Meet Brendan

Brendan McManus has 25 years teaching and 26 years coaching across rugby, football, soccer, basketball, and boxing. He's focused on boxing for 12 years, coaching Pan Am's fight team and programs.

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A spinal injury left Brendan without use of one leg for two years. That experience taught him the value of preparation—thousands of hours of focused work for just minutes in the ring.

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Brendan teaches athletes to think for themselves, recognize what's happening, and act on openings. He gives boxers tools to adjust mid-round.

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At the World Police and Fire Games, he coached a first-time Spanish-speaking boxer despite barely knowing the language. They built a simple plan together—she followed it precisely and won by unanimous decision. That moment changed how Brendan coaches. Every athlete is different, and his job is meeting them where they are.

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He's certified in boxing and rugby, works with Boxing Canada as a Coach Developer, and is completing his Master Learning Facilitator certification. Brendan served as Boxing Manitoba President for five years and believes representation matters—athletes need to see themselves in their leaders.