywhere struggling with the same thing I was: We want to connect with our kids.

"We want to build their confidence. Between iPads, busy schedules, and not knowing where to start, those precious moments slip away.

"So, I created Dad Jab—not to turn kids into fighters, but to give parents like you a simple, fun way to bond with your children while building the skills that matter: confidence, focus, and resilience.

"It starts with boxing. But it's really about becoming the hero your kids need."

The Dad Jab app also has a community hub, which Ansbro says is "like a Facebook feed".

"So, I post on it every couple of days," he added.

Members can post whatever they like on the community hub, for example if they have any questions or queries, or they can message Ansbro directly via the app.

"So, I'm just trying to build a big community here," Ansbro said.

Ansbro has a ten-month old son and is hoping to get him into boxing too.

The Teddington-based dad has boxed since he was a teenager.

He said: "I was a very, very shy kid, but I went into the boxing gym when I was 15, totally trying to transform me, and within the space of a few months, I started talking to strangers, having eye contact.

"Through boxing, people learn how to talk to different people, different communities, everything."

Ansbro went on to compete and still does at a gym in Notting Hill, which he says has created three world champions. He also coaches on a volunteer basis at a boxing gym in Twickenham on Mondays.

Additionally, the boxing coach has a degree in Science and Conditioning from St Mary's University.

"So, I'm a local lad through and through," he said.

Speaking about how he thinks boxing helps boost confidence, Ansbro explained: "Boxing sports in general builds kids' confidence. It gets them fully involved. There's a feel-good factor when there's some competitiveness. Believe it or not, children love to be competitive. They love games.

"And it just makes them happy, which is brilliant. They're usually smiling from ear to ear when they leave the gym, and when you first start speaking to them and they seem to like a teacher or something, they might be worried about what to say.

"But then when they get to know you, they're like, 'oh, cool, this is Jack' or 'this is coach Jack', you know, or 'how was your day Jack?'  So that's great.

"It's great to see everyone come together and watch their confidence build. It's amazing as well because their physical fitness also builds, which is really important because physical fitness and your mental health is based in part."

Speaking about the benefits of  using an app to coach boxing, Ansbro said: "It [the app] has greater benefits than  going to a gym for various reasons.

"The first one is that a lot of kids are shy and sometimes the gym can be quite intimidating. So, I'm trying to touch base with the children who may not have the confidence to even walk into the gym.

"And secondly, it's a great family bonding experience. It's unique and parents can teach their kids confidence and discipline all while at home."

Ansbro says that another benefit of the app is that it is free, especially for parents who cannot afford gym memberships, which can often cost up to £40.

While Ansbro says the majority of his app's members range between the ages of eight and 12, Dad Jab is suitable for all ages.

You can find out more about and sign up to Dad Jab here.