A girl looks at other children practicing on a boxing ring during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 2, 2016. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





For many young residents the Luta Pela Paz (Fight For Peace) academy offers a glimpse of an alternative: a chance to build discipline and self-esteem through boxing and martial arts. Backed by partners including financial services company Credit Suisse and sportswear maker Reebok, it has more than 1,000 students between 7 and 29 years old. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





Children practice next to teachers during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





A girl embraces a punch bag during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





Children talk during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





Children practice during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 2, 2016. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





A girl puts on boxing gloves during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





Teacher Alan (L) trains children during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





A girl practices with a punch bag during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





A boy does pull-ups from a metal bar outside the Luta pela Paz (Fight for Peace) boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





Teacher Alan (L) puts helmet on a child during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





A girl jumps on a rope during an exercise session at a boxing school, in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)





A combination picture shows children posing for a photograph at a boxing school in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)