MMA, Stunts, and Dancing like no one is watching!

Almost all sports can be beneficial to kids if taught well….but I have to say ( as biased as I definitely am!) nothing can teach the sheer range of lessons that a well-developed martial arts curriculum can. Or, at least, I used to think so. 

Martial Arts have all the benefits of singular activities such as self-reliance, self-motivation, and learning to perform when it’s ‘all up to you’.

They are though, in a very real sense, a team sport. You literally cannot progress through your grades, sparring, or competition without developing and earning trust, and being accountable to others for your behavior and this imparts a sense of belonging. 

These days, thanks to the twin influence of my partner in crime ( Suzie is ridiculously experienced in drama, dance, stage combat, etc) and a large number of neurodiverse, anxious, shy, and sometimes lonely ( there are so many amazing kids and teens that struggle to connect) that train with us, we now incorporate a variety of performance arts into our curriculum. 

The results have been remarkable. 

Combining our martial arts program with stunts, freestyle gymnastics/ parkour, weapons, dance, and drama has been a game changer. Martial arts make them feel like they can defend themselves and be aggressive when needed, while the performance arts allow them to express themselves and make themselves heard.

Kids that previously would panic if people were watching them do anything 6 months beforehand strutted onto a stage at a martial arts event in High Wycombe in December 2022 and performed in front of strangers! They have become more comfortable speaking in groups, failing in public without it being world-ending, or even just speaking up when someone cuts in line. 

Martial arts and performance arts are great separately but can be magic together. I can’t wait to see what these kids achieve in the next year!