The Matt Fiddes Martial Arts Junior program works hand in hand with a child’s schoolwork, providing improved self-discipline, self-confidence, concentration, mental alertness, co-operation, goal setting advice and anti-bullying skills. Our instructors work with their students’ teachers to make sure they are achieving in the classroom as well as at martial arts. This is one of our unique features and why we are so successful in working with children. We are educators, not just martial arts teachers. We run “schools”, not “clubs”.

All young students in our children’s program are required to take a specially designed form to their teachers at school once every three months. This must be signed off by the teacher before the student can be considered to be put forward for an exam to take them to their next martial arts grade. The form also needs to be signed by the parents to show that they are being well behaved and are showing respect at home!

An important point to note is that our students are taught that the physical side of what we teach them should only ever be used in self-defence. We constantly remind them that their martial arts skills should never be used for unwarranted aggression. Our aim is to progress children through our belt grading system and every student’s goal is to achieve black belt and beyond. A black belt is a symbol of excellence in martial arts and an important tool for instructors and parents to use for developing desire, determination and for teaching the importance of following through in any activity. Our students are taught to never give up on any given task and that they can do anything if they put their mind to it.