IT’S an idea so simple, yet so effective. Attach a punch pad to your back, stroll down to any local park or outdoor space, find a tree, attach and work out. No more ridiculously heavy bags clogging up the garage or hanging from flagging hinges off the sides of walls.
Despite being a dyed-in-the-wool boxing fan, as a beginner, Max Rushton, founder of TKO (Training Kit Outside), struggled to find classes with a pace that suited him.
Preferring to be in his own space, working up drills and mastering punches in a more considered and fluid way, the ongoing search for the kind of technique-based perfection of skills he craved led to a self-made solution.
As a lover of running and the outdoors, it was time to take a traditionally indoor activity to the streets and the fields. Quite literally.
“I just sort of use the trees, use the parks. People don’t understand the outdoors and that they can lay claim to that space as well,” Rushton told Boxing News.
Creating a punch bag that was both ultra-portable and felt like hitting a traditional heavy bag came with its fair share of challenges. For Max Rushton, one of the biggest struggles was perfecting the right combination of foams, sponges and materials while balancing practicality with performance.
“The idea is that it becomes like a fluid action. You’re going outside, you do your work, come back and you haven’t needed to get in your car to drive to a boxing gym. You haven’t needed to pay somebody or use old manky equipment. You’ve got your bag, it’s built to last and that’s you sorted.”
Being a fledgling, independent designer, Max had to call upon the expertise of many different people, ensuring all members of the family had an input into the process.
“I’ve had a lot of people wanting to help me, and a lot of people who’ve been incredibly generous with their skills,” says Rushton.
“It was pure trial and error. I can sew, so I was stitching bag after bag after bag, buying foam, testing different materials, and just pleading with anyone who had the answers I couldn’t figure out. It was all about working out the right weight, the right angles, and how to get the mass to feel right.”
There were many versions and plenty of prototypes filling up every available storage space. At one point, Rushton even created a prototype with the waistband of a pair of boxing shorts stitched to the bottom of the bag. He admits not every idea in the early stages was a good one.
Once the PUNCH TRUNK design was finally locked in, Rushton could move into small-batch production and start focusing on the bigger picture. The vision for TKO was always about more than just the product.
“I want to be in a position where I can work with companies or organisations that support disadvantaged youth. Try and build really strong relations and partnerships with organisations. To have a community of coaches and young people who love the bag, and be able to share the bag at a minimal cost, or even for free one day.”
When the PUNCH TRUNK takes off, additional pieces of equipment are already on the TKO vision board. Other ideas include creating videos alongside approved coaches that users can access with a PUNCH TRUNK purchase.
“All the instructional beginner videos are free. You can get pretty far on a beginner video. You can learn to fall in love with the sport just with one great beginner workout,” Rushton added, emphasising he will pursue the one-time purchase route rather than ongoing subscriptions.
TKO was never just about boxing or fitness. The brand has always been rooted in a wider mission. Before launching TKO, Rushton worked with ex-offenders and people affected by homelessness, supporting them through creative and physical outlets.
Today, his day job involves teaching children with complex behavioural needs. It is a role that continues to fuel his belief in the transformative power of movement and sport.
Whether it is ex-offenders, young people, or anyone facing disadvantage, Rushton sees TKO as a platform to make a difference. Boxing for fitness is just the start. The real aim is connection, confidence and community.
The support has been positive, from a wide-ranging base, including the WBC which recently featured it on their Instagram page, complete with the tagline “Break down barriers to fitness and unleash your inner boxer!”
Democratising fitness, breaking down barriers and helping disadvantaged youth. That’s quite the hitlist. Max Rushton knows he would’ve benefited greatly from a PUNCH TRUNK growing up.
That dream has become a driving force behind the project. Pushing to get it right, not just as an outlet for those who need it most, but as a solid, no-nonsense piece of kit for anyone serious about training.
“I think a lot of people can see that it makes sense and are willing to support the idea of it and write about it,” he added.
“I think I’m sitting on something. I haven’t had anybody say anything like, ‘Jesus Christ, what are you doing, pal?!’”
TKO is currently looking for investors to help them continue swinging into the next round. This kind of funding will enable the PUNCH TRUNKS to get made internationally and push Max’s vision on. You can reach Max and find the PUNCH TRUNK here. Follow TKO on Instagram.
