Fabian's Story

Growing up in Poland, I lived in a simple stone house where we had to collect firewood just to stay warm, hiding my Romani heritage to avoid prejudice. Moving to South London as a child brought new challenges—gang violence and the constant need to fit in. Today, at Coin Street, I’m building Bogus Boxing and Creative Labz so that no young person feels overlooked or unable to embrace who they are, as I once did. 
 
The path to where I am now has been anything but a straight line. Life has brought its fair share of ups and downs—moments when giving up seemed like the easier option. From losing my father at 18, to facing the death of a close friend just three years later, to the countless failed projects and financial struggles, each challenge felt like a setback. Yet, it was in those moments of struggle that I found the most potential for growth. 
 
Whether it was dropping out of university because my neuro divergence made traditional education a constant uphill battle or being forced to step back from my dream of competing in combat sports due to injuries, I was faced with a choice: succumb to these circumstances or find a new way forward. I chose the latter, driven by the belief that “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” This quote by Bruce Lee became my compass, pushing me not just to learn, but to use those lessons to create something impactful. 
 
During my lowest points, I was fortunate to have a mentor who guided me. He helped me find a productive way to channel my frustrations and taught me how to be a more well-rounded human being. This mentorship gave me direction when I needed it most, and it’s a role I now strive to take on for others. 
 
Unable to compete as an athlete, I transitioned into coaching—taking my knowledge and turning it into a tool to help others grow. This journey shaped my coaching style: adaptable, empathetic, and holistic. I began applying my own experiences of finding alternative learning methods to my coaching approach at Bogus Boxing and Creative Labz, ensuring that every young person I work with feels empowered to find their own path to success. I tell my students: “A jack of all trades, master of none, but better off than a master of one.” My varied experiences have come together, giving me the ability to guide them in ways that are uniquely practical and rooted in real-life challenges. 
 
Since 2017, I have been working with Coin Street, bringing these lessons to build a community-focused approach to development. With Bogus Boxing and Creative Labz, I am helping young people develop skills that extend far beyond the gym or studio. My coaching is built on three key values: truth-seeking, fairness, and taking pride in your work. These values are the foundation for helping young people develop not only their physical skills but also their character and resilience. 
 
I genuinely believe that the placement of Coin Street, the facilities that we have, the people that work here can be a beacon of hope for pretty much the whole country—really and truly, they can set an example for the rest and be a springboard for other communities.